Vila Vicosa is one of three towns involved in the industry of nearby marble quaries. The prosperity is revealed in grand castles.

From the ramparts of the medieval castle, with moat (see below), we had a great view of the Duke's palace and cathedral. We wandered around and cooled our bodies on the solid marble benches in the town square. The curbs, window and door frames and even parts of the roadway are of marble.

On the road to town, rural folks traveling in horse carts evoked thoughts of earlier times.