Pedro DominguesIf you ask me which is my favorite municipality in Alentejo on the Marble Route, I’ll tell you that it’s Vila Viçosa, without a doubt; Borba was where I explored the region’s quarries the most; but Estremoz surprised me the most with its marble constructions, namely the Castle Keep, which is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen in Portugal.
Did you know that the castle is named after Queen Santa Isabel because she spent a lot of time in Estremoz and died there? Did you know that Estremoz has a medieval fortress but also a 17th century bastion fortress?
In this article I’ll detail a list of things to do in Estremoz. There will also be plenty of tips for visiting the Castle of Veiros and Evoramonte, which are also part of the municipality. Read on!
Where is Estremoz located, in Portugal?
Estremoz is located in Central Alentejo, in the district of Évora, but in contact with High Alentejo. Its land borders are Évora, Redondo, Borba, Monforte, Fronteira, Sousel and Arraiolos. Evoramonte is southwest of Estremoz, on the border with the municipality of Évora.
Given its central location, Estremoz can be a great connecting point between routes in the Alentejo. For example, how about extending your stay with a visit to Serra de São Mamede, Elvas, the Great Alqueva Lake, the city of Évora, or even Montargil?
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Map | Things to do in Estremoz
How to get to Estremoz?
It is possible to reach Estremoz by bus (Rede Expressos), from the main cities in the country, such as Lisbon.
However, Alentejo is a region ideal for road trips, so my recommendation is that you rent a car, if you don’t have your own. Do it with Discover Cars, which allows you to compare several rental companies before finding the best deal! A car will give you a lot of flexibility when traveling in Alentejo.
When to visit Estremoz?
The list of events that take place every year in Estremoz is very long. Perhaps the most interesting of all are the Festivities of Queen Santa Isabel in July. Consider also Estremoz Traditional Market, which takes place every Saturday morning in Rossio Square. You will find a bit of everything there, but the highlights are the regional products and the antiques.
Gastronomy in Estremoz
The most famous are the typical Alentejo dishes, such as Açorda Alentejana, Migas with fried pork, Cozido à Alentejana, Gaspacho or Lamb Stew.
For dessert, there are two Estremoz specialties not to be missed: Gadanha and Rainha Santa. But you can add many others to the list, such as Sericaia or Encharcada.
Accommodation tips to visit Estremoz
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Solar Dos Mascarenhas | 8.7 | Vila Viçosa |
| Pousada Convento de Vila Viçosa | 8.4 | Vila Viçosa |
| Alentejo Marmòris Hotel | 9.1 | Vila Viçosa |
| Tapada do Padre Rosa | 9.2 | Vila Viçosa |
| Quinta do Barreiro | 9.7 | Borba |
| Tapada do Chafariz | 8.7 | Estremoz |
| Convento Sao Paulo | 8.8 | Aldeia da Serra (Redondo) |
| Pousada Castelo de Estremoz | 8.8 | Estremoz |
| Pateo dos Solares | 8.0 | Estremoz |
| Hotel O Gadanha | 8.3 | Estremoz |
Clay Figures of Estremoz – UNESCO
The clay figures of Estremoz have been UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2017. They are made by local artisans, and for me the best souvenir to buy in Estremoz.
There are references to them from the early 18th century, and it is believed that they began to be produced as nativity scene figures. It is said that they were created and designed by women of the time. Today they are much more than that, also representing the day-to-day life of the Alentejo people.
They are all handmade, which makes them even more appealing. On the map of the article, I’ve pointed the location of two artisans you can visit: Afonso Ginja and Irmãs Flores.
Things to do in Estremoz | Portugal
With regard to what to see, do and visit in Estremoz, I have decided to divide this article into the following structure:
- Visit the Fortress of Estremoz and the Medieval Alcazaba
- Visit the rest of the city of Estremoz
- Visit Veiros Castle
- Visit Evoramonte
- Visit Estremoz Marble Quarries
Visit the fortress of Estremoz and the Medieval Alcazaba
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, Estremoz Fortress is medieval but also bastioned. Nowadays, its entrance gates and keep tower are particularly striking.
