Gruta do Escoural

Évora


Around 27km west of Èvora, the Escoural Caves contain several cave paintings and rock carvings that date back more than 13,000 years. One-hour guided visits help illuminate some of the mysteries of these faintly visible works. Tours typically happen at 10.30am and 2.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, but you must book ahead. Get in touch at least 24 hours in advance.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Évora attractions

1. Cromeleque dos Almendres

4.27 MILES

Set within a beautiful landscape of olive and cork trees stands this huge, spectacular oval of standing stones, 15km west of Évora. It is the Iberian…

2. Menir dos Almendres

5.05 MILES

If you're headed out to Cromeleque dos Almendres, it's worth stopping en route at the Menir dos Almendres, a single stone nearly 4m high, with some faint…

3. Anta Grande do Zambujeiro

6.7 MILES

The Great Dolmen of Zambujeiro, 13km southwest of Évora, is Europe’s largest dolmen. Under a huge sheet-metal protective shelter in a field of wildflowers…

4. Aqueduto da Água de Prata

12.35 MILES

Jutting into the town from the northwest is the beguilingly named Aqueduto da Água de Prata, designed by Francisco de Arruda (better known for Lisbon’s…

5. Museu Relogio

12.45 MILES

This is one of two watch museums that houses one family’s extraordinary private collection (the other is in Serpa). You name it – if it ticks, chimes,…

6. Galeria das Damas

12.49 MILES

Inside the walls of the 16th-century Palácio de Dom Manuel is the Galeria das Damas, an indecisive hybrid of Gothic, Manueline, neo-Moorish and…

7. Jardim Público

12.52 MILES

For a lovely tranquil stroll, head to the light-dappled public gardens (with a small outdoor cafe) south of the Igreja de São Francisco. Inside the walls…

8. Praça do Giraldo

12.52 MILES

The city’s main square has seen some potent moments in Portuguese history, including the 1483 execution of Fernando, Duke of Bragança; the public burning…