Vila Vicosa: The Marble Town of the Braganzas

Vila Viçosa is the Alentejo’s marble town, home of the Dukes of Bragança, who became Portugal’s last royal dynasty. Its grand Ducal Palace faces a vast square, and even the pavements and doorsteps are made of local marble. It’s an elegant, quiet stop near Estremoz.

Quick answer: Vila Viçosa is about 2 hours from Lisbon and 20 minutes from Estremoz. Take a guided tour of the Ducal Palace, visit the castle and its museums, see the Knot Gate (Porta dos Nós), and learn about the area’s marble quarries. See places to stay in Vila Viçosa.

Things to do

• The Ducal Palace: the Bragança family’s grand residence, with furnished rooms, art, a kitchen full of copper pans and an armoury.
• The castle: with hunting and archaeology museums.
• The Knot Gate: a Manueline gateway carved with stone knots, the symbol of the Braganças.
• Marble: quarries around the town, some of which can be visited.
• The Pousada: a former convent next to the palace.

Nearby

• Estremoz: see Estremoz.
• Elvas: see Elvas.
• Évora: see Évora.

More: palaces in Portugal and Alentejo food.

Some links in this guide are affiliate links (GetYourGuide, Booking.com, Discover Cars). If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our groups and this site free.