Tip: how about opting for a guided tour of Estremoz, which you can book online with Viator?
1. Keep of Estremoz Castle
The keep is about 27 meters high and made of marble. It dates back to the late 13th and early 14th centuries. From Pousada Rainha Santa Isabel (castle inn), the former royal palace, you can climb to the top for the best views of the fortress and city of Estremoz.
2. Porta do Sol and Porta de Santarém (from the Medieval Fortress of Estremoz)
There are two entrance gates to the medieval fortress, located in opposite places:
- Porta do Sol (or Porta da Frandina), faces the city center of Estremoz.
- Porta de Santarém is at the rear of the Castle and from there you can reach the Santiago Neighborhood. Although it faces backwards, it looks more robust and defensive than the first one, which suggests that it could have been the main gate of Estremoz Castle.
On both gates you’ll find references to the patron saint of Portugal, Nossa Senhora da Conceição, and also to the 13th century, when the wall was built.
3. Couraça Towers of the Medieval Fortress of Estremoz
Couraça was a medieval walled structure that connected the main urban fence (where the keep was located) to a water tank. In the event of a prolonged siege of the city, the Couraça would provide easy and safe access to drinking water and was protected by two towers.
Today, only these towers remain, as the rest of the structure was destroyed at the end of the 17th century.
4. The Gates of the 17th Century Fortress of Estremoz
Estremoz never acted as the first line of defense in the Restoration War, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have an extraordinary 17th-century fortress to admire. The wall was built in a bastioned style, and I would mention the following gates:
- Évora Gate, the entrance to the Santiago neighborhood, with a drawbridge and chains.
- Santa Catarina Gate, with an image of the patron saint of Estremoz.
- St. Anthony’s Gate.
- And Currais Gate, with its drawings of eagles and griffins.
5. Barracks on Rua Direita and Church of Santiago
I think it’s essential to cross the Gates of Santarém to walk down Rua Direita in Santiago neighborhood to the church of the same name. In the middle you’ll find the Barracks, which were built by King D. João IV.
The church of Santiago is a simple building with a bell tower. It is known that worship in the area already existed in the 13th century, although the building is much more recent.
6. Square of Dom Dinis
Since Queen Isabel is the patron saint of Estremoz, it’s only natural that there should be a square named after King Dinis, her husband. And it’s the most touristy square, being inside the castle. Below I’ll list and detail all the attractions in this square, apart from the extraordinary marble keep.
7. Statue of Queen Isabel
Saint Isabel was Princess of Aragon before becoming Queen of Portugal. She was given in marriage to King Dinis when she was just 11 years old, and the marriage was by proxy: they only met later. Because she was always concerned about the needy, the poor and the sick, she was loved by the people.
She is also known for her miracle of the roses, and they are present in this marble statue.
What is also present is the date on which the Queen died in Estremoz. She was traveling, already a widow, to put an end to the conflicts between her son and the King of Castile.
8. Municipal Museum of Estremoz
The Municipal Museum of Estremoz is also located in the Square of Dom Dinis, in a very old building from medieval times, despite all the restorations it has undergone.
Want to know more about the Clay Figures of Estremoz? Or about the region’s handicrafts in general? This is the right place to visit, as Alentejo folk art is its main theme.
9. Mother Church of Estremoz
The Mother Church of Estremoz is also called the Church of Santa Maria. It was built at the beginning of the 17th century. As a curiosity, the church was the same length, width and height when it was built. You don’t see this symmetry today due to later alterations.
10. Chapel of Senhor Jesus dos Inocentes
Still in Square of Dom Dinis is the Chapel of Senhor Jesus dos Inocentes. Unfortunately, there’s not much left of it, as it’s already in ruins. What remains is protected by a railing and has been invaded by birds, which make a mess of the place.
