Arraiolos

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Arraiolos is inserted in the middle of the Alentejo plain, in the district of Évora. Its natural beauty and the famous tapestries of Arraiolos attract an increasing number of tourists. The foundation of the village dates back to the 2nd century BC and is attributed to the Sabines, Tusculanos and Albanos. According to several historians the name derives from the Greek Governor Rayo or Rayeo, who was a lord in these lands. Arraiolos had its first charter in 1290, given by Dom Dinis, and in 1511 it received a new charter by Dom Manuel. However, what made the village become famous were the carpets, which have a long history in this region. The embroiderers began the fully manual manufacture of carpets in the 17th century. The printed designs range from patterned arabesques of Persian origin to large floral designs. The National Fair of Arraiolos Tapestries takes place annually. As for gastronomy, the specialties are the açorda (bread dish), migas (dish made with leftover bread), lamb, meat and bacon pies.

What to do in Arraiolos

Castelo de Arraiolos

Arraiolos

Romanesque-Gothic Castle built in the early 14th century, formed by two fortified sets. The fence is square and is defended by a turret and with two entries, the Santarém port and the port of the village. The Palace of the mayors, in conjunction with the wall of the fence on the northern façade was redesigned in 1480. The clock tower …

Centro Interpretativo do Tapete de Arraiolos

Arraiolos

The Arraiolos Carpet Interpretive Center is a museum with the mission of promoting the study and dissemination of the Arraiolos Carpet, as well as its conservation, appreciation and recognition as a historical, artistic and ethnographic heritage.

Centro Histórico de Arraiolos

Arraiolos

A historic centre that was requalified and remodelled, with several shops that sell the famed Arroiolos tapestries. A pleasant pedestrian space with typical houses of the Alentejo region and traditional commerce.

Convento dos Lóios / Convento de Nossa Senhora da Assunção

Arraiolos

16TH century construction characterized by architectural styles and decorative overlay, with a predominance of the Manueline-mudéjar Church and 17th century Baroque convent. Was founded by the order of Saint-Eloi and dedicated to our Lady of the assumption.

Centro Interpretativo do Mundo Rural

Arraiolos

In this space there are several instruments attached to the various activities of the rural world, such as the olive harvest, through the production of cheese and cured meat, wool, by mowing, among others.

Igreja da Misericórdia de Arraiolos

Arraiolos

Church of Mannerist and Baroque architecture consists of a longitudinal plan with a single nave, a chancel, a vestry and a Bell Tower. Inside, the chancel of gilt altarpiece.

Biblioteca Municipal de Arraiolos

Arraiolos

Space with a vast documentary collection.

Parque Urbano do Rossio

Arraiolos

A large green space with a fitness circuit, a playground and a gaming field.

Jardim Público de Arraiolos

Arraiolos

A plesant garden with several shady trees and garden benches where one may rest a while. A special note to a nice bandstand.

Igreja do Espírito Santo

Arraiolos

This church is typical from the regional plain architecture and it is composes by a rectangular plan with two – sided roof. IT was built in 1560 and it underwent several improvements on the 18th century.

Convento de São Francisco

Arraiolos

The former convent, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755, stands the Church of a single nave, dating from the 17TH century.

Barragem do Divor

Arraiolos

A dam in an area of cork oak trees and holm oak trees, located at the Divor Brook, on the Tagus river basin. The carp, the small-mouth bass and the perch are the most common fish species. Sports and leisure …

Igreja Matriz do Vimieiro / Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação do Sobral

Arraiolos

This Manueline church was founded in 1557 and reformed in 1768. It is composed by a rectangular plan and ogival vault with transversal structuring axis. On the outside it stands out the portico with triangular pediment.

Igreja de São Gregório

Arraiolos

Baroque church architecture typically chã, founded in 1524. Underwent refurbishing in 1534 and then in the early 17th century. Emphasis on the tile covered with oil paintings that cover the ship and the baptismal Chapel.

Pelourinho de Arraiolos

Arraiolos

This pillory is composed by a marble shaft; it is prismatic and spiralled after the ring. It is topped by a capital from which four iron arms come out with hoops.

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Where to eat in Arraiolos

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Where to sleep in Arraiolos

Villa Extramuros
Villa Extramuros

Result of an alliance between contemporary architecture and the uses and materials typical of the Alentejo, the Villa outside the walls is a small charming hot…

Pousada Convento de Arraiolos
Pousada Convento de Arraiolos

Historic/design inn

Hostel set in a 16th century monastery, is an example of perfect harmony between tradition and the modern concepts of decoration, architecture and design in lu…

Monte Velho Equo-Resort
Monte Velho Equo-Resort

Este magnífico boutique hotel, a apenas alguns quilómetros de Arraiolos, situa-se numa quinta de criação de cavalos da raça Lusitano. Com uma envolvente rural …

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