The best road cycling routes around Santa Justa

Vimieiro was a municipal seat between 1257 and 1855. Two charters are known, the first granted by D. Francisco Bruno Neves, Bishop of Évora, in 1257, and the second by D. Manuel I, King of Portugal, in 1512. In 1801, it consisted of the parishes of the town and Santa Justa. It then had 1,819 inhabitants and an area of 266 km². In 1849, it consisted only of the parish of the town. It was suppressed by the administrative reform of 1855, consequently losing its status as a town, a fact that the coat of arms with a mural crown of four visible towers still marks today.

The cathedral is a must-visit when in Évora. The entrance fee is very reasonable! First, climb the tower and enjoy a fantastic view from the roof of the cathedral. As you descend into the cloister, the beautiful yellow light from the window immediately catches your eye. Simply fascinating!

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. 👍🥾

Road with good surface and little traffic.

In the historic center of the tranquil town of Évora stands the Roman Temple of Évora. The city's landmark is often also called the Temple of Diana, but historically has nothing to do with the Roman goddess of the hunt. A dedication to the highest deity Jupiter is more likely. The Roman Temple of Évora was probably built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Augustus and later modified under Emperor Claudius. The magnificent structure reflects Roman architecture with Corinthian-style columns.

The town of Vimieiro, as a “land of music and musicians”, intends to promote a project of national scope, with the creation of a museum space on philharmonic music with a musical training component that allows the preservation of knowledge and traditions in this area and, simultaneously, the holding of “artistic residencies”, as well as the construction of an auditorium where the arts of music and speech can take place, valuing music teaching, the holding of workshops and other activities that the final plan should include. (Source: www.tribunaalentejo.pt )

A huge parking lot in the north of Évora, right next to the aqueduct. A great starting point for a city tour.

In Évora, all roads lead to Giraldo Square. It has always been this way since its construction in 1571/1573. Giraldo Square is an iconic tribute to Geraldo Geraldes, the Fearless, who conquered Évora from the Moors in 1167. In gratitude for this great feat, King Afonso Henriques appointed him mayor of the city and chief borderer of the Alentejo, a region he would help conquer. In the coat of arms of Évora, we see Geraldo Geraldes, sword in hand, on horseback, and at his feet are the heads of the Moor and his daughter, who resided in the castle the warrior attacked and where he seized the city keys. After the city of Évora fell under the Portuguese crown, its heritage, consisting of sculptures and a triumphal arch, was destroyed and the fountain, now a center of attention for Évora residents and tourists in Giraldo Square, was built. This Baroque-style fountain is made of marble and has eight spouts, each associated with a main street in Giraldo Square. A crown sits atop it. According to popular legend, Philip III of Spain, in 1619, deemed the fountain worthy of being crowned.