This beautiful Hotel Pousada
is situated in a magnificent 14th Century castle built by King Dinis of Portugal for his Queen, Saint Isabel.
The Pousada at Estremoz is one
of the most luxurious in the group.
It is a former royal residence
and has a privileged position on a hilltop overlooking the little town
of Estremoz. The room in which Saint Queen Isabel died in 1336 is now a
small chapel in her memory.
The area around the town
is rich in marble which in many instances has been utilized to replace
traditional building materials, giving even the smaller houses a sense
of opulence.
Due to its strategic hilltop
position overlooking the Alentejo plains, Estremoz was one of the most
important fortifications in the country and the influence of other cultures
is reflected in the battlements which have a Moorish feel.
Situated in the lower town
is the large market square, the bustling Saturday market sells everything
from olives and cheese to the locally produced red earthenware pottery.
While in the area, visit
the little white marble town of Borba and sample the locally produced wine
which is considered to be one of the best in the country or, spend a leisurely
few hours browsing through the numerous antique shops.
Approximately 19 kilometres
from Estremoz is the town of Vila Vicosa, which houses the last royal residence
of the House of Braganca.
The Paco Ducal is open to
the public and houses fine examples of porcelain, azulejos and tapestries.
The royal chambers give an insight into the lifestyle of the family until
the monarchy was deposed in 1910.
To the east of the Palace
square is the Augustinian Convent containing the tombs of the Bragancan
Dukes. The tombs of their wives are in the Convento das Chagas on the south
side of the square.
Just to the north of the
town is 5,000 acre royal hunting ground.
Pousada de Estremoz has 29
standard rooms, 3 superior rooms and 1 suite all with private bathroom, hair dryer, locker, bathing gowns, air conditioning, Cable television, telephone and minibar.
The bedrooms have all been
individually designed and many have four poster beds and locally made rugs
on the floor.
The public rooms are connected
by marble corridors and grand staircases and contain the finest antiques
and period furniture.
Facilities at this beautiful
Pousada include air conditioning, lift, restaurant, bar, terrace, swimming pool and parking.
There are also conference
facilities.
Dining in Portugal is usually
very good and the restaurants of the Pousada group hotels are no exception.
They offer a variety of dishes including a selection of local and regional
specialities.
From the private palace gardens
and swimming pool, surrounded by battlements, you have the most spectacular
views of the Alentejo plains which combine with the atmosphere of this
historic royal residence to make an unforgettable visit.
At certain periods the Pousada
can arrange "18th Century" evening by request.
Activities in the area include
hunting, country walks, cycling and theme tours.
The international airport
at Lisbon (Lisboa) is approximately 169 kilometers from this Pousada of
Portugal.
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