Deep in the Alentejo region is the beautiful town of Vila Viçosa, it’s famed for its marble and the stunning Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa. It’s also home to one of the most unique activities we’ve experienced in Portugal – a tour of a live marble quarry.
Marble in Portugal?
In this region of Portugal, marble is a big deal. In fact, marble has been extracted here since at least the Roman times and possibly before it. Marble from this region was quarried and found its way across the Roman Empire. In the modern era, Portugal ranks 10th globally in the extraction and exportation of Marble.
Marble in the Alentejo
There are multiple marble quarries in Portugal, but the largest and most important are found near Estremoz and Vila Viçosa. More specifically, from a geological feature called the Estremoz Anticline. An area that lies diagonally from the village of Cano at its northeastern tip to the Alandroal Municipality in the southeast. It is roughly 42km long and up to 8km wide. Estremoz sits roughly in the centre, while Vila Viçosa is on the southeastern edge.
Visiting a Marble Quarry in Portugal
Amazingly, with a guide, you can visit several of the deep quarries that surround Vila Viçosa. It is only possible as part of a guided tour run by the organisation Rota do Mármore AE.
Where does the Tour Begin?
The tour begins at the headquarters of the Rota do Mármore AE (Marble Route) in Vila Viçosa.
What to Expect from the Tour?
The tour begins at the headquarters, where you’re shown a small exhibition before diving into the geology and geography of the region. You’ll learn about the different types of marble, how it’s formed, and how it is extracted. You’ll also dive into the historical usage of marble, and the early quarrying of the material right up until the present day. This early part of the tour takes around an hour and sets the scene for what will follow.
Exploring the Marble Quarries
With the background covered, now comes the really exciting bit, visiting the several quarries and seeing almost everything you’ve learned in action. The quarries are live and depending on the exact day you’ll visit, you may get to see various workers and processes. If you’re visiting on the weekend, then the quarries will be rather quiet other than the sound of a few cats, and lots of birds that nest in the sides of the deep quarries.
The visit to the quarry site includes you visiting four individual quarries, the deepest being Pedreira Del Rei. Where you’ll get to stand on a small platform at the edge of the 130m pit. It’s breathtaking and fascinating at the same time, from these heights, the machinery, people, and even the 30-ton blocks of marble look small.
It’s not all about the ‘big sites’, you’ll get to see a few of the machining areas. Where the 30-ton blocks are cut into smaller blocks, and blocks waiting for transport. It makes for an interesting, guided visit as each step is explained, and you get to follow the different steps of each process.
Who’s the tour for?
If you’re interested in architecture, history, then the marble tour is fantastic. This is Portugal’s industrial heritage and after visiting you’ll start to notice just how much marble is used all over Portugal.
When are the tours available?
The tours are available every day at 09h30 a.m. and at 2h30 p.m, and take roughly 3 hours.
Booking Your Marble Tour
Tours cost €25 for adults, €20 for over 65s, children under 6 years old can visit for free. You can book your tour directly with Rota do Mármore AE, or on Get Your Guide!
Should you Visit a Marble Quarry in the Alentejo?
The marble tour, or marble route is a truly unique adventure in Portugal, and well worth it for anyone visiting the area and interested in industrial heritage. After you’ve completed the tour, exploring nearby Vila Viçosa, or Estremoz, or pretty much any of the local towns and villages will really open your eyes up to just how much marble is around!
