Attractions
Vila Viçosa
Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa
In the year 1501, the 4th “Duque de Bragança”, D. Jaime, ordered the construction of what is today the magnificent building that occupies the “Terreiro do Paço”. The building would later be known as the residence of Portuguese Royal Family until the year 1910. Its imposing façade of 110 meters dominates the entire square. It’s a mandatory stop in Vila Viçosa for Art and History enthusiasts. On the inside you may find countless treasures and different tours, such as:
- The inside of the palace
- The treasure rooms
- The carriage museum
- The Armory
- The white & blue porcelain collection
Vila Viçosa
Vila Viçosa's Castle
Its construction was ordered By King D.Dinis on the last decade of the 13th century. It’s a remarkable monument that celebrates different construction phases, from the medieval era until the renaissance era. The armed fortress, built in the 16th century, was fundamental to defend Vila Viçosa against the Spanish attacks during the “War of Restoration” on the 17th century. Inside its walls we recommend the visit to Hunting and Archeological Museums, as well as the Sanctuary of “Nossa Senhora da Conceição”
Vila Viçosa
Raquel de Castro Marble Museum
Inaugurated in the year 2000, in Vila Viçosa’s old train station, the marble museum is now located next to the “Gradinha” quarry (on the exit to the town of Borba). Explored for over 2000 years, the marble quarries from the region of Vila Viçosa, Borba and Estremoz, are distinguished by the superior quality of their ornamental stones, which are exported all over the world. “Marmol” (meaning white stone or quality stone) was the name given by the romans to this noble stone. White, pink, brown. Imagined and created by Mother Nature over 500 million years ago, the marble is an element of refinement and luxury that you may find, for example, on the façade of the remarkable “Paço Ducal” of Vila Viçosa.
Vila Viçosa
S. Bartholomew's Church
Located at the heart of Vila Viçosa, also known as the college church, due to it being constructed as an old Jesuit School (XVII century), this church has an imposing marble façade, being one the best examples of the baroque architecture in Portugal. Vila Viçosa had 7 convents and this church as also belonged to one of them.
Vila Viçosa
Hunting and Archaeological Museums at Vila Viçosa's Castle
Both can be visited in the old fortress inside the castle, sharing the same ticket. The Hunting Museum has a very rich collection of hunting species as well as an excellent weapons exhibit.
The Archaeological Museum, inaugurated in 1999, is an exhibit dedicated to Roman presence in this region. This is an exhibit that distinguishes itself by the number of items it has on display, especially the ceramic ones.
Estremoz
João Portugal Ramos Winery
Designed in accordance with the traditional architecture of the Alentejo region, this winery has put Estremoz on the map of the great wine regions, welcoming visitors from all over the world. The purpose is to discover the achievements of João Portugal Ramos, but on the way also discover the reasons for his passion for the Alentejo. A tour, tasting or a lunch offers the time and tranquility that are perfect for enjoying our wines and the local cuisine. Vila Santa offers a welcome to those wanting to discover, taste and take home wines that will leave a perfect memory of this region. Our five senses all come into play when we travel. Food and drink is part of many people’s tourist experience and the best way to truly grasp the terroir of a wine is to visit where it’s made.
Vila Santa tour offers you a visit to the the winery, and cellar, where the vinification process is explained to the visitors.
Borba
Borba Winery
Borba Winery: A toast to Alentejo
Founded in 1955, the Borba Winery gathers around 300 winegrowers that cultivate around 2000 acres of vineyards. It was one of the first wineries to be founded in Alentejo, with the incentive of the old “Wine National Council”, back when the wine sector wasn’t so important to the economy as it is today. The brand “Borba” is one of the most important brands in Portugal.
Vila Viçosa
Bicycle Tours
Bicycles. Sports. Fun. A perfect way to explore this amazing territory. At Alentejo Marmoris Hotel & Spa ***** we propose to you two different options: several trails to be performed on foot or by bicycle to the nearby towns of: Borba, Alandroal, Estremoz, Redondo…
One of the main suggestions: cycling between marble quarries. Some of them are still being explored and are still funding the economy of this region, while others have turned into beautiful artificial lakes. Let us go and explore the “Blue Lagoon”? On our way to it we may find the beautiful landscapes of the Alentejo hills and plains. On the final trail, with some luck, we may find a herd of magnificent Portuguese horses.
Get to know our trails on links below:
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Vila Viçosa
Ballooning
Balloon rides : A different perspective.
From up above, our territory gains a new extraordinary dimension. Dare yourself. Experience a ride on a hot air balloon that ends with a champagne toast to this beautiful region.
Vila Viçosa
Sanctuary of "Nossa Senhora da Conceição"
In the 25th of March of 1646, “Nossa senhora da Conceição” is proclaimed the Patron Saint (or Queen) of Portugal by King D. João IV. Nowadays, thousands of pilgrims still visit the church of the Patron Saint in a pilgrimage celebrated on the 8th of December. The origin of this church is medieval even though it was renovated in the 16th century. The pope João Paulo II was here on a pilgrimage in 1982.
Vila Viçosa
Storyteller
Alentejo. Land of flavors and emotions. Love and heritage.
Let yourself be mesmerized by a land full of stories to be told. From cultural tours to unique handcraft experiences.
Contact our Storyteller in order to know all the visits that we have in store for you.
storyteller@alentejomarmoris.com