The Fortress City Between Portugal and Spain
The city of Elvas is found on the border between Portugal and Spain. It’s recently been awarded UNESCO world heritage status, which reflects just how extraordinary this place is – a prime example of what a fortified city looked like in the 16th century. If you love the slow life, this is place to be – great weather, mosiac patterned streets and courtyards and magnificent architecture, so well preserved, it could have been built in the last five years! Flights take about four hours to Lisbon and then you either book car hire or coach to Elvas.
Where Is The Town?
The town is about 12 kilometres away from the border on the highway that connects Madrid and Lisbon. It’s bounded by a moat, solid curtain walls and from the air, you can see the incredible star shaped security walls. It’s considered to be the most extravagent example of a fortified city ever built in Europe. The surrounding landscape is made up of orchards, and there are some exceptional pousadas (little hotels) to stay in,  right in the heart of the city. Interested in a visit? You should be, for there is plenty to see here!
A Few Facts
The city has a long history – Elvas was established after the Romans took possession of the area, which had originally belonged to the Arab Moors. The Spanish reguarly tried to take the land back and Elvas became a focus during battles for landgrabs between the Portugese and Spanish. It also became a base for the Duke of Wellington as his headquarters during his time in Europe. The city has marvellous monuments and historical buildings on every corner. Much of the gorgeous moorish architecture has survived and the magnificent houses display decorated iron grill windows, balconies and stately arched entrances.
Some of the key things to see are the Amoreira Aqueduct, just outside the city walls; the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assuncao, dating from 16th century and Elvas Castle, which was buildt by the Moors on a hill and overlooks the town. Elvas Fort which dates from 1640 was designed by a jesuit priest – and marks the beginning of Portugal gaining its independence from Spain. There are some incredible mosaic paved courtyards, and the town buildings are painted white with a yellow trim – very photogeneic!
Bullfighting competitions continue to take place in Elvas and large, enthusiastic crowds still attend. If you prefer your wildlife watching to be calmer – there are plenty of birdwatching opportunities. The Elvas Black Kite, nightingales, the wonderfully named Melodious Warbler, Black Caps and Collared Pratincoles are frequently seen in the area.
An Unusual Tourist Attraction
The area has long been associated with major battlegrounds, and one of the more unsual finds in the area is the little British Cemetry at Elvas. There are only a few known soldiers buried here, but they represent hundreds of British soldiers who died at The Battle of Albuera and the sieges that took place in Badajoz. There is a Musuem of Battle Memorobilia here and the Friends of The British Cemetary hold a Christmas Bazaar to raise runds for the restoration and maintainence.
Elvas is a really spectacular place to experience and if you need the bright lights of the big city, Lisbon or Madrid are not too far away. You could hop on a cheap flight to Lisbon, hire a car and explore this colourful part of Portugal – interest and fun guaranteed!
