Castelo de Estremoz
Posted by: 
manchanegra
N 38° 50.507 W 007° 35.534
29S E 622174 N 4300160
Implanted in one of the highest positions to the North of the Serra de Ossa, Estremoz had a very importante funtion in the defense of the border and is conected to some of the most important episodes of the Portuguese History.
Waymark Code: WMX2C
Location: Portugal
Date Posted: 11/01/2006
Views: 46
Implanted in one of the highest positions to the North of the Serra de Ossa, Estremoz had a very importante funtion in the defense of the border and is conected to some of the most important episodes of the Portuguese History.
There is not much information about is function in the past. It´s known that it was important since the Roman ocupation and was also ocupied by the Moors that build the fortifications.
When the Christians reconquered the Iberian Peninsula, Estremoz was conquered by Geraldo sem Pavor (Fearless Geraldo) at the same time as Evora in 1165. It was lost soon after and only incorporated in the Portuguese Kingdom in the XIII Century.
With the purpose of increasing settlement it was granted a Royal Chart in 1258 determing the reconstruction and reinforcement of defenses. The Torre de Menagem (Tower) was built in 1260 and was concluded circa 1370.
During the 1383-1385 crisis the Alcaide-Mor (same has the mayor today) took party by Castela (Spain) and he was forced by the population to leave town.
the castle was then handed to martim Pires in the name of the Mestre D´Avis (the future King D. JoãoI) and the Condestável D. Nuno Alvares Pereira made it his headquarters before leaving to the Atoleiros Battle where he beat the Armys of Castela (Spain).
During the 1580 crisis the Town took party for the Portuguese King D. António Prior do Crato and was the only Stronghold to resist the Spanish invasion. The Spanish outnumbered the Portuguese forces so the town was forced to surrender to avoid further consequences.
When Independece was restaured, in 1640, Estremoz was,once again, the Headquarters of the Portuguese forces against the Spanish. His forces were the most importants for the Portuguese victory.
After the war, the castle was restored and modernized.
When the railway arrived in Estremoz part of the walls were demolished to install a railway station, and later, in 1898, an explosion in the wharehouse where the powder was stored caused severe dammages to the War Depot (ancient Royal Palace) and the Medieval castle.
At the begining of the XX Century the castle and the City walls were declared National Monument.
The walls and the War Depot were restored. The last one is now an Hotel.
Accessibility: Partial access
Condition: Partly ruined
Admission Charge?: no
Website: [Web Link]
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