Estremoz
A marble town where a hilltop castle and the Torre das Três Coroas overlook the city. The Saturday market and hand-painted clay figurines are local specialties.
Estremoz is famous for its marble, which is used everywhere, from street curbs to house doorframes. The upper town has a 13th-century castle and the Torre das Três Coroas (Three Crowns Tower), where you can climb for views over the plains. The castle is now a state-run historic hotel. In the lower town, the wide Rossio Square hosts a lively market every Saturday morning, selling antiques, cheese, and pottery. Hand-painted clay figurines are listed by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. It is about 45 km from Évora, roughly 40 minutes by car, and can be combined with a day trip to Vila Viçosa.
Opening hours
Open all day (market Saturday mornings)
Nearby sights
- Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa
- Elvas Fortifications
- Arraiolos
- University of Évora (Colégio do Espírito Santo)
- Lóios Church & Cadaval Palace
- Évora Cathedral
- Roman Temple of Évora
- Évora Museum (Frei Manuel do Cenáculo)