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Pousada Convento de Évora

Pousada Convento de Évora

Évora & the Alentejo, Portugal

Occupying what is undeniably one of the best spots in Évora, the historic Pousada Convento de Évora makes an ideal base for exploring the UNESCO-listed city. The beautiful whitewashed building, ornamented with traditional yellow accents, was originally a 15th-century monastery and is located directly opposite the Templo Romano. Drawing on its heritage, the Pousada’s rooms and common areas all make use of the building’s original architecture to create a calm and characterful space. The cloisters are filled with citrus trees and flow through to pretty courtyards via sweeping stone staircases. An inviting outdoor pool is nestled at the back of the property and flanked with palm trees, while the monks’ cells have been converted into comfortable rooms.

The grand common areas are classically decorated with large tapestries or frescoes adorning the walls and contain numerous comfortable alcoves where you can relax with a book or over a glass of wine. The main restaurant and breakfast room is located within the cloisters — you can choose to take one of the more sheltered tables under the arches or sit directly under the citrus trees, a perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere in the evening.

OUR OPINION:

If you are looking to immerse yourself in the history of Évora, the Pousada is an ideal choice. We love the beautiful maze of courtyards and elegant, historical decor.

OUR RATING: Medium

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Audley Travel specialist Cara

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Rooms

The rooms in the hotel are all elegantly furnished in a simple but comfortable fashion but, due to the historic nature of the property, their size and layout differs considerably. Many of the rooms are in the monks' former cells, though they are larger than you might expect. As with the rest of the property, you’ll find a scattering of original furniture, including some grand four-poster beds, and can expect views either of the central courtyards or the surrounding city.

Location

Located right in the heart of Évora, just steps from the Templo Romano and 12th-century cathedral, the hotel is in a prime position for exploring the city. The central Praça do Giraldo, Évora’s main square, can be reached in around five minutes on foot and the Igreja Real de São Francisco, with its famous chapel of bones, can be reached in around ten. There are also numerous well-regarded restaurants within easy walking distance.

Food and drink

Breakfast is served each morning in the airy central cloister and is an elegant buffet affair with a great deal of choice. Guests can enjoy lighter snacks and meals during the day in the bar, and in the summer, there is also a small bar by the pool. A highlight though, is dining in the main Loios restaurant under the sheltered arches of the cloisters or directly beneath the citrus trees outside. The menu here revolves around local Alentejo specialities such as black pork sausages, half-cured sheep cheese and salted cod.

Facilities and activities

Despite its central location, the hotel boasts an inviting swimming pool surrounded by palm trees which is nestled in one of the courtyards to the back of the property. During the summer, a pool bar is also open here to provide refreshment.

Tour ideas in Évora & the Alentejo

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Pousada Convento de Évora as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

    • Alentejo wine tour with wine pairing lunch
      Grape vine, Alentejo

      Alentejo wine tour with wine pairing lunch

      Alentejo wine tour with wine pairing lunch

      Explore the wineries of the Alentejo region on a full-day tour that includes a wine-pairing lunch and visits to two wineries. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and traditions of one of Portugal’s premier wine-producing regions.

      View details

    Évora & the Alentejo and nearby places