The town is noted for its brightly coloured wool carpets (tapetes) that have been handwoven here since the thirteenth century. As you stroll through the town, you will see an abundance of carpet shops. You may even encounter several women stitching sat at their doorsteps.

Praça Lima e Brito

The Praca Lima e Brita is the beating heart of the oldest part of town where you'll find the Town Hall. Inside, you will find a permanent exhibition of Arraiolos carpets, some of which are for sale, alongside is a collection of paintings by Dordio Gomes. In front of the building is a dancing fountain, which is a draw for both dogs and young children. The fountain has a mischievous habit of catching passersby unawares. There are several fine churches here, such as the Igreja da Misericórdia, renown for its azulejo tiles and the Igreja Matriz parish church, a gothic church with a Manueline makeover.

Praca Lima e Brita is where you'll also find the towns 16th-century Pelourinho or pillory, a traditional pillar of Regal power used for administering corporal punishment. Today, however, the square is far more welcoming with its collection of bars and street cafes are located and the hub for social activity for the locals. Also here are 500-year-old dye chambers preserved under glass in the square where the tourist office is also located.

Igreja da Misericórdia

The austere exterior of the Igreja da Misericórdia hides a true gem within. Just south of the town hall, this 16th-century church has an impressive collection of 18th-century Azulejo tiles that decorate the inner walls from floor to ceiling within its single naive. One's eye is drawn to the gilded altarpiece in the chancel. Igreja da Misericórdia is a fine example of Portuguese baroque and a welcoming shelter from the midday sun.

Monday - Friday: 09h00 – 17h00, Saturday: 09h00 – 13h00/14h00 – 17h00, Sunday: CLOSED for services
Largo da Misericórdia, 7040-039, Arraiolos, Portugal. | 38° 43' 31" N | 07° 59' 01" W
+351 266 490 254

It's a hearty trek up through the old town up to the castle. As soon as you arrive, you'll be rewarded by the breathtaking views over the olive and ochre-coloured Alentejo plain. The walls have been restored, yet other than the 16th century Igreja do Salvador, the interior is an empty shell. That said, the massive ramparts of the 14th-century castle consisting of two gates and six square towers are impressive.

The first fortifications began on this spot in 1305 by order of King Dom Dinis and once enclosed the town. It was specified that the walls should be 455.4 metres in length, 6.6m high and 2.2m thick. Its vantage point on top of the hill left it exposed to the elements. During the 14th century, the town's populace migrated down the hill to more sheltered environs.

The clock and bell tower built into the wall near the main entrance tows the hour and receives a whitewashing every year. Inside the walls is the sole remaining building, the 16th century Igreja Nossa Senhora do Castelo church. Inside there are many beautiful pieces of artwork on display.

Classified as a National Monument in 1910, the Anta Pavia Dolmen is believed to have been erected between the fourth and third millennium BC. It would have been located in a rural location amongst the Alentejo plain. Although unusual, it is by no means unique. There are many examples of prehistoric monuments converted into Christian use though out the ages. The Pavia dolmen was transformed sometime in the 17th century and was dedicated to the saint São Denis. The granite structure stands three and a half metres tall with a diameter of four metres. Its seven vertical struts remain intact in addition to the capstone. The stark interior contains an altar adorned with Azulejos. Dolmens are found throughout the area. Three others were converted to Christian use, including the colourful Anta Capela de Nossa Senhora do Livramento in nearby Montemor-o-Novo.
Praça de São Dinis, Pavia, Portugal. | 38° 53' 39.1" N | 08° 01' 02.1" W

Six Kilometres (4 miles) northwest of Arraiolos in the small village of Santana do Campo is a chapel build on top of a former Roman temple. The São João do Campo church is classified as a National Monument. The chapel was built in the 15th century. The Roman temple dates back from the 2nd or 3rd centuries AD. Certain relics of the original structure is incorporated into the existing one, notably on the high altar. The chapel experienced renovation works during the 18th century, including the main portal.

Igreja de Santana do Campo, Rua 1º de Maio 14, 7040-130, Santana do Campo, Portugal.
38° 46' 02.1" N | 08° 02' 00.2" W

Monte da Ravasqueira

Monte da Ravasqueira offers a range of different visiting packages, from the basic tour which includes a visit to the vineyard, winery, bottling line, wine cellars, taste of a wine and visit to the Carriage Driving Museum. Other packages include lunch, a walk through the vineyards and all day programmes. Appointments must be made 72 hours in advance.

Daily: 09h00 – 18h00
Guided visit and Clássico wine tasting €15.00
Guided visit and Reserva wine tasting €20.00
Guided visit and Premium wine tasting €30.00
Monte da Ravasqueira 7040-121, Arraiolos, Portugal. | 38º 44' 38" N | 08º 00' 43" W | +351 913 041 017
ravasqueira@ravasqueira.com | Website

Comenda Grande

There are two tasting options for visitors: Lasting for about an hour this tour includes a visit to the vineyard and the winery and the tasting of two vintage wines accompanied by smoked sausages and the estate's own olive oil. The second option includes the choice of tasting of three vintage wines. The additional tasting of other special vintages, reserve or sparkling wines incurs the cost of the respective bottle(s). All visits should be booked in advance and are subject to availability. There is also accommodation available.

Daily: 09h00 – 18h00
Option 1: €7.50
Option 2: €10.00
C. Postal 148, 7040-201, Arraiolos, Portugal. | 38º 45' 37.8" N | 07º 52' 23.1" W | +351 266 470 510
geral@comendagrande.com | Website