History and Heritage of Alentejo Marbles (Vila Viçosa, Borba and Estremoz – Portugal) case study

Abstract

The most important reserve of high-quality marble in Portugal is located in the Alentejo region, in the municipalities of Vila Viçosa, Borba, and Estremoz. The extraction, processing, and use of this natural resource date back to Roman times. Marble from these quarries has been used in civil and religious buildings and in public works, which are now considered part of the country’s historical heritage. There is a unique body of knowledge associated with the extraction, processing, and use of marble that constitutes an essential intangible heritage. The project História e Património da Indústria do Mármore – PHIM (History and Heritage of the Marble Industry Project) was launched in 2012 to better understand this heritage. It is a long-term, multidisciplinary study aimed at understanding the economic evolution of this industry, its key players, changes in the landscape, its importance to the community, and its role as a distinctive factor in culture and tourism. This text aims to present the evolution of the PHIM project, particularly its study of the contemporary period, and to place it within a broader context