Arraiolos, Portugal

Arraiolos Rugs

Arraiolos Carpets or Rugs, Portuguese needlework rugs

The renowned Arraiolos Carpets constitute another important heritage of the village. They are filled with history embroidered by hand. This work of generations of embroiderers is part of the most well-known and, probably, oldest handicrafts in Portugal.

Although there are doubts, some studies prove that the art of Arraiolos Carpets may have started with the Moors during the 12th century. It was developed into what is still done today during the 15th century. Its peak was in the 18th century, with the flower motifs.

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Arraiolos, Portugal

Arraiolos – history on the spotlight

The history of Arraiolos is long and rich, since many peoples have stayed here, each leaving their marks. The regions shows trace of human presence since ancient times, presumably since the Neolithic or even Chalcolithic. The region in Arraiolos municipality was probably significantly occupied by humans as early as the 4th millennium BC.

King Dinis granted the first charter to Arraiolos in 1290. In 1305, the same king ordered the construction of the castle, where he lived for some time. The village was also home of the Second Count of Arraiolos, Nuno Álvares Pereira, since 1387. In 1511, king Manuel gave the village a new charter.

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