The Castle of Arraiolos, also known as the Paço do Alcaide becomes, is by its circular configuration, a unique example of its kind.

Located on S Pedro’s hilltop,  from which you get a gorgeous panoramic view of the Alentejo plain

Nuno Álvares Pereira, 2nd Count of Arraiolos and Constable of Portugal, spent long periods in this castle, before retiring to the Carmo Convent.

The Church of Salvador found inside the Castle of Arraiolos, perched on a small hill. This simple church of the 16th century was the villages main church at the time when the population lived within the castle walls.

While renewing the main square, in 2003, 95 pits made in limestone were uncovered. It is assumed they belonged to a Muslim dyeing facility and were used to dye wool

It is believed that when king D Manuel I decreed the expulsion of all Muslims from Portugal or their conversion to Christianity, the Lisbon Tapestry Commune would have migrated down south, a more religiously tolerant territory

They would have settled in Arraiolos, a village already known among the Moors for having a sizeable dying complex with characteristics similar to one still seen in Fez, Morocco

Presently the square serves as the meeting point of the population with several commercial establishments surrounding it. In the Interpretive Center of the Arraiolos tapestry, also established in this square, you can still see the dyeing pits

For centuries the production of Arraiolos Tapestry was rooted in the customs and daily life of the people of this village. Entire families occupied themselves in their manufacture: women would spin and dye: men would card; the boys went to the fields in search of the flax-leaved Daphne and the lily, precious plants for producing yellows and greens. All women of Arraiolos knew how to embroid.

An Arraiolos Tapestry is entirely hand-embroidered and the perfection is such that its reverse is as presentable as its “right”. An experienced embroiderer will make, per month, about 2m2 of tapestry

Influenced initially by Persian carpets and tile patterns, the Arraiolos Tapestry evolved into designs and popular decorative schemes, based on local flora and fauna.

The Arraiolos Tapestry can be found both in palaces and in the humblest house.  An art to encourage and preserve. It would be a pity if such a national treasure should fall into decline and disappear

Installed in the building of the former police station, in the main square. Here you may learn the history and evolution of this handmade artwork that has been the emblematic symbol of this land since the 16th century.

Get to know the plants used to dye wool, the manufacturing process of the rug, from the canvas to the needlework and instruments used. Appreciate the impressive examples of these handmade tapestries in display.

Pastéis de Toucinho de Arraiolos (Arraiolos Bacon Pastries), a so-called conventual sweet made with … bacon. Since pork is the basis of Alentejo food, it is not surprising that pork also begins to appear in regional confectionery.

Of very fine pastry, stuffed with sweet egg cream, almonds and bacon.