Borba

In the marble country of the Alentejo, Borba is a town of white stone, old walls and wine cellars. Its fountains, squares and houses are shaped by the marble quarried around it for two thousand years, and its wines carry one of the oldest denominations in Portugal.

History and identity

Marble has been extracted around Borba since Roman times, and the town grew rich on stone and wine. Its old walls and gates, its fountains and its churches show the mark of that quiet prosperity, and the quarries still work the hills around the town.

What to see and do

• The historic centre, with its marble fountains and squares.
• The old walls and gates of the town.
• The marble quarries and workshops around Borba.
• The wine cellars of the surrounding estates.

Gastronomy and traditions

Borba is one of the classic wine towns of the Alentejo, with vineyards around the town and a long winemaking tradition, alongside the olive oil and hearty cooking of the region.

Nearby

The marble town of Estremoz, with its castle and market, is a short drive north.

Visiting Borba

Borba is in the Alentejo, about 20 kilometres south of Estremoz, reached by road. Access to the town is free; for wine estates and local events, check with the municipality before your visit.

Visitor information: cm-borba.pt.

Image credit: Borba, Portugal, by Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.