Muralhas de Evora (Walls of Evora), Evora

The Walls of Évora form an integral part of the city's Historic Center, earning the esteemed status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and receiving recognition as a National Monument since 1922.

This defensive marvel is a fusion of architectural styles and historical periods, reflecting the city's diverse past. The earliest incarnation of the walls dates back to the 3rd century, during the era of Roman influence and expansion. Constructed during the Romanization period, this initial defensive boundary encompassed a sprawling area of around ten hectares and spanned an impressive length of nearly two thousand meters. The Porta de D. Isabel, also known as the Roman Arch of Évora, stands as an enduring legacy from this period, a portal to the city's past.

As history evolved, so did the walls. From the days of the Visigothic reign, a monumental presence emerges in the form of the quadrangular Tower, often referred to as the Tower of Sisebuto. This tower, attributed to King Sisebuto who ruled in the 7th century, anchors the walls with a tangible connection to that era. Despite the passage of time, the exact transformations that occurred during this period remain shrouded in mystery, leaving only tantalizing traces of the walls' evolution.

With the Islamic period weaving its influence through the city's chronicles, the walls too underwent changes, although these transformations are obscured by the mists of time. Echoes of this era persist in remnants scattered discreetly around the Cathedral and the Roman Temple, whispering tales of a bygone era.