Festival Imaterial

The best-preserved Roman temple on the Iberian Peninsula, dating from the 1st century and dedicated to the imperial cult (most likely Augustus, despite the popular name). It survived because it was absorbed into a castle during the Middle Ages. Its 14 Corinthian columns, right in the historic centre, are Évora's most photographed sight.

Portugal's largest medieval cathedral, built between 1280 and 1340, blending Gothic with late Romanesque and featuring two asymmetrical towers. Entry to the cathedral alone costs 2 €; adding the cloister, panoramic terrace and museum brings it up to 4.50 €. You can climb the bell tower via a 135-step spiral staircase to a terrace with views over the whole Alentejo.

Attached to the Igreja Real de São Francisco, its walls and columns are covered with the bones and skulls of around 5,000 people, the work of 17th-century Franciscan monks. Above the door, an inscription warns: 'Nós ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos' ('We bones here await yours'). The ticket (6–7 €, free under 12) includes the museum core, the nativity-scene (presépios) gallery and the panoramic terrace.

Évora's living room since the 16th century, anchored at one end by the Igreja de Santo Antão and its eight-spout marble fountain. Ringed by arcades, cafés and shops, it once hosted Inquisition autos-da-fé and is now the starting point for any walk through the historic centre.

An 18-kilometre aqueduct built in the 16th century by the architect Francisco de Arruda — the same behind the Torre de Belém — to supply the city with water. Its most photogenic stretch runs along Rua do Cano, where the arches have been built directly into the fronts of the houses.

Founded in 1559 by the Jesuits, it's Portugal's second-oldest university after Coimbra. Its two-storey Renaissance cloister and 18th-century azulejo-lined classrooms, including the famous 'Sala dos Actos', can be visited while it continues to function as an active university; entry (3 €) is usually free outside the 25 July–31 August period.

Évora's biggest fair has run since 1569, when it was the livestock market that set prices across the Alentejo. Today it's roughly two weeks of tasquinhas (food stalls) and free concerts on the Rossio de São Brás, just outside the walls. Entry is free to the whole site, shows included.

The Festas de Santo António are Lisbon's biggest celebration: free and open throughout June, with the main night falling on the 12th to 13th. Neighbourhood arraiais with sardinha assada, the Marchas Populares along Avenida da Liberdade (each bairro competes) and the collective Casamentos de Santo António at the Sé. Over 40 events, nearly all at no cost.

The Festas de Lisboa honour Santo António (who died on 13 June 1231) throughout the entire month of June, with the climax on the night of the 12th. Free and open to all: neighbourhood arraiais with grilled sardines, manjericos and the Marchas Populares along Avenida da Liberdade since 1932.

NOS Alive is one of Portugal's biggest music festivals. A ticketed event (day passes or full festival passes), it takes place every July at the Passeio Marítimo de Algés (Oeiras), on the banks of the Tagus river just a few minutes by train from central Lisbon. Rock, indie, pop and electronic music since 2007.