The Tower of the Three Crowns — the Torre das Três Coroas — is the great keep of Estremoz Castle, and the landmark that defines the town's skyline across the Alentejo plain.
The tower rises around 28 metres and is built of the pale local marble for which Estremoz is famous. It is considered one of the most beautiful keeps in Portugal. Its name comes, by tradition, from the three reigns during which the castle works took place — those of Afonso III, Sancho II and Dinis — represented by three crowns on the terrace.
The tower stands within the monumental heart of Estremoz, beside the former Royal Palace, now a pousada, and the Queen Saint Isabel Chapel. Visitors can climb to the top, where the view stretches over the white houses of the town and far across the surrounding plain. It is a National Monument.
Destacados
- A 28-metre marble keep, the symbol of Estremoz
- Considered one of the finest keeps in Portugal
- Built of the pale local marble of the region
- Named after three reigns of castle-building
- Climbable, with wide views over the Alentejo plain
History & context
Estremoz Castle was begun in the thirteenth century under King Afonso III and enlarged under King Dinis. Its keep, the Torre das Três Coroas, takes its name by tradition from the three reigns during which the works took place — Afonso III, Sancho II and Dinis — marked by three crowns on the terrace. Built of the pale marble of the region, the roughly 28-metre tower is regarded as one of the finest keeps in Portugal and is classified as a National Monument.
🗓️ Mejor época para visitar
Spring and autumn for mild weather. Late afternoon gives the best light over the marble and the plain.
⏱️ Duración
30–45 minutes
♿ Accesibilidad
Poor. The tower is climbed by steep, narrow historic stairs, with no lift, unsuitable for reduced mobility.
Preguntas frecuentes
What is the Tower of the Three Crowns?
It is the 28-metre marble keep of Estremoz Castle, considered one of the finest medieval towers in Portugal.
Why is it called the Tower of the Three Crowns?
By tradition, the name comes from the three reigns during which the castle works took place, marked by three crowns on the terrace.
Can you climb the tower?
Yes, visitors can climb to the top for wide views over the white town and the surrounding Alentejo plain.