Paço Ducal de Vila Viçosa

Amazing place full of history and art . The visit is well worth the price but you might need to wait a bit so they can have a group between 10-20 people to start the visit.

The Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa was for many centuries the seat of the house of Braganza. The construction of the current palace began in 1501 and was expanded together with the rising importance of the family, as they grew closer connected to the Royal family of Portugal. During the invasion by Napoleon, the Royal family fled to Brazil and the palace was closed. The last extentions of the palace were done by the last King of Portugal, Don Carlos I. After the revolution of 1910 the palace was again abandoned, only to be opened to the public again in 1984 after restoration works. The interior of the palace is still with the original decorations and is lavishly decorated with Azulejos, frescos, tapesteries, furniture, paintings and porcelain. Although the guided visit is only possible in Portuguese, it do is a must if you visit the region. No photo of the interior are allowed.

Beautiful Palace, full of history, art and curiosities.

Great historical place to visit. Monthly great concertos in the Capela. The Claustros are also so very nice and peaceful.

Must see Museum. Wonderfull!

Great square where you can visit the garden ect.

No photos allowed but a fab guided visit, mini Versailles ;-)

We did not make a tour inside because we arrived late. However the exterior is outstanding with the marble finish. The place whole place looks amazing.

I think the Palace is breathtaking,the hall, the ballroom, all the different reception and relaxing chambers,the golden room, kitchen. The stables filled with more than 60 carriages from King's and Queens. The Palace is not very big but still, it was only the holiday Palace. From the King's . Price to visit Palace and stables is 10€ which is a good price for the maintanance of a beautiful building like this full with treasures.

The palace is definitely worth the visit and do not miss the Ming and Qing Chinese porcelain exhibition!

Beautiful palace and worth a visit.

Amazing, marble everywhere. The "Dukes Palace " was breath taking coming around the corner, but I was to late in the day, to go for the tours in the castle and for the restaurants which close at 3pm and not open until 7pm.

Very beautiful palace. A guided tour gives us a great understanding of the palace and of those who lived there.
Our guide was fantastic and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended!

Excellent guided visit through the Summer Palace of Portugal's Kings.

Brilliant place to visit!

Nothing has changed in more than one 100 years. Very very worthwhile to visit. Several tours to choose from. It may be cool inside even in summer, dress accordingly.
The last Fridays of every month beginning in April or May there are classical concerts in the chapel. No need to reserve, entrance is free.

The beautiful Vila Viçosa is still very much like the old portuguese towns, it has kept beautiful, rich traditions that have been lost in the majority of the country.

Very nice place in the Alentejo to discover. It has a lot of royal history of the country, in the region of the marble of Portugal. A must see when you are in this region.

worth a visit for sure! unfortunately no photos allowed and the guide is too fast walking through the palace, still interesting

This is an amazing way to see how the former Portuguese Royal Family lived... the Palace was their full time home before the Noble Family was promoted to Royal Family, several centuries back!
It then became their holiday home!
It is also notable the furniture and tapestries, as well as silk covered walls of the certain rooms, where the wealth of the Portug8ese Empire is reflected.
The tour guides in the Palace privide an excellent description of each room, its use, and some stories of its occupats, which were connected to said rooms, or certain furniture pieces!
It is a window into a world of Privilege, but certainly also helps us undrrstand the Portuguese Culture and Traditions of today, and the Spirit of this great People...
(May I add a political comment: unfortunately, the great Portuguese people have been VERY POORLY represented by its greedy politicians...! In those days, our Leaders kept our people and the interests of the country first!).