City walks Estremoz

This historic city can be recognised from a distance due to its many white houses, old walls and ancient donjon. There are several ‘white cities’ in the Alentejo, and Estremoz gained that name because of its famous white marble. Portugal is the second largest exporter in the world and the city is responsible for 90% of white marble production. The stone has been extracted from quarries since Roman times and is everywhere in Estremoz, from building façades to fountains and window frames. This gives the city a luxurious and regal look! If you’re interested, you can even visit a quarry or a stonemasonry workshop to see how the stone is shaped and used.

Discover the Old City

Just like many other cities in Portugal, Estremoz is made up of both old and new sections. This older part of the city is on the top, by the castle, and you can easily explore winding streets and stunning old buildings by walking the cobblestones here. You can also visit the weekly market in Rossio Marquês de Pombal, which many say is the country’s largest square. In the market, you can get olive oil, fruits and vegetables, cheese and so much more, perfect to get a snack when you’re out exploring. There are two sets of medieval walls around Estremoz, and the first one is from the 13th century, the same age as the old city.