Estremoz is really an attractive town. Like several others in the vicinity, it is constructed largely from the marble that you can see quarried just outside of town. Sidewalks are constructed of marble chunks, whitewashed and marbled buildings gleam in the sun. At this time of year, when the heat of summer has passed and whatever crowds it may see during high season have thinned out, it’s an ideal stopover. And, of course, one best arrived at by bicycle.
My walk this afternoon was focused on the extreme west end, where the town rises up a small hill to the castle and then drops down the other side. I think this must be the oldest part of Estremoz, and the most interesting; but from what I’ve seen of the rest of town it looks beautiful there too. Maybe we’ll get a look tomorrow as we bike out. The west end though, is remarkable for its ancient and decaying structures, splendid views across the countryside, and the decrepit, densely populated barrio that drops off west of the castle.
There are many ways to Santiago. This is the Camino Nascente, which begins On the Mediterranean coast near Faro and eventually merges with the Portuguese Camino at Braga. We will cross this path again a few days south of here, in Beja.
