Attractions and Places To See around Santo Aleixo - Top 12

The Cantar dos Santos Reses ("Singing of the Three Holy Kings") is an old Epiphany tradition in the village of Barbacena near Elvas in the Portuguese region of Alentejo. Every year on the night of January 6th, men wearing traditional berets and capes go from house to house singing. Their polyphonic songs are part of the regional Cante Alentejano tradition. The residents first listen from behind closed doors before inviting the singers inside and treating them to food, drinks, and small monetary donations.

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré (or Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré) is located in Barbacena, in the municipality of Elvas, district of Portalegre. Main Features Architecture: It is an example of 18th-century religious architecture (18th century). Plan: It has a centralizing plan with a circular nave and a semicircular chancel, with a masonry dome ceiling. The circular shape refers to Renaissance ideas of perfection. Facade: It features a portal with a perfect arch in black and white marble. Setting: Next to the exit of the village, there is also the monumental Fountain of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, built in 1935 and 1936, which forms the heritage site with the chapel in the background.

In the village of Barbacena (municipality of Elvas, in Alentejo), the tradition of Cantar dos Reis takes on a unique and deeply rooted identity, being locally known as Cantar dos Santos Reses 👑 The Tradition of the "Santos Reses" The Protagonists: On the night of January 5th (the eve of Epiphany), a choir of about 20 to 25 local men gathers to walk the streets. The Costume: The group is strictly dressed in the Alentejo fashion, wearing the traditional Alentejo cloak (or samarra) and beret to protect themselves from the cold of the plains. The Ritual: The men go from door to door singing the begging songs (historically called "descantes"). The residents reciprocate the singing by offering money, wine, and food products. In the past, these goods were used to support the most disadvantaged families in winter; today, the focus is on the pure preservation of heritage and community spirit.

Vila Viçosa is known as the "Marble City" and often referred to as the "Royal City." It is located in the heart of the Alentejo region. This charming town is known for its magnificent palaces, marble production, and rich history. Vila Viçosa is a place to relax and discover the region's cultural treasures. A real highlight of Vila Viçosa is the Paço Ducal, the Ducal Palace. This magnificent 16th-century palace was once the residence of the Dukes of Bragança and is a true highlight of Portuguese Renaissance architecture. The palace is surrounded by extensive gardens and houses an impressive collection of works of art, furniture, and historical artifacts. Visitors can explore the palace's magnificent interiors and opulent furnishings, giving them a glimpse into the lives of Portuguese noble families. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição is one of the city's most important churches and a truly impressive building. Also known as the "Marble Sanctuary," the church was built from Vila Viçosa's famous marble. It is particularly noted for its elaborate altarpieces and richly decorated interiors. The church is an important place of pilgrimage and a place for reflection and prayer. Vila Viçosa also has a Carriage Museum, the Museu Nacional dos Coches. The museum houses one of the most important collections of historic carriages and coaches in Portugal. The exhibition features magnificent state carriages, hunting carriages, and ceremonial coaches. This provides a wonderful insight into the history and culture of royal journeys and processions. The old town of Vila Viçosa is characterized by narrow, cobblestone streets and white houses with flower-decorated balconies.

The monument, which faces the Ducal Palace, stands on a platform of six steps and dominates the otherwise completely empty square. The equestrian statue of King João IV, located in the Praça do Paço Ducal, is a bronze work by the sculptor Francisco Franco (1885-1955). Franco began work on the statue in 1938, building on sketches he had made in Italy in 1925. The statue was completed and erected in 1943.

Borba is a city in the Alentejo in Portugal. Borba is a wine town and is located on the wine route of the Alentejo. Here, excellent wines are produced that have been exported to international countries for years.