Estremoz is another hilltop town surrounded by vineyards. It is one of the white cities of Alentejo. The “white” distinction comes from two different reasons: First, the houses are mainly painted white and second, nearby you find deposits of white marble that has made Estremoz famous worldwide.
The history goes back to the Neolithic period (see my previous post about pre-historic Portugal) and the town was significant during Roman times and the later period of the Moors. King Sancho II 1223 – 1248) reconquered Estremoz and the defences heralds from this time and the following century. King Dinis later rebuilt the castle into a royal palace, which was much later converted into a Pousada (exclusive hotel).
We visited it during daytime, which unfortunately makes for less dramatic and interesting pictures due to the harsh light, but the beauty of the town can still be seen and its historic importance can be felt.
The town of Estremoz spread over the centuries and walking down from the old town opposite the site where we entered (the second photo from the top) we come to another equally old port in the castle wall (the photo below) from the 13th century, Porta do Sol (the Sun Door), and we arrive at the newer town, but still in many parts medieval. And in this “newer” town we found Casa do Gadhana, an unpretentious restaurant with absolute fabulous food, experimental, elegant, delicious. And presented by a chef, who obviously was very proud and very knowledgeable about his art. What a pleasure after our walk (with the kids tired of seeing their father setting up tripod and finding the best angles to shoot the photos).
