Castle of Estremoz

The Castle of Estremoz (Castelo de Estremoz) crowns a hill above the town of Estremoz in Portugal's Alentejo region, in the district of Évora. Its pale tower is one of the most recognisable sights on the plain, and today the old fortress houses a hotel, a gallery and a chapel.

How did the castle become Portuguese?

Estremoz was definitively absorbed into the Portuguese realm in the middle of the 13th century under Sancho II, when the castle's reconstruction began. His successor Afonso III granted the town a charter in 1258 and ordered its defences strengthened and town walls built. Under Dinis (1279–1325) work on the castle walls continued, and a royal palace was added beside the fortress.

Why is the keep called the Tower of Three Crowns?

The main keep (Torre de Menagem) was begun around 1260 and finished under King Fernando around 1370. It is built entirely of white Estremoz marble, the stone the area is famous for. The name "Torre das Três Coroas" comes from the fact that construction spanned the reigns of three kings: Afonso III, Dinis and Afonso IV.

What is the link with Saint Isabel?

In the palace Dinis built, Queen Isabel of Portugal, venerated as the Rainha Santa Isabel, died on 4 July 1336. Her body was later moved to the Convent of Santa Clara-a-Velha in Coimbra. A chapel of Saint Isabel within the complex commemorates her.

What changed in the 18th century?

King João V ordered the castle rebuilt between 1738 and 1742. A weapons room designed to hold 40,000 pieces was installed at that time.

What can you see today?

The complex now serves several purposes. It hosts the Pousada da Rainha Santa Isabel, a hotel inside the historic walls, plus the municipal drawing gallery of Estremoz in King Dinis's former audience hall. The chapel of Saint Isabel is also part of the site. The castle is listed as a cultural heritage monument. Coordinates: 38.8413 N, 7.5917 W.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the castle? In the municipality of Estremoz, in the parish of Santa Maria, district of Évora, Alentejo.

What is the tower made of? White Estremoz marble.

Can you stay overnight? Yes, a pousada hotel operates inside the former fortress.

Who died in the castle palace? Queen Isabel, wife of Dinis, in 1336.

Is the castle only a hotel? No. Besides the hotel there is a gallery in the former audience hall and a chapel.

The Castle of Estremoz combines medieval defence, royal history and local marble in one place, which makes it a fitting stop on a trip through the Alentejo.