Estremoz
Estremoz is surrounded by two sets of fortified walls: the first was built in the 13th century around the medieval upper town and a second line of fortified ramparts was constructed to protect the lower zone during the War of Restoration against Spain (1640-48). The high tower named Torre das Três Coroas is the dominate feature of this town, which has many other sites of interest.
The old town is an enchanting place with its narrow and winding streets lined by whitewashed houses with a great variety of typical chimneys.
Estremoz is in the very centre of the prolific marble-quarry region of the Alentejo and noted for its high-quality earthenware. Favoured by kings and artists, it is famous for the pink and white marble hidden deep under the vineyards and olive groves. Here the artists work in clay and pottery, transforming the red clay into small human figures (Bonecos de Estremoz) and into stone jugs and water carriers.
Facts - Sights - History - Roadmap - Maps - Picture gallery
| Region: |
Alentejo |
 |
| Sub-region: |
Alentejo Central |
| District: |
Evora |
| Inhabitants (2001): |
9 000 (City); 15 673 (District) |
| Parishes (13): |
Arcos; Évora Monte; Glória; Santa Maria (Estremoz),Santa Vitória do Ameixial,Santo André (Estremoz),Santo Estêvão,São Bento de Ana Loura,São Bento do Ameixial,São Bento do Cortiço,São Domingos de Ana Loura,São Lourenço de Mamporcão, Veiros |
| Area: |
513,82 km² |
| Coordinates: |
38º51'N 7º34'W |
| Patron saint : |
Santo André e Santa Maria |
| Municipality: |
Câmara Municipal de Estremoz; Apartado 86; 7100-513 Estremoz |
Altitude: 443 m |
- Tower of the Three Crowns:The medieval upper town is set within within sturdy ramparts and dominated by a 27-metre-high keep called the Torre das Três Coroas. The Tower is made of marble, the «white gold» of Alentejo, used for construction since Roman times.
- Medieval Castle and entrance gates: Now a pousada hotel, the adjoining castle and palace was built for Dona Isabel (wife of King Dinis) who died here in 1336.
- Chapel of the saintly queen - Capela da Rainha Santa Isabel: The kindle Queen Isabel of Aragon in 1336 at one of the roomsof the caste, this was later transformed into the Capela da Rainha Santa, decorated with tiles portraying her life. A Chapel that is aptly named after this kindly Queen, records the story of her life in 18th Century tiles and in particular the “Miracle of the Roses”. The fable tells that when carrying money for the poor hidden in her apron the King stopped her and upon his request she opened the apron to reveal only some roses.
- Church of the Misericórdia: built in 1539 and located on Estremoz's large market square. The Church was once a convent of the Knights of Malta.
- Municipal Museum:On display is a collection of archaeological finds and several rooms have been restored to show off their original splendour.
- Touca Palácio: the 17th Century Touca Palácio is housing some fine 17th Century tiles. Within the town there are a few other churches and buildings dating from the 15th Century.
- Café Águias d'Ouro
- Church of Santa Maria - Igreja de Santa Maria (16th century)
- Church of S. Francisco- Igreja de São Francisco e Cruzeiro (14th-18th century)
- Church of the Anjo da Guarda (Guardian Angel) (14th-18th century)
- Convento das Ordem das Maltesas: Hospital (16th century)
- Convent of the Congregados de S. Filipe de Neri (17th and 18th centuries)
- Facade of Estremoz Hospital
- Hall of Audiences - Galeria das Audiências
- Tower - Torres de Couraça (medieval)
- Pillory ("manuelino" - Portuguese late Gothic)
Museums:
- Municipal Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
- Municipal Museum of Ethnology & Domestic Pottery
- Municipal Museum of Prof. Joaquim Vermelho
- Museum of Agriculture Implements
- Museum of Decorative Art
- Museum Rural da Casa do Povo de Santa Maria
The strong fortification of the town was improved originally by Sancho II, then Afonso III, and finally Dinis. It was here that in 1336 the saintly Queen succumbed to ill health and died. In 1384 the Portuguese General Nuno Álvares Pereira defeated the Castilian forces at the Battle of "Atoleiros" at Fronteira, a nearby town. The Town acted as a strategic deterrent in the War of Independence (1640-1648), between the Spanish King Philip II and the Duke of Bragança João IV. Later in the War of the Two Brothers (1832-1834), the town also played another influencing role when Dom Miguel was defeated in his claim for the throne by his brother Pedro IV known for his Liberal views.
Alentejo > Travel guide > Evora > Estremoz
Information
This page shows basic information. There is no guarantee for the correctness and completeness of the given facts. The page is regularly updated.
