A key stronghold in the War of Restoration and then in the War of the Two
Brothers, Estremoz looks out from its hilltop over groves of gnarled olive
trees.

The medieval upper town, set within stout ramparts, is dominated by a
13th-century marble keep, rising to 27 m (89 ft). This is the Torre
das Três Coroas , the Tower of the Three Crowns, recalling the kings
(Sancho II, Afonso III and Dinis) in whose reigns it was built. The adjoining
castle and palace complex, built for Dona Isabel, is now restored as a pousada . The saintly Isabel, wife of King Dinis, died here in
1336 and the Capela da Rainha Santa  dedicated to her is lined
with azulejos  recording her life.

Today the bustling weekly market in the Rossio, the main square in the lower
town, is a reflection of local farming life. Across the square are the re-mains
of King Dinis’s once-fine palace and the town’s Museu
Municipal , with a display of archaeological finds, restored living
rooms and a parade of bonecos , the charming pottery figurines
for which Estremoz is famous.