Formerly a 16th Century Convent,
the luxury hotel Pousada de Vila Vicosa is in the same square as
the favourite royal residence of the House of Braganca.
The Paco Ducal is open to the
public and houses fine examples of porcelain, azulejos (tiles) and tapestries.
The royal chambers give an insight into the life style of the family until
the monarchy was deposed in 1910.
To the east of the Palace
square is the Augustinian convent containing the tombs of the Bragancan
Dukes. Their wives’ tombs are situated in the Convento das Chagas on the
south side of the square.
Vila Vicosa exudes a sense
of grandeur heightened by the extensive use of locally quarried marble
in the most modest of public places. Take a walk up to the castle for a
view of the 5000 acre royal hunting ground.
Approximately 25 kilometres
from Vila Vicosa is the town of Estremoz, which again has a strong royal
connection. The 14th Century castle, high on a hill, was built by King
Dinis I for his wife, Queen Isabel.
Due to its strategic hilltop
position overlooking the Alentejo plains, Estremoz was one of the most
important fortifications in the country and the influence of other cultures
is reflected in the battlements, which have a Moorish feel.
Situated in the lower town
is the large market square and the bustling Saturday market sells everything
from olives and cheese to the locally produced red earthenware pottery.
While in the area, visit
the little white marble town of Borba and sample the locally produced wine,
which is considered to be one of the best in the country, or spend a leisurely
few hours browsing through the numerous antique shops.
The beautifully furnished
Pousada de Vila Vicosa oozes history. Sit in the shaded cloisters and breathe
in the past. Enjoy the best in regional cuisine and be treated like royalty.
The Convent cells, retreats
and oratories, built by the nuns, have all been completely restored and
renovated.
The sumptious accommodation
at the Pousada comprises a total of 39 rooms, some of which are inter-connecting.
There are 32 standard rooms,
2 superior rooms and 5 suites.
Some rooms follow a theme,
you have the Hunters Room, Botanical Room, Colonial Room, Poet Deluxe Room,
Professors Deluxe Room, Travelling Painters Suite, Musicians Suite, Astromers
Suite, the Infanta Suite and the Duchess Suite.
The bedrooms all have private
bathroom, air conditioning, telephone, Cable television, internet connection,
mini-bar, safe, hair dryer and bathing robes.
Facilities include lift, restaurant,
bar, terrace, facilities for disbled persons, swimming pool, snooker, family
games and parking.
The Pousada also has facilities
for small conferences.
Dining in Portugal is usually
very good and the restaurants of the Pousada group hotels are no exception.
They offer a variety of dishes including a selection of local and regional
cuisine.
Activities in the area include
country walks and hot air ballooning.
The international airport
at Lisbon (Lisboa) is approximately 184 kilometers from this Pousada of
Portugal.
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