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Estremoz History
The medieval 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 �lvares 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
Bragan�a Jo�o 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 Tr�s 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 Pal�cio 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 �vora and Elvas.
Estremoz Nearby Locations
Just to the south of Estremoz there is the Church of Nossa Senhora dos M�rtires
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 Vi�osa. 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 Jo�o de
�ustria. Nearby in the plains of Monte Claros this invading army was soundly
defeated by the Conde de Marialva.
The town Vila Vi�osa is mainly famous as a result of becoming in earlier times
the favourite home of the House of the Duques de Bragan�a. Originally Dom Jaime
began the Pal�cio de Pa�o 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 Concei��o with a Gothic image of the Virgin
Mary. In 1646 the King, Dom Jo�o 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 S�o 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 Golf
Ammaia (Marv�o)
Estremoz Map (Click Here)
Estremoz Weather
     
Estremoz Events
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Festa de S. Sebasti�o |
3rd weekend in January |
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Festa de Santa Margarida |
1st Monday after Easter |
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Festa de S�o Marcos |
25th April |
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Feira Internacional de Artesanato e Agro-Pecu�ria |
April to May |
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Town Holiday |
1st June |
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Festas da Rainha Santa Isabel |
1st weekend in July |
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Feira Tradicional de Santiago |
Last weekend in July |
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Fescampo (Sousel) |
September |
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Feira de Santo Andr� |
Last weekend in November |
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Festa da N� Sra da Concei��o |
8th December |
Estremoz Information
 800 296 296 - Support to Tourists
112 - SOS
268 339 200 - Town Hall
268 332 022 - Fire Brigade
268 333 636 - Tourist Office
Estremoz Locations of Interest
Caf� �guias d'Ouro
Castle
Chapel - Capela da Rainha Santa Isabel
Church - Igreja de Santa Maria
Church - Igreja de S�o Francisco e Cruzeiro
Convento das Ordem das Maltesas
Facade of Estremoz Hospital
Hall of Audiences - Galeria das Audi�ncias
Tower - Torres de Coura�a
Tower - Torre de Menagem
Castle - (Alandroal)
Castle - (Evoramonte)
Castle - (Redondo)
Castle - (Vila Vi�osa)
Chapel - Capela N. Senhora da Consola��o - (Alandroal)
Chapel - Capela de S�o Dinis - (Pavia)
Church - (Avis)
Church - Igreja da Miseric�rdia - (Fronteira)
Church - Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Orada - (Avis)
Convento dos Agostinhos - (Vila Vi�osa)
Convento das Chagas - (Vila Vi�osa)
Convento de S�o Bento - (Avis)
Menhir Sites - (Redondo)
Menhir Sites - (Santa Vit�ria do Ameixial)
Pal�cio dos Duques de Bragan�a - (Vila Vi�osa)
Roman Site - (Redondo)
Roman Site - Santo Andr� (Montargil)
Santu�rio N. Senhora da Assun��o da Boa Nova - (Terena)
Town - (Alandroal)
Town - (Pavia)
Town - (Vila Vi�osa)
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Portugal Golf
