Attractions and Places To See around Santo Aleixo - Top 12

Vila Viçosa is known as the "Marble City" and often referred to as the "Royal City." It is located in the heart of the Alentejo region. This charming town is known for its magnificent palaces, marble production, and rich history. Vila Viçosa is a place to relax and discover the region's cultural treasures. A real highlight of Vila Viçosa is the Paço Ducal, the Ducal Palace. This magnificent 16th-century palace was once the residence of the Dukes of Bragança and is a true highlight of Portuguese Renaissance architecture. The palace is surrounded by extensive gardens and houses an impressive collection of works of art, furniture, and historical artifacts. Visitors can explore the palace's magnificent interiors and opulent furnishings, giving them a glimpse into the lives of Portuguese noble families. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição is one of the city's most important churches and a truly impressive building. Also known as the "Marble Sanctuary," the church was built from Vila Viçosa's famous marble. It is particularly noted for its elaborate altarpieces and richly decorated interiors. The church is an important place of pilgrimage and a place for reflection and prayer. Vila Viçosa also has a Carriage Museum, the Museu Nacional dos Coches. The museum houses one of the most important collections of historic carriages and coaches in Portugal. The exhibition features magnificent state carriages, hunting carriages, and ceremonial coaches. This provides a wonderful insight into the history and culture of royal journeys and processions. The old town of Vila Viçosa is characterized by narrow, cobblestone streets and white houses with flower-decorated balconies.

The monument, which faces the Ducal Palace, stands on a platform of six steps and dominates the otherwise completely empty square. The equestrian statue of King João IV, located in the Praça do Paço Ducal, is a bronze work by the sculptor Francisco Franco (1885-1955). Franco began work on the statue in 1938, building on sketches he had made in Italy in 1925. The statue was completed and erected in 1943.

The Porta dos Nós (Dos Nos Gate) was commissioned at the beginning of the 16th century by order of the Duke of Bragança, D. Jaime, and its Manueline influence is clearly visible. Made of marble and slate, the door has two columns seemingly connected to the doorposts by thick ropes with three knots.

The Pantheon of the Dukes of Bragança is located in the Augustinian Church in Vila Viçosa. Founded in 1267 as the Monastery of Saint Augustine, belonging to the Order of Hermits under the reign of King Afonso III, it was the first religious house established in Vila Viçosa. The monastery temple was dedicated to Our Lady of Grace. Visits are possible on weekends.

Borba is a city in the Alentejo in Portugal. Borba is a wine town and is located on the wine route of the Alentejo. Here, excellent wines are produced that have been exported to international countries for years.