Estoi guide
Any Estoi guide has to start with mentioning its location in the Serra do Caldeirao foothills, and also the fact that it is a town that has lots to offer and quite worth the inland trip.
This is the location of the well-known ‘Pink Palace’ or Estoi Palace as it is officially known, as well as for its nearby Roman ruins.
The ruins used to be an agricultural settlement during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, but then were transformed into a luxurious house with a large bathing complex in the 3rd century, to then serve as a sanctuary up until de 6th century.
Visiting the centre of Estoi you’ll see an impressive church built in a mixture of styles: Corinthian columns on the main door entrance, Roman influences on the façade and a Moorish style bell tower. The bottom of the stone steps feature a running spring that comes out of three stone pipes into a solid stone trough with a tiled information plaque.
Off the small square you’ll find a bunch of bars and restaurants which lead to a cobbled street which goes on to rather impressive arched gateway that is part of the Palace.
Estoi features many fine merchant houses with carved stone adorning their doorways and window surrounds. Many have fancy cast iron Juliet balconies which you can see from other small squares where Moorish influences can still be seen.
The town is also host to many huge events just off a side road from the main church. During the months of May and August there are large equestrian shows that can go on well into the night but the town can also take on a medieval feel during these fairs.
The Estoi Palace was built at the end of the 18th century and is a great example of Neo-Classical architecture featuring a French and Italian feel coupled with furniture from the Louis XVI style.
One of the best ways of visiting the place is by employing some Algarve car hire services.
