Arraiolos

On a low hill in the Alentejo, Arraiolos is a small town known far beyond Portugal for its hand-embroidered carpets. Its castle, its white streets and its workshops make it one of the most distinctive places in the region.

History and identity

The town grew around its castle, which still crowns the hill with its round walls — a rare shape among Portuguese castles. From the seventeenth century onwards, Arraiolos became famous for its carpets, embroidered by hand with wool on linen, a craft that continues today.

What to see and do

• The castle and its round walls, with views over the plain.
• The historic centre, with its whitewashed houses.
• The carpet workshops and the interpretive centre.
• The town’s churches and small museums.

Gastronomy and traditions

Arraiolos is defined by its carpets, still made by local artisans, and by the cooking of the Alentejo — olive oil, bread, pork and the region’s sweets. Its fairs celebrate the craft that made the town known.

Visiting Arraiolos

Arraiolos is in the Alentejo, about 20 kilometres north of Évora, reached by road. Access to the town is free; for the castle and workshops, check the official website before your visit.

Visitor information: cm-arraiolos.pt.

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