Walking Tour in Vila Viçosa｜Portugal

Explore Vila Viçosa in this walking tour through the historical center of one of the most beautiful villages of Portugal and learn more about the military, religious and artistic history of the town that was the birthplace of Portugal’s last royal dynasty.

The medieval town of Vila Viçosa is so interesting that it dates back to the Romans, when it was called Callipole, when the Romans started the most important activity that Vila Viçosa still preserves: marble extraction… and marble will be seen everywhere you look.

You will be invited to explore the narrow and cobblestone covered streets of Vila Viçosa, while observing and admiring the historical and architectural heritage of Vila Viçosa, which keeps a set of unique monuments such as churches, convents, castles, palaces or noble houses justifying the intention of Vila Viçosa to be listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

As a medieval town, you will also discover the stories about the importance of the Castle and Fortress, scenery of a couple of military episodes against Spain and France over the centuries.

Another must see in Vila Viçosa is the Sanctuary of the Patron Saint of Portugal, Our Lady of Conception. Learn about the history of its construction and its prominence in the history of Portugal, as Queen of Portugal.

One of the highlights of Vila Viçosa is its Terreiro do Paço, the most beautiful square in town. Enjoy the beauty of this square while learning about the history behind all the unique buildings, some of them the most iconic buildings in town, such as Paço Ducal (royal summer house), Church of Agostinhos or Convento das Chagas de Cristo.

Last but not least, take a walk in the central square of Vila Viçosa, with its privileged view of the medieval castle and a couple of examples of religious architecture where marble can be seen in every corner. This is an excellent example of an urban makeover carried out in the middle of the 20th century.