Elvas Castle — Attraction in Elvas

Elvas Castle features sturdy city walls, a moat and the castle are evidence of how this has always been considered a strategic border town. Elvas, in fact, was of great importance for Portugal’s independence especially in the conflicts against Spain during the 17th century. The city also long served as General Wellington’s base during the Napoleonic Wars.（fr：@timecapitales）

Looming high over the arid countryside, approximately 3km north of town, stands a formidable old military fort with a commanding presence. From the castelo, the fort is visible on a distant hillside. In 2015, the fort underwent partial restoration, allowing visitors to explore its thick-walled corridors and gain insight into the past. Guided tours in English are available, providing an immersive experience of the fort's history (call ahead to arrange a tour).

The fort offers stunning views of Elvas and the surrounding countryside. The strategic location of the fort played a crucial role in the wars with Spain, as it was used as an artillery point to attack the besieged city of Elvas in the 1650s and again in the 1760s.

Following the latter conflict, Dom José I ordered the construction of this powerful fortified bastion, which proved to be a masterpiece of military architecture. It successfully withstood subsequent attacks in the early 1800s, thanks in part to its 144 cannons. The fort later served as a political prison until 1974. One of the fort's most striking features is the main entrance, the Porta do Dragão (Dragon Gate), which features a carved stone dragon over the...

Elvas is one of many Iberian towns rich from agricultural and geologic exploitation throughout the ages. It's architecture shows the progression in style and functional needs over the last millenia, including defense against invading hordes. The medieval castle is at the top of the hill with watch towers and protecting walls going down the slopes. The 17th century fortifications still surround the town. Two additional forts protected it on the South and the North from the Spanish armies wanting to annex Portugal. And there are churches, of course. There is Mourish and Jewish history here too and it's easy to find in the medieval part of town. Charming squares and winding cobblestones streets wander through the slopes, sometimes offering a view of the magnificent countryside. Restaurants abound offering local gastronomic delights and (Borba) wine. Elvas is marked by the hustle & bustle of an enterprising town and yet it is a restful place inviting to...

Located on the highest hilltop of the city, at approximately 320 meters above sea level, the castle features an irregular quadrilateral layout, surrounded by triple layers of defensive walls. The site originally served as a Roman military post in the 2nd century BCE. During the 8th to 12th centuries, the Moors significantly reinforced the fortifications. In the 13th century, under the reign of King Sancho II, the castle underwent major reconstruction. Following Portugal’s Restoration of Independence from Spain in 1640, the castle was extensively expanded and modernized in 1641, adopting contemporary military architecture to strengthen its defenses. It played a crucial role in the Battle of the Lines of Elvas (1659), serving as a key fortress during...