11. Chapel of Queen St. Isabel in Estremoz
The Chapel of Queen St. Isabel stands out for its paintings and tiles: it’s beautiful inside, in my opinion. If you find it closed, ask at the museum mentioned how you can visit it, or at the castle inn itself.
12. Dom Dinis Municipal Gallery
Almost at the end of the Estremoz castle area is Dom Dinis Municipal Gallery. It is located in the old town hall building and is free to enter, with temporary exhibitions.
13. Estremoz’s Old Manueline Jail
The Old Manueline Jail is also a must-see. Today it is one of the most famous restaurants in the city, with a terrace that is very popular with tourists.
Visit the rest of the city of Estremoz
Moving on to the rest of Estremoz, I’ll start with Rossio Square, which is the largest and most central square in the city. It’s surrounded by many attractions to visit, which I’ll show you below, and it’s where the weekly Saturday market is held. If you arrive in Estremoz by car, this is the square where you’ll find easy parking.
1. Café Águias d’Ouro
The façade of Café Águias d’Ouro reminded me of Barcelona, or at least of Gaudí’s buildings. Okay, I’m exaggerating (a lot!), but you’ll have to agree that there’s something different about it…
It’s a modern architecture that stands out in Rossio Square.
2. The 4 Chapels of the Lord’s Steps in Estremoz
The Chapels of the Steps of the Lord in Estremoz were originally 5, but there are only 4 left today. They all date back to the early 18th century, and they all represent stages of the Way of the Cross. Below are the locations of each one:
- Near the entrance to the Science Center of Estremoz.
- Next to the Church of São Francisco, on one side.
- In the Holy Spirit Square, next to the Couraça Towers.
- And in the Santiago neighborhood.
3. Chapel of the Holy Christ in Estremoz
The Chapel of the Holy Christ looks similar to the chapels of the Lord’s Steps, but it’s actually older, from the 16th century. I particularly liked the shape of its dome from the outside.
4. Congregados Church in Estremoz
Congregados Church dates back to the 17th century but was only finished in the second half of the 20th century. The complete church was only inaugurated in 1995.
5. Estremoz Science Center
The Living Science Center of Estremoz occupies the cloisters of the Convent of Maltezas, and its exhibitions focus on our planet Earth.
If you’re traveling with children, it’s an especially good idea because of its didactic function. You’ll find exhibitions focusing on the formation of the planet, geological processes, volcanoes, glaciations and other interesting topics.
Walking around the city you’ll come across “Science on the Street”, with lots of information panels about the Solar System. I really enjoyed having a look at them. 😉 Examples below:
6. Church and Convent of São Francisco in Estremoz
This church has been known to exist since the 13th century. Inside, the tombs of several important figures in Portuguese history stand out. For example, the tomb of Vasco Esteves Gatuz is a national monument and dates back to the 14th century, being made of marble from the region.
7. Gadanha Lake
There’s no doubt that the Gadanha Lake is one of the most beautiful attractions in the city. The lake dates back to the 17th century and is huge, over 40 meters long.
The most interesting thing about Gadanha Lake is its statue depicting the God Saturn, which stood in the Convent of the Congregation before the 19th century. The Gadanha statue, as it is known today, represents the speed with which time and life pass.
8. Bicas Fountain
Next to Gadanha Lake you’ll find the monumental Bicas Fountain. It was formerly the “Round Fountain” of Estremoz, and has 8 spouts, each adorned with the head of a lion. Of course, marble had to be present.
9. Cavalry Regiment 3
Cavalry Regiment 3, or the “Dragons of Olivença”, is also located next to Gadanha Lake, so it’s natural to see some soldiers in uniform near the entrance. It is, after all, a military building.
10. Reynolds Palace and São João de Deus Fountain
Reynolds Palace is also part of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, serving as the Officers’ House. The fountain is on one side of the Royal Hospital of São João de Deus (now the Regiment’s Sergeants’ House). Neither is a must-see, but both are on the way to the Gates of Santa Catarina, which I recommend you to visit.
