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Viola campaniça is a traditional Portuguese guitar from Lower Alentejo, with five courses of strings and a strongly waisted, figure-of-eight body. About one metre long, it is mostly played fingerstyle and accompanies cante ao baldão, the improvised sung duels of the Campo Branco region.
Origin and history
The name comes from the Campo Branco area of Lower Alentejo, where the viola survived most strongly, in municipalities such as Castro Verde, Ourique, Almodôvar and Aljustrel. It was a regular presence at fairs, taverns and dances, accompanying songs, dances and cante ao baldão, in which two singers improvise verses in turn.
In the 1970s it began to disappear and by the 1980s it was close to extinction. The collecting work of researchers such as José Alberto Sardinha and, later, musicians such as Pedro Mestre, who teaches it to new generations, brought it back to public attention.
How it is made
The viola campaniça has five courses of strings. According to the most common description, the three highest courses are double and the two lowest may be triple, tuned in octaves. The body is wide and deeply curved and the neck long, giving it a full, resonant sound.
Today it is built by luthiers working by hand. At the Instrumentos Valente workshop in Aveiro, Diogo Valente uses selected woods and takes about a month and a half to finish an instrument. He learned from master José Gonçalves and, in 2023, was named an honorary member of the Cavaquinho Museum.
Where it comes from
The viola campaniça comes from Alentejo, in particular Lower Alentejo and Campo Branco. It can still be heard at cante gatherings and at traditional music festivals in the region.
How it is used
The campaniça is mostly played fingerstyle, with the thumb, or with thumb and index finger, outlining the harmony and small melodies beneath the voice. It can also be strummed for dance tunes. It is the instrument par excellence of cante ao baldão and sung duels.
Where to buy
At Ra-Ro you can buy the Viola Campaniça built by hand by Diogo Valente. In September 2026, the product page listed it at €1,920. It is made to order, so allow for the building time. From the same workshop, see also the Viola Braguesa and the Cavaquinho.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a viola campaniça cost?
At Ra-Ro, in September 2026, the handmade Viola Campaniça by Diogo Valente cost €1,920. The current price is on the product page.
How many strings does the viola campaniça have?
It has five courses of strings. The three highest are double and the two lowest are usually triple, tuned in octaves.
Where can I buy a viola campaniça?
From luthiers who build by hand or online at Ra-Ro, which sells the Viola Campaniça from the Instrumentos Valente workshop in Aveiro.
