Arraiolos Rug Interpretive Center

Arraiolos rugs (tapetes de Arraiolos) are embroidered Portuguese needlework rugs traditionally crafted by hand in the town of Arraiolos, north of Évora, in Portugal.

The Arraiolos rug technique is a form of cross-stitch that completely covers the linen foundation.Early Arraiolos rugs utilized designs derived from the Persians by way of the Moors, from whom the Portuguese learned the craft. By 1410, there were about 100 carpet workshops in Lisbon, but by 1551 persecution of the Moors had reduced the number to 6. Convent workshops continued to produce rugs replacing the early Persian designs with Portuguese folk-art patterns in more limited colors.

By latter part of the 19th century, the making of Arraiolos rugs practically did not exist, being reduced to embroiderers that made rugs to order or for their own household.A workshop founded in 1916 in Évora helped revive the faltering industry; it is now regulated by a professional organization.

Carpet exhibition and historical information about life and country.

Nice museum with beautiful Tapetes de Arraiolos, embroidered wool carpets.