Tourist attractions Vila Viçosa

Forming part of the National Carriage Museum (the main collection is in Lisbon), over 70 different types of wheeled horse-drawn transport from the 18C to the 20C are displayed in four buildings, including the Royal Stables, built for Joseph I in 1752..

The Palace of the Dukes looks down on a square which has in the centre a statue of João IV. It was the fourth Duke D. Jaime I who undertook in 1501, the construction of this palace. Its interior has been set up as a museum. The stairwell which lead..

The house of the Bragança stands proud. Its motto was "Despois vos, nos" (After you, us).

Built between 1498 and 1622, to the plans of Francisco Arruda, this aqueduct spans 7.5km to the south-west of the city that it supplies with water.

Taking the narrow lane off the Rossio, to the right of the pillory, you pass a 14C gateway which marks the entrance to the old town with its Gothic and Manueline houses.

The oldest parts date from the 13C, but the castle was remodelled later. It is surrounded by deep ditches. When you visit, you will pass through the underground parts of the early building. On the first floor, an archaeological museum has been set ..

The castle and the ramparts built at the end of 13C by King Dinis, were reinforced by bastions in the 17C. The crenellated walls, flanked by towers, still encircle an old town. You enter through a door cut into the wall. The alleys are bordered by wh..

Founded by Joana de Mendonça, second wife of the Duke D. Jaime I, the old Convent of the Wounds is located to the south of the Palace square. the church , with its walls covered in azulejos from 1626, serves as the necropolis for the Duchesses of ..

The church which stands to the east of the Palace square is the necropolis of the Dukes of Bragança. It was rebuilt in the 17C by the future João IV.

This church, built in 1744 has a monumental Gothic chevet. Inside the building, whose entrance is heralded by a triumphant Manueline arch, you will notice some beautiful azulejos.

This small museum charts scenes from Alentejo life in the form of models of craft products and regional costumes.

Access to the modern town is gained through a 17C gateway. There, you can visit the rural museum .

The keep now houses one of Portugal's most famous pousadas. Built in 13C, it is crowned by pyramid-shaped merlons, and its upper section is flanked by balconies and corbels. On the second floor, you will notice a beautiful octagonal room, brightened ..

The walls of this chapel are covered with beautiful azulejos representing scenes from the life of the Queen Isabel of Aragon, wife of King Dinis. Note the scene of the Miracle of the Roses - when surprised by the King whilst carrying bread to the poo..

Situated in the upper town, this 16C church has a square layout The church was once part of the old citadel, and now harbours some early Portuguese paintings in addition to an attractive marble basin.

Notice the beautiful Gothic colonnade which typifies this building, whose star-shaped vaults were rebuilt in the Manueline era. Queen Isabel of Aragon died here in 1336, and King Pedro I in 1367.

This museum, set up in a beautiful house opposite the keep, brings together pottery and Estremoz nativity figures in addition to religious art.