11. Henriques Palace and Berardo Estremoz Museum
The Museum Berardo Estremoz houses the largest and most important private collection of tiles in Portugal. It is also housed in one of the most beautiful palaces in Estremoz, which, thanks to the museum, you can visit from the inside. For those interested, the museum offers guided tours at various times throughout the day.
12. Holy Spirit Square and Convent of Nossa Senhora da Consolação
From the Holy Spirit Square, the Couraça Towers and the Holy Spirit Fountain certainly stand out. This fountain dates from the second half of the 19th century, and has four gargoyles adorning its four spouts.
In the vicinity of this square you will find also the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Consolação and one of the 4 Chapels of the Steps of the Lord in Estremoz. The convent belongs to the Barefoot Augustinian Order and was founded in the 17th century.
13. Luís de Camões Square and Estremoz Pillory
There’s no doubt that the most striking feature of Luís de Camões Square is the Pillory of Estremoz. But nearby you’ll also find the Palace of the Marquises of Praia and Monforte.
The pillory dates back to the beginning of the 16th century, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that it was added to the Square of Luís de Camões. Some traces of the original structure remain, particularly the shaft and capital.
14. Palace of the Marquises of Praia and Monforte
With regard to the Palace of the Marquises of Praia and Monforte, I’d like to highlight the fact that it once served as the Town Hall. Don’t forget to look at the coat of arms on its main façade.
15. Agricultural Museum of Estremoz
In a nutshell, the Alfaia Agrícola museum is about working in the fields and the tools needed for that work. It shows a little of the region’s agricultural evolution. If you’re curious about the subject, it could be an interesting and even different place to visit.
Visit Veiros Castle
On the outskirts of Estremoz, Veiros is a must-see. Veiros Castle is the main attraction, but there’s also the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the Pillory. Finally, don’t forget the dam.
My time in Veiros was very brief at sunset, but I still managed to visit all these places from the outside, and I’ll be back in near future to see more!
1. Castle of Veiros
2. Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
3. Pillory of Veiros
4. Veiros Dam
Visit Evoramonte
Evoramonte is another stop on the outskirts of Estremoz. For me, its view of the Alentejo plains is the best you can get in the municipality of Estremoz. It’s truly perfect!
1. The Swing and the Letters “EVORAMONTE”
Due to its growing fame near the city of Évora (30 km away), and for its excellent viewpoints, Evoramonte now has a swing. All so that you can capture the best tourist travel photos.
2. Evoramonte Castle
But what you’ll probably admire most is the castle itself, or rather its tower. I’ve been to many portuguese castles, and Evoramonte surprised me with its fortified, symmetrical tower. It even contrasts with the wall itself.
3. The Gates of Evoramonte Fortress
- The Freixo Gate
- The Sun Gate
- The Gate of São Brás
- And the Gate of São Sebastião
4. The Chapels of Evoramonte
- Chapel of São Sebastião
- Chapel of Santa Margarida
- Church of São Pedro de Fora
5. Evoramonte Convention House
A house that you find shortly after entering the fortress. It’s called the Convention House because it was there that a convention was signed which led to the end of the Civil War in Portugal.
6. Evoramonte Common Barn
Although in the past it served as a common granary, today it is just a store selling regional products.
7. Church of Misericórdia in Evoramonte
Very simple on the outside, inside with tiles that deserve a visit for detailed observation. Excellent!
8. Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Evoramonte
This is Evoramonte’s main church, and the first reference to it dates back to the 13th century. However, I honestly enjoyed visiting the previous church much more.
9. The Cistern of Evoramonte
Finally, the cistern, which was built in the 16th century to provide drinking water inside the fortress so that people would stay in Evoramonte and not flee to other neighboring towns in search of better conditions.
Visit the Marble Quarries of Estremoz
And don’t forget to visit a quarry, whether it’s in Estremoz, Borba or Vila Viçosa. For example, take a guided tour with Viator.
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Leiria
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
I hope you enjoyed this article with things to do in Estremoz. Have a nice time in my country! 😉
