Discover Elvas, Portugal’s and Europe’s largest fortified town.

Elvas, a very well-preserved old frontier town, is located in the parched plains that constitute the boundary between Portugal and Spain. Elvas was original of immense strategic importance, being only 12 kilometres (7 miles) from the Spanish border and only over the river Guadiana from Badajoz. As a result, the town’s defences expanded in size and effectiveness. Elvas has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its famous star-shaped defensive walls and a series of equally significant outlying forts.

Elvas’ military role has decreased over time, and until very recently, this secluded town in the interior of Portugal was mostly unknown to tourists. However, as a result of its inclusion on the UNESCO list and picture-postcard appeal, it is attracting tourists from all over the world.

Along with Elvas’ walls, is another attraction, the Amoreira Aqueduct a 16th-century aqueduct that spans the Portuguese municipality of Elvas Located at the town’s entrance, this massive structure spans over 7 kilometres (4.5 miles), with portions soaring 30 metres (100ft) above the ground and having five-tiered stone arches. The aqueduct was constructed to transport water from the spring at Amoeira to the town, a distance of around 8 kilometres (5 miles). This was necessary since the town relied on a single well, the Poço de Alcalá. The aqueduct took over 100 years to build, and understandably, the enormous project encountered a slew of technical difficulties. However, the remarkable building with its 843 arches was eventually built and effectively supplied water to the town’s subterranean cistern. Over time, the system was improved and defences were constructed to make the town even more siege-proof. Although Elvas’ water is no longer supplied by the aqueduct, the system continues to provide the fountain in the Largo da Misericórdia.

Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graça

Around 3 kilometres north of Elvas’ historic centre lies one of the forts that served as the stronghold’s line of defence, the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graça.

This fort was constructed in response to the necessity to hold one of the region’s most strategic places, the Monte da Graça (Graça Hill), which had been invaded and conquered multiple times by the Spanish troops. As a result, its construction was unavoidable and happened in the 18th century, bolstering the Portuguese presence along the Spanish border.

Regrettably, the fort lost its usefulness over time and became a political prison, until being fully abandoned a few years later. In 2014, this monument underwent consolidation and repair, transforming it into what it is now — one of the region’s primary tourist attractions.

You can travel all the way to Elvas’ beautiful historic centre, which is surrounded by majestic ramparts. You may begin your visit here by parking your automobile at the castle of Elvas.

This castle of Moorish beginnings was restored in the 13th and 14th centuries but did not reach its ultimate form until the 16th century. The castle was the first structure to be designated a Portuguese national monument, and it is now included in the fortifications and other buildings that have been inscribed as World Heritage by UNESCO since 2012.

Following your visit to the castle, keep in mind that you may travel in any direction and find more areas of interest across the city. Indeed, the magnificent castle serves as an excellent starting place for a stroll through the traditional streets of Elvas’ historic centre.

You can drive to the Praça da Repblica plaza, where an underground parking garage is located.

This lively area is located in the heart of the historic district, near the famous (church) Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, once the Cathedral of Elvas.

Built-in the 16th century, this church is a must-see for its beautiful construction that combines Manueline and Baroque styles.

The church has seen several renovations throughout the ages, but I must highlight its wonderful neoclassical doorway, glazed tiles, and superb 18th-century organ.

After admiring the square and church, tour the surrounding region and find more areas of interest such as the Cemitério dos Ingleses (English Graveyard), the Igreja de São Domingos (church), the Photography City Museum, and the lovely Elvas Contemporary Arts Museum.