Discover Viana Do Alentejo

Viana Do Alentejo invites you to discover its architecture, exhibitions and religious traditions. The Castelo shapes the view of the town’s history: within its walls are several churches and chapels, including the Igreja Matriz. There are also exhibitions, historic fountains and events with a wide range of themes. You can tailor your trip to your particular interests, whether in architectural history, local culture or religious festivals.

The Castelo and its architectural history

The Castelo de Viana do Alentejo consists of five sections of wall. Cylindrical towers with roof structures stand at the corners and complete the fortifications. The architectural ensemble is classified as a National Monument. It comprises the walled complex, the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Anunciação, the Igreja da Misericórdia de Viana do Alentejo and the Capela de Santo António. The former Capela de Nossa Senhora da Assunção is also part of the ensemble; today, it serves as an interpretation centre for the site.

The Igreja Matriz inside the Castelo was built around 1521 in the Manueline style and is attributed to Diogo de Arruda. For anyone interested in architectural history, it offers a tangible point of reference: the church can be viewed as part of the castle complex, while the five sections of wall and their cylindrical corner towers reveal another aspect of the site.

Exhibitions and traces of everyday life

The permanent exhibition “Memórias Daqui e D´Além” is on the first floor of the former library building. It opened on 22 September 2022 and can be visited Tuesday to Saturday, from 09:30 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:30. At the Núcleo Museológico, the first exhibition focuses on the archaeological heritage identified and collected throughout the Município de Viana do Alentejo. It traces the history of settlement and land use in the area that now forms part of the municipality over the last five to six millennia.

Another way to explore local culture is to visit the Casa dos Milagres at the Santuário de Nossa Senhora D’Aires. It houses a collection of folk and religious art that is open to visitors. Exhibits include old photographs, wedding dresses, hair braids and early votive offerings. Since 2013, the Igreja da Misericórdia de Viana do Alentejo has hosted a series of temporary exhibitions. These offer different ways to explore the area, from archaeological history and religious art to changing exhibitions.

The fountains also tell the story of how the town was used. The Chafariz da Praça da Palha was built in 1904 and served as a communal washhouse during the first decades of the 20th century. The Fonte de Baixo, also known as Fonte das Freiras, was used by the Hieronymite nuns of the Convento do Bom Jesus. The Fonte da Renascença is also known as the Fonte dos Escudeiros or Fonte da Praça, and is believed to correspond to the medieval Fonte Grande. The Fonte da Cruz was built in 1898 with funds raised through a public collection; it was probably the first connection to a public water supply in Viana do Alentejo.

Festivals and pilgrimage traditions

The Feira D’Aires takes place around the sanctuary of the same name on the fourth Sunday in September and lasts for four days. It is a religious festival that attracts thousands of faithful. It also features a Levante market and an exhibition of economic activities and traditional trade. Music plays an important role, with performances on the main stage as the highlight. If you are interested in religious traditions, the Feira D’Aires offers a different reason to visit from the town’s exhibitions and architectural history.

Another procession is the Romaria a Cavalo between Moita and Viana do Alentejo. It follows the former royal drovers’ road and usually takes place on the last weekend in April. The Santuário de Nossa Senhora D’Aires is also a compulsory stop on the Caminho Nascente, which passes through the Freguesia Viana do Alentejo. These different interests can help guide your holiday rental search: would you prefer to focus on the Castelo and the exhibitions, or combine your trip with a religious tradition?

Pottery is also part of Viana do Alentejo’s cultural history: the Médico de Sousa pottery school made knowledge and training in pottery available to everyone who wanted to learn.

More destinations: Évora Monte, Monte Da Estrada, Vimieiro, Alqueva, Seixo Da Oliveira, Brotas, Borba, São Gregório.

For the broader travel overview: Evora.