Rising conspicuously from the vast open plain 50 km north-east
of Évora, Estremoz is in the very centre of the prolific
marble-quarry region of the Alentejo.
Surrounded by 17th-century fortifications and noted for its
high-quality earthenware, it is a convenient place to stay for
a few days while exploring the area. What to see. The medieval upper town is set within within
sturdy ramparts and dominated by a 27-metre-high marble keep
called the Torre das Três Coroas (the Tower of the Three
Crowns). Now a pousada hotel, the adjoining castle and palace
was built for Dona Isabel (wife of King Dinis) who died here
in 1336. Built in 1539, the church of the Misericórdia
located on Estremoz's large market square was once a convent
of the Knights of Malta. The street-level galleries of Eestremoz's
municipal museum showcase an impressive display of little clay
figures called bonecas, for which the town is most famous. Nearby. Besides its striking 14th-century castle, visitors
to Évoramonte a few kilometres south of Estremoz can
see the place where Dom Miguel abandoned all claim to the throne
by signing the Convention on 26 May, 1834. Borba to the east
is notable for its late 16th-century Church of São Bartolomeu
and popular fruity wines.
