The best cycling routes around Monfurado

Cromeleque dos Almendres, located near Évora, is the largest and most important megalithic monument in the Iberian Peninsula. Built between the late 6th and 3rd millennium BC, it is about 2000 years older than Stonehenge. VisitEvora +3 This "Portuguese Stonehenge" is composed of about 95 granite monoliths (menhirs) arranged in circles and ellipses on a gentle slope in the Serra do Monfurado. VisitEvora +1

The Cromeleque dos Almendres, located in Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, Évora, is the most important megalithic monument on the Iberian Peninsula and one of the largest in Europe. Composed of about 95 stone monoliths (menhirs) arranged in concentric circles, this enclosure is about 2,000 years older than the famous Stonehenge. 👍🥾

Santiago do Escoural is a beautiful rural village belonging to the municipality of Montemor-o-Novo, in the heart of the Alentejo plain, where peace of mind reigns, surrounded by generous nature. This is a region occupied by man since very ancient times, and very rich in archaeological remains, the greatest example of which is the Escoural Archaeological Site, in Herdade da Sala, which is one of the most important in the country. But Santiago do Escoural has even more to offer, such as the Parish Church and the interesting Charcoal Kilns, the Quinta do Carvalhal or, very close by, the Anta de São Brissos, transformed into the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Livramento, or even the Parish Church of São Brissos. A stroll through its calm and picturesque Alentejo streets is worthwhile, in a region inhabited by humans for 50,000 years, which has maintained its rural and peaceful lifestyle over the years, wisely preserving its important archaeological heritage.

Giraldo Square is the main square in the city of Évora. It has undergone several changes over the years. Not so long ago, a traffic policeman stood there, directing the direction of Rua Cinco de Outubro, when cars circulated here and around the square. It was a parking lot and passenger pick-up point for a large fleet of taxis. It was the venue for meetings and business dealings among local farmers every Tuesday. Nowadays, it is largely occupied by the terraces of the surrounding restaurants and pastry shops. 👍🥾

São Cristovão is a village in the Alentejo region, belonging to the municipality of Montemor-o-Novo. The foundation of this parish must predate 1534. The former parish of São Cristovão, within the territory of Montemor-o-Novo, was a curacy under the patronage of the Archbishop of Évora. Its economic activity is based on agriculture, livestock farming, bread making, and cattle breeding. São Cristovão is a white and welcoming village, smiling at every visitor, with natural heritage open to those who know how to discover it. It undoubtedly deserves a visit, especially for lovers of Alentejo gastronomy. There are good routes to explore by hiking or cycling in the area.

Renovated part of the Colégio do Espírito Santo, which has currently been made available to the university located behind it.

The church operates under two names: Igreja de São João Evangelista / Igreja dos Lóios. It belonged to the Monastery of Lios, also known as the Convent of St. John the Evangelist, which was built in the 15th century on top of a medieval castle. The monastery itself was converted into the Pousada Convento Évora hotel in modern times and is now privately owned. The church, accessed through a Gothic portal, is notable for the magnificent tiled panels that cover the walls. They were created in 1711 by the master Antonio de Oliveira Bernardes and depict scenes from the life of St. Lawrence Justinian. Through an opening in the floor, one can see the crypt, which lies next to a Moorish cistern. Along the sides are chapels with fine examples of gilded wood carvings. It is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Portugal and a must-see.

The original palace was built in the 14th century next to the Tower of Évora, where Martim Afonso de Mello, a servant of the Royal Military Order of Saint Benedict of Aviz and a descendant of the Portuguese crown, ordered its construction. The palace was partially built on the Roman-Visigothic walls of the old castle of Évora, and traces of both remain in its buildings. At the rear of the palace, you can admire the extraordinary Torre das Cinco Quinas, the famous pentagonal tower that gave it its name. In addition to the large outdoor gardens and the numerous rooms and halls that make up the complex, it also houses the Casa Cadaval exhibition rooms, which house a collection of illuminated codices, sculptures, paintings, and armories with pieces from the 15th and 18th centuries. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_the_Dukes_of_Cadaval