5th Renaissance Inspiration Fair of Vila Viçosa
Vila Viçosa travels back in time from 5 to 7 June with the fifth edition of the Renaissance Inspiration Fair. The Castle and the main streets of the ducal town host historical animation, a market, reenactments, traditional gastronomy and shows for all ages.
From 5 to 7 June 2026, Vila Viçosa transforms into a great Renaissance stage. The 5th Renaissance Inspiration Fair, organised by the Municipality of Vila Viçosa, returns for another edition that promises to fill the Castle, Terreiro do Paço and main streets of the ducal town with colour, music and history.
Inspired by the golden age when Vila Viçosa was the favourite residence of the Dukes of Bragança, the fair recreates the cultural, social and artistic atmosphere of the Renaissance period. Visitors and residents can browse a themed market with dozens of stalls, taverns and exhibitors in period costume, watch artisans demonstrate ancient crafts and sample traditional dishes inspired by the era.
The three-day programme includes historical animations, themed reenactments, parades through the main streets and squares, popular dances, fire shows and concerts. Street theatre companies, jugglers, musicians playing period instruments and knights animate the historic centre from early afternoon until late at night.
Vila Viçosa Castle is the heart of the event, serving as the backdrop for tournaments, fencing demonstrations and falconry shows. Near the Ducal Palace, visitors will also find educational activities for children, calligraphy workshops, Renaissance dancing and themed guided tours.
Admission to the fair is free, although some specific activities and food tastings may carry their own fees. The event is one of the strongest cultural commitments of the municipality and has become a benchmark on the Alentejo calendar, attracting thousands of visitors to the heart of monumental Alentejo.
Vila Viçosa, known as the "Princess of the Alentejo", also gives visitors the chance to combine the fair with a visit to the Ducal Palace, the Marble Museum and the Royal Hunting Grounds, for a weekend packed with history, gastronomy and tradition.
