Vila Viçosa is a Portuguese village of rare beauty, located in the district of Évora, in the Alentejo region. This charming place, often nicknamed the “Princess of Alentejo”, owes its name to the fertility of its soils and the charm that attracts visitors from all over the country and abroad. Despite its small size, Vila Viçosa is a true “museum village”, with a vast cultural, historical and architectural heritage that enriches its identity.
According to , one of the most illustrious figures born in this village is D. Catarina de Bragança, daughter of King D. João IV and D. Luísa de Gusmão. Catherine was born on November 25, 1638 and ended up becoming Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland, after marrying King Charles II in 1662. This marriage, celebrated in Portsmouth, was a diplomatic victory for Portugal, at a time when the country was fighting to consolidate its independence, recently regained in 1640.
The marriage union brought important advantages to both kingdoms. England received a generous dowry, including two million Cruzados, the stronghold of Tangier, in Morocco, and the city of Bombay, in India. In return, Alentejo received a reinforcement of 2,700 English soldiers to support the defense of the region, where the Restoration War against Spain was most intense. However, D. Catarina’s arrival in England was marked by difficulties, from health problems to an initial cold reception, made worse by the absence of her fiancé.
The relationship between D. Catarina and Carlos II was complex. Although the king always protected her from political intrigue, the marriage was marked by the absence of children and the monarch’s many mistresses. The queen, being Catholic in a predominantly Protestant country, faced resistance and prejudice, especially among English politicians. Despite this, D. Catarina left her mark, introducing the habit of tea in the British court and popularizing the use of porcelain tableware to replace metal plates.
After the death of Charles II, in 1685, and the accession of her brother-in-law James II to the throne, D. Catarina experienced moments of great tension. The succession, favorable to Catholicism, generated discontent among Protestants, increasing suspicions about the Portuguese queen. In 1692, after 30 years outside Portugal, D. Catarina returned to her home country, settling in the Palácio da Bemposta, in Lisbon.
Even away from the English court, D. Catarina continued to play important roles in Portugal. He was regent of the kingdom on two occasions, during the absence of his brother, D. Pedro II, and supported the signing of the Treaty of Methuen in 1703, a commercial agreement that strengthened the relationship between Portugal and England. D. Catarina died on December 31, 1705, at the age of 67, and her remains are in the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora.
In addition to its historical legacy, Vila Viçosa stands out for its local heritage. The Ducal Palace, built in 1501 by D. Jaime, 4th Duke of Bragança, is one of the town’s most emblematic attractions, bearing witness to the nobility and power of the House of Bragança. Other attractions include the medieval castle, Tapada Real and several museums, such as the Hunting Museum and the Archeology Museum, which display unique collections linked to the history and culture of the region.
The village is also known for its churches and convents, such as the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the Church of São Bartolomeu, which reflect the richness of the local religious heritage. Praça da República, full of lush orange trees, is another highlight, providing a peaceful and charming environment.
Finally, it is impossible to talk about Vila Viçosa without mentioning marble, an abundant natural resource in the region. Internationally recognized for its quality, Vila Viçosa marble has been exploited for centuries and continues to be one of the city’s main economic activities, with more than 160 quarries in operation.
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