in
Manueline style (originally from the early 16th century, restored in the 20th century. The region around Estremoz has been inhabited since pre-historic times. There are also vestiges of
Roman,
Visigoth and
Muslim occupation. During the
Reconquista, Estremoz was captured in the 12th century by the army of knight
Geraldo Sem Pavor (
Gerald the Fearless), who had also conquered neighbouring
Évora. However, Estremoz was soon retaken by the
Moors and only in the mid-13th century was it reconquered by the Portuguese
King Sancho II. An important strategic site between the Kingdoms of
Portugal and
Castile, Estremoz received a charter (
fuero) in 1258 from
Afonso III after the Moors were driven out a second time, which promoted Christian colonization in the area. King
Dinis rebuilt the castle as a royal palace, further promoting the area. His widow, Dowager Queen
Elizabeth of Portugal, died in Estremoz castle on July 4, 1336, shortly after mediating a peace treaty between her son
Alfonso IV of Portugal and grandson
Alfonso XI of Castile. Her grandson
Pedro I of Portugal died in the Franciscan monastery at Estremoz in 1367. During the
1383–1385 Crisis,
Nuno Álvares Pereira established his headquarters in Estremoz, then defeated the Castilian forces at the
Battle of Atoleiros. During the
Portuguese Restoration War (1640–1668), Portuguese forces (including from Estremoz) defeated the Castilians in the nearby and decisive Battles of
Ameixial (1663) and
Montes Claros (1665). ==Geography==