Pousada Castelo Estremoz
Known as the ‘Cicade Branca’ or White City, Estremoz is famous across Portugal for its fine architectural marblework, with everything from fountains and facades, mosaics and pavements, and doorsteps and staircases all constructed from this local stone. Historically, the city was on the front line of cross border skirmishes between Portugal and neighbouring Spain, particularly during the Restoration War (1640 to 1668), in which Portugal regained its independence. Modern-day Estremoz is a peaceful rural town, divided into the medieval Cidade Velha (Old City) within the fortified city walls, with narrow streets of Vila Nova (New Town) outside.
The Pousada Castelo Estremoz is the crown atop the old city – its Torre das Tres Coroas (Tower of Three Crowns) is usually the first building you’ll spot as you approached the city by road. It’s named in memory of the three kings who all had a hand in the construction of the castle: Afonso III, Afonso IV and Dinis I. Dinis I was the only monarch of the three to make the castle his home, with Estremoz becoming the centre of Portuguese political life until the passing of his Queen Isabel in 1336 – her statue stands in the Largo de Dom Diniz and overlooks her palace.
In danger of falling into disrepair, the castle was restored in the 18th century and is now classified as a protected National Monument. As the 21st century four-star Pousada Castelo Estremoz, the hotel seamlessly combines its medieval roots and 18th century opulence with the comforts of modern life. Each of the guest rooms are different – some have four-poster beds, others come with elaborately carved bedsteads, grand headboards and intricately patterned quilts – but all have comfortable soft furnishing and modern ensuite bathrooms.
Outside, there’s a pool, sun terrace, castle gardens and a shaded inner courtyard, and it’s a short walk through the Porta se Sanatrem gates and out into the city. For your evenings, you can relax in the castelo’s bar and restaurant which now occupy Dinis and Isabel’s grand hall, with its imposing pilasters and high vaulted ceilings which once echoed to the sound of banqueting kings and queens.
