|
The castle of Estremoz is the result of the restoration of the magnificent Palace that King D. Diniz built for his wife, Queen Santa Isabel. The high quality of building materials used, has been completed with the finest decor including museum pieces. From the private palace gardens and swimming pool surrounded by battlements, you have the most superb view over the city of Estremoz and the vast Alentejo plain.
Accommodation: The Pousada
has 29 rooms with 18th Century decoration: 1 Royal Suite, 1 Luxurious
Double room and 2 Luxurious Twin rooms. All rooms are equipped with
air conditioning, mini-bar, telephone, cable
TV, hair-drier, locker, bathing gowns.
Pousada History: In 1259, D. Afonso III recognized the geostrategical situation of Estremoz, granted it a charter in Santarem and the castle was founded. From the beginning, the castle has been associated with the Tower, thought to be the work of three kings - D. Afonso IV, D. Pedro and D. Fernando. This is the origin of the traditional name - Tower of the Three Crowns - symbolized by the marble pinnacle in the East corner of the upper terrace. A few years later, D. Dinis ordered the building of his residence here. In December 1474, D. Afonso IV assembled the Court in Estremoz to consider the delicate matter of the will of King Henry IV of Castile , in which his niece Princess D. Joana was involved. On December 23rd 1490, D. Isabel met her father-in-law and her fiancé in Estremoz. Having been first carried out by proxy in Seville , the ceremony was repeated at Santa Maria do Castelo. This brought new life to the palace with nobles and clergymen. Tradition tells this was the first time men and women ever danced together at the Court. In 1487, D. Manuel came here once more, this time to meet Vasco da Gama and give him command of the fleet which would take him to India. The ladies of Estremoz embroidered the banner under which Vasco da Gama took a oath. In 1659, D. Luísa de Gusmao ordered the creation of the Oratory in the Palace of Estremoz , at the place where the Saint Queen died. During the first two weeks of June 1663, the Palace collected the spoils taken at the battle of Ameixial and in 1665 those of the battle of Montes Claros. On August 17th 1698, there was an explosion in the weapon and ammunition storehouse and the fire destroyed the medieval building, as well as its valuable furniture. The castle was also ruined, except for the Tower. Between 1738 and 1742, D. Joao had a beautiful weapon hall erected on the ruins, with a collection of forty thousand weapons. Its architect was António Carlos Reis. Those weapons were partially used in 1762 and 1801 and in 1808 the French Army, led by Kellerman, sacked the building and blew it up by setting powder barrels on fire. Nevertheless, they did not manage to destroy it and this was attributed to a miracle of the Saint Queen. In 1833, on July 27th, over thirty members of the Liberal Party were murdered here. From then until the 1930's, this building was used to lodge Military Units. In the fifties, the Industrial and Commercial School of Estremoz was housed here. In the sixties, the building, after improvements, became the Pousada Rainha Santa Isabel.
Banquets & Other Events: The bar is located in the D. Vasco da Gama Saloon and is the perfect place to take pleasure of the great view over the city and, at the same time, enjoy the piano music and a drink. The bar has a beautiful esplanade in the interior garden.
The restaurant of the Pousada Rainha Santa Isabel, maintains all the amazing characteristics of the 18th century – the century of the lights. Where, pleasures and flavours of the Royal Table come together to amaze all senses.
The genially Portuguese gastronomy offers authentic sensations and makes fantasies real.
Meetings & Conferences: Audio and Visual equipment:
- TV
- Video Screan
- Flip Chart
- Paper, pens and water
- Coffe-breacks
- Working meals
- Cocktails
Extra material for the meetings is available with previous request. |
|
