Embroidered throughout the centuries, Arraiolos rugs are one of the strongest statements of Portuguese artistic genius. The oldest documents referring to the manufacturing of these rugs go as far as the end of the 16th century. Nevertheless, they were supposedly implemented later. Nowadays, there are over two dozens of production units in the country, performed by approximately two thousand artisans who have kept this handicraft industry alive. The rugs are embroidered with wool over fabric with Arraiolos stitch. It is quite common to see women embroidering these traditional rugs, sat at their doorsteps in sunny days. This century-old art has passed this way from generation to generation.