Evora
The Almendres megaliths, 2,000 years older than Stonehenge, lie west of Evora. While the Almendres site plays no part in my novel, finding these ancient stones was a treat. To be virtually alone amidst a monument 7,000 years old, without the crowds you find at Stonehenge, permits awe at the accomplishment. Next time we go, we plan to find the ancient caves and see their drawings.
Evora is a walled town best suited to walking. The highlight of Evora for us is the Roman temple to Diana now largely in ruins. The tall columns give you a sense of the original building. You can stay in a pousada near the temple. While founded as a Roman town, Evora was a favorite of Portugal’s early kings.
The Cathedral, unsurprisingly dedicated to Mary, was completed in 1204 and expanded in a Gothic style in the period of 1280-1340. Standing at the portal through which Afonso IV or Pedro would have entered the building are noteworthy 14th century statues of the Apostles. While much of the interior today is newer, the structure holds traces of the sanctuary's appearance in the novel’s time.