Nestled in the Evora region of Portugal, the municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz is nationally recognized for its handicrafts—especially the famous MANTAS DE REGUENGOS (reguengos blankets). For generations, wool craft has played an essential role in the region’s history, dating back to Portuguese royalty in the 16th century. 

In the 1930s, António Durão created a workshop employing masters and apprentices in the art of woolcraft. Decades later Jose Rosa brought together the region’s manta producers and the workshop became Fabrica Alentejana de Lanificios, with improved design, quality and production techniques. He created the MANTAS DE REGUENGOS (reguengos blankets) brand image, and was awarded the Gold Medal at the Brussels Universal Exhibition in 1958.

In 1977 Mizette Nielsen, a Dutch artisan, took over the business, investing in the timeless tradition of heirloom blankets. While retaining the prestige and quality of the Reguengos fabrics, she introduced creative design innovations that kept the brand alive. Mizette added value and a new dimension to this iconic art that is part of the Alentejo’s cultural identity. 

January 2020 began a new era, as three Portuguese visionaries took ownership of the mills. Their passionate for Allentejo’s wool craft tradition resulted in a commitment to local artisans, while introducing new products and repurposing traditional fabrics. The traditional weaving patterns and manual production of the MANTAS DE REGUENGOS (reguengos blankets) brand lend themselves to personal interpretation as clients can customize, blending ethnic beauty of the ages into contemporary design.

Fábrica Alentejana de Lanifícios’ traditional craftsmanship, preserves the region’s history in Portugal’s rich cultural heritage. We promote Reguengos de Monsaraz and its regional traditions, sharing an ancient art in a responsible, and sustainable way. Fábrica Alentejana dos Lanifícios preserves all the time-honored techniques, elements and motifs passed down over generations.

Wool is the basis of everything that is produced at Fábrica Alentejana de Lanifícios. It is a naturally sourced fibre, non-polluting, 100 % recyclable, renewable and durable. Merino wool is obtained from a very specific breed of sheep that produces the best wool in the world. 

FACTORY ADDRESS
Rua dos Mendes 79
7200-302 Reguengos de Monsaraz

+351 266 502 179

site / www.fabricaal.com
Instagram / @fabricaal
Facebook /@fabricaal