Henriques Palace

Henriques Palace (Portuguese: Paço dos Henriques) is a historic palace in Alcáçovas, in the municipality of Viana do Alentejo, in Portugal's Alentejo region. Today it serves as both a tourist office and a cultural centre, and its walls witnessed events that mattered for the whole Iberian Peninsula.

How did the palace come to be?

It was built in the late 13th century on the orders of King Denis, on the site of an older castle, and was meant to serve as a royal residence. What visitors see now is the result of remodelling over the following centuries. The most significant work took place in the 16th century and gave the palace features typical of the Manueline style, Portugal's late Gothic variant blending into the Renaissance.

What happened here?

Several notable moments are tied to the palace:

• royal weddings took place here in 1447,
• the Treaty of Alcáçovas-Toledo was signed on 4 September 1479 between the Catholic Monarchs and King Afonso V,
• King John II's last will was signed here in 1495.

The 1479 treaty is the main historical memory attached to the place, and the best reason to visit if you are interested in the age of exploration and the rivalry between Portugal and Castile.

What is its heritage status and condition?

In 1993 the complex was classified as a Building of Public Interest (Imóvel de Interesse Público). After a long period of decay, the architectural ensemble was restored between 2014 and 2016.

What can you see and do on site?

Since the restoration the palace has housed the Alcáçovas tourist office. It is also a cultural centre with exhibition rooms, a library and community projects. The municipality of Viana do Alentejo presents a permanent exhibition about the history and memory of the palace. A good way to start your visit is at the tourist office, where you can ask about current programming and opening hours.

Where is Henriques Palace?

The palace is in the village of Alcáçovas, in the municipality of Viana do Alentejo, at roughly 38.395 N, 8.155 W. Alcáçovas is small, so the palace pairs easily with a stroll around the village and a look at local Alentejo heritage.

Frequently asked questions

When was Henriques Palace built? In the late 13th century, on the orders of King Denis, on the site of an earlier castle.

What style is the palace? Its present form comes from many remodellings. The largest, in the 16th century, gave it Manueline characteristics.

What was signed in the palace? The Treaty of Alcáçovas-Toledo on 4 September 1479, and King John II's last will in 1495.

Can you go inside? Yes, it houses a tourist office and a cultural centre. Check opening hours before you go.

Has the palace been restored? Yes, after a long period of decay it was restored between 2014 and 2016.