Borba’s cultural heritage can be seen on different scales: along a footpath on the castle walls, in churches with distinctive artistic details, and in the marble that shapes the townscape. There is also a museum dedicated to Portuguese history and activities related to wine. This means you can choose between architecture, historical subjects and regional wine culture for your trip.
Castle Walls and the Town’s History
Parts of the walls of Borba Castle, the do Celeiro and de Estremoz gates, and the massive keep are visible; these remains shape the townscape. The Adarve da Muralha do Castelo is a footpath along the castle walls between the de Estremoz gate and the clock tower. The route includes the permanent exhibition “Borba: do povoado medieval à cidade de Hoje”. The Adarve thus connects a clearly defined route with an exhibition about Borba’s development from a medieval settlement to the town of today.
The history of the churches also reaches far back. The original Church of Santa Maria was founded inside the castle in 1260 and handed over by King D. Afonso III to the Military Order of Avis. This early history sits alongside later works of art that you can discover in other churches in Borba.
Church Art and Marble in the Townscape
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Soveral ou Matriz has ten chapels featuring artistic works from the 17th and 18th centuries. In the Igreja de São Bartolomeu, you can see a painted ceiling with scenes from the life of Saint Bartholomew, dated to around 1630. The Igreja de Santo António houses a marble altarpiece by José Francisco de Abreu from around 1750. On the main façade of the Senhor Jesus dos Aflitos chapel, a chequerboard pattern of white and black marble catches the eye. These examples therefore differ in their motifs, materials and design.
Marble is not only found in individual works of art. It also features in door and window surrounds, decorated chimneys, street signs and monuments in Borba. Together, these uses give the material a visible role in the townscape: it appears both on buildings and in details of public spaces.
A Museum with Set Opening Hours
The Centro de Interpretação da Guerra da Restauração presents the history of Portugal’s restoration of independence during the period from 1580 to 1668. It also covers the Battle of Montes Claros, which was fought in the municipality of Borba. The centre thus complements the local architectural and artistic landmarks with a distinct historical focus. It is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm. Check the opening hours again before your visit.
Wine, Regional Products and a Walking Route
For wine tastings and other wine-related activities, Adega de Borba offers visits by prior appointment. Arrange your visit before your trip. Wine and viticulture are also at the heart of the Festa da Vinha e do Vinho, which pairs them with Alentejo and Borba cuisine. Regional products available to sample there include cheese, cured meats, olive oil and bread. Vinho de Talha is also served: it is made in Borba using traditional methods and has a history stretching back more than two thousand years. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for the year you have in mind.
Those interested in a longer walking route will find a different scale from the footpath along the castle walls: a 70-kilometre cross-border Camino de Santiago route in the Alentejo connects Badajoz with the Caminho Nascente in Estremoz and ends its stage in Borba. The two routes therefore appeal to different interests: the Adarve follows a specifically named section of the castle walls, while the Camino describes a cross-border stage route.
Discover more destinations: São Gregório, Arraiolos, Vimieiro, Monte Da Estrada, Seixo Da Oliveira, Alqueva, Brotas, Évora Monte.
For the wider travel overview: Evora.
