The best road cycling routes around Arraiolos

The Monumento de Homenagem ao Emigrante (Homage to the emigrant) in Torre de Coelheiros, a freguesia located in the municipality of Évora in Portugal, is a work dedicated to celebrating the courage, work, and sacrifices of the citizens who left their home country in search of a better future.

The Monument to the Emigrant, also known as "The Farewell", is located in the parish of Torre de Coelheiros, in the municipality of Évora, and was inaugurated on July 22, 2017. The work perpetuates the sacrifice and effort of several generations of local inhabitants who left their homeland in search of better living conditions abroad.

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.

Arraiolos is a pleasant Alentejo town, whose foundation dates back to the second century BC. The mediaeval castle was built at the orders of D. Dinis (1279-1325), although the town soon spread beyond its walls. An important part of the town's artistic heritage is the sixteenth-century Salvador church, with some extremely beautiful paintings. The name of this town is well known internationally thanks to the famous Arraiolos carpets, which are produced here by the local craftsmen and women, having been referred to in documents as long ago as the sixteenth century. Some art historians have devoted themselves to studying and characterising this art, which has continued to grow in importance over the years. The types of pattern that are used can be divided into three distinct periods: the first period (in the eighteenth century) was based on compositions that betrayed the decorative influences of Persian carpets (these are considered to be amongst some of the finest examples); the second period (again in the eighteenth century) brought popularly inspired designs, such as figures or animals; and the third period (at the end of the eighteenth century and continuing into the nineteenth century) brought less dense and much more stylised patterns.

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.