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Estremoz Accommodation
Estremoz Guest & Manor Houses
Estremoz Hotels
Estremoz Inns
Estremoz Accommodation - Pousadas
Pousada Dom João IV
Pousada Rainha Santa Isabel
Pousada São Miguel
Estremoz Entertainment
Estemoz - Restaurants
Estremoz - What to Do
Estremoz Guest Book
Estremoz Forum
Estremoz Wines
Alentejo Wines
Estremoz - History
The 13th Century Castle that dominates the town has been greatly restored
since its semi-destruction in 1689 when the stored gun-powder exploded. The
fortification of the town was improved originally by Sancho II, then
Afonso III, and finally Dinis I as a special location for his
beloved Queen Isabel of Aragon. 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 strong
fortification of the town of Estremoz 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 who wished to introduce a more Liberal regime.
Estremoz - Description
The high tower named Torre das Três Coroas is the dominate feature
of this town. Reaching to the height of 27 metres and was initially
constructed in 1258 and subsequently improved. Rising from above the castle
walls it is named after the period in which it was built. Also, today within
the walls is a fine Pousada built on the ruins of the old Palace named and
named after the Queen Dona Isabel de Aragon. A Chapel that is also
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. In
the Town Square there is the remains of a fine palace that was once belonged
to Dom Dinis. The Municipal Museum has on display a collection of
archaeological finds and also an unique collection of 17th and 18th Century
painted clay figures. In the same square is a further impressive palace from
the same period that has been taken over as the Town Hall building. Close by
is the 17th Century Palácio da Touca housing some fine tiles from the
same period. Within the town there are a few other churches and buildings
dating from the 15th Century. This town is still mainly known today for its
handcrafted small charming clay figurines and lies on the old main road to
Spain and being conveniently half way between Évora and Elvas.
Estremoz - Nearby Locations
Just to the south of the town there is the Church of Nossa Senhora dos
Mártires containing some beautiful religious scenes in 18th Century
tiles. To the north is the interesting town of Pavia whose origins
are lost in history. One of its features in a squares stands a large
“dolman” and to it is attached a small chapel that was probably built in
the 16th Century. The town takes its name after an Italian family that
immigrated to Portugal in the 13th Century. Across to the northeast is the
small charming town of Monteforte and here are the ruins of a Roman
villa at Torre de Palma. To the southeast of Estremoz are
the towns of Borba and Vila Viçosa. The first town was
retaken from the Moors in 1217 and is best known now for its good Alentejo
regional wine. However, its history is quite bloody especially in 1662 when
occupied by the troops led by Dom João de Áustria. Nearby in the
plains of Monte Claros this invading army was soundly defeated by
the Conde de Marialva.
The town Vila Viçosa is mainly famous as a result of becoming in
earlier times the favourite home of the House of the Duques de Bragança.
Originally Dom Jaime began the Palácio de Paço Real in 1501,
but when the 8th Duke became the King many of its interior riches were
removed to his palace in Lisbon. Guided tours of the Palace to view the
royal apartments can be taken and some are remain the same as on that
tragic day that Dom Carlos was assassinated in 1908 riding in his
coach through Lisbon. Particularly fascinating is the kitchen and its vast
collection of 700 polished copper utensils used in cooking to feed
hundreds at each meal.
There are a number of other interesting buildings in the town including the
14th Century Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição with a Gothic image
of the Virgin Mary. In 1646 the King, Dom João IV, impulsively placed
his crown on her head and named her the patron saint of all Portugal. From
that day no monarch of Portugal has ever worn a crown on his own head. The
Convento das Chagas de Cristo which lies besides the Palace is now a
comfortable and attractive Pousada. Also, to be found in this town is a small
interesting museum devoted to marble. On show are the many different types of
stone, how they are worked and their final destinations around the world.
Slightly further south is the town of Alandroal, a more recently
established fortified town from the 14th Century. The 16th Century Erminda
de São Bento was built nearby by the inhabitants to record their gratitude
in being saved in answer to their prayers from the various plagues in Europe
that somehow always seem to avoid the town. Again, further to the south is the
town of Redondo set in the heart of the its own wine district. This
area has many megalithic monuments indicating its popularity during the
Neolithic period. There is still evidence left of its original castle built by
Dom Dinis in the 14th Century. To the southwest is the small ancient
Roman town of Evoramonte. The present castle has been rebuilt but its
origin dates back to the 13th Century. Unfortunately, the centre piece that
crowns the castle which is the 16th Century Torre de Menagem, has been
re-faced with cement and thus removing much of its charm when seen from a close
distance.
Estremoz Photos
Town
· Chapel in Pavia
· Main Square in Vila Viçosa
· Town
· Palace of Duke of Bragança in Vila Viçosa
· Old House
· Street
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Estremoz Events |
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| Festa de S. Sebastião |
3rd weekend in January |
| Festa de Santa Margarida |
1st Monday after Easter |
| Festa de São Marcos |
25th April |
| Feira Internacional de Artesanato e Agro-Pecuária |
April to May |
| Town Holiday |
1st June |
| Festas da Rainha Santa Isabel |
1st weekend in July |
| Feira Tradicional de Santiago |
Last weekend in July |
| Fescampo (Sousel) |
September |
| Feira de Santo André |
Last weekend in November |
| Festa da Nª Sra da Conceição |
8th December
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Alentejo Towns
Beja
· Castelo de Vide
· Elvas
· Évora
· Monsaraz
· Portalegre
· Santarém
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Estremoz Telephone Numbers
7100
