Elvas, Fortified border town in Alentejo, Portugal.
Elvas is a fortified border town set on a hilltop overlooking the Guadiana River in central Portugal. Its defensive walls arrange across multiple levels, creating a complex system of fortifications with bastions and ramparts that shaped its military character.
Portuguese forces recaptured this settlement from Moorish rulers in 1226, transforming it into a strategic fortress against Spanish invasions. Throughout the following centuries, its border location remained critical for defending the region militarily.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption reflects Portuguese and Moorish architectural traditions that shaped local building practices. Walking through its interior, you can see how both styles influenced the decorative elements and spatial design.
The town connects to major Portuguese cities via the A6 motorway and sits just a few kilometers from the Spanish border. Plan to arrive early so you can explore the fortifications in daylight and have ample time for walking the hillside paths.
The Amoreira Aqueduct features four tiers of arches extending across the landscape and was built between the 15th and 17th centuries. This water-supply system delivered water to the fortress and demonstrates the engineering skill of its builders during that era.
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