Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Along with neighbouring Borba and Vila Viçosa, the very authentic, active town of Estre-
moz is one of the region's well-known marble hotspots and is worth visiting. The region's
marble - rivalling that in Carrara, Italy - is used all over the place: even the cobbles are
rough chunks of marble.
Ringed by an old protective wall, Estremoz has a centre set with orange tree-lined
lanes, a 13th-century hilltop castle enclosed in an old quarter, and peaceful plazas (the
main one being
Rossio Marquês de Pombal
, or 'the Rossio'). This simple provincial town is a
busy trading centre, with lots of shops selling farm tools, though visitors can also load up
on crafts, earthenware pottery and gourmet delights - all of which are available at the
great market that fills the huge central square on Saturday. The town boasts some excel-
lent eateries.
