Estremoz is a village in Alentejo built on a hill by king Dom Afonso III in 1258. It was once an important citadel that guarded the Portuguese kingdom from potential aggressors.
In 1360, king Dom Dinis built a royal palace in Estremoz for his wife Isabel of Aragon. It was in this palace that king Dom Manuel appointed Vasco da Gama as the commander of the fleet that sailed to India, beginning a new chapter in world history.
The palace, converted into an historical hotel, is sumptuously decorated with antique paintings and furniture. Corridors and stairs are covered with the famous white marble excavated from local quarries.
The war trophies that hang in the dining room reminded us of the momentous decisions made in this palace. And they made us appreciate even more the tranquil days we spent with only one difficult decision to make: which of the 22 wineries in Estremoz to visit.
Here’s a link to the pousadas’ website. You can find a large collection of photos of the pousadas at www.mariarebelophotography.com.
Salt of Portugal 
Reblogged this on Under Construction … and commented:
Love this
Alentejo has many beautiful villages and Estremoz has been a family favourite for day trips over the years. Perhaps sometime I’ll do an overnight at the pousada…
It is a wonderful place to stay!
ooh now I’d happily stay there . . .will investigate for our return to Alentejo this autumn 🙂
It is a unique experience.