Approached from the south, the old town appears perched on a hill overlooking the bright whitewashed houses of the modern town below.
Estremoz, standing in a region of marble quarries, is a pleasant city, still possessing its 17th Century ramparts and dominated by its medieval castle.
It is, and has been since the 16th Century, a well-known centre for Alentejo pottery which can be seen picturesquely displayed on the Rossio (main square) on market days (Saturdays).
Estremoz is dominated by the hilltop keep of its royal palace, rebuilt by Joao V after an explosion in 1698.
Isabel, the "Rainha Santa", wife of Dom Dinis, died in the former palace in 1336.
The Count of Ourém, while entertained here in 1380 when finalizing secret negotiations between Richard II and Dom Fernando, contrived to make Dona Leonor, Fernando´s not-so-saintly queen, pregnant.
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**STATUE OF QUEEN SAINT ELIZABETH OF PORTUGAL**
Statue dedicated to Elizabeth of Aragon, wife of King Dom Dinis, to whom various miracles are attributed. //12.11.2016.//
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