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 36 rooms, some of which are inter-connecting.

There are 29 standard rooms, 2 deluxe twin rooms, 2 double suites and 3 twin 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.