Elvas
Elvas guards a key border crossing between Lisbon and Madrid, demonstrating Portugal’s autonomy. The fortifications are of the bulwarked dry-ditched type: as such it is the largest surviving example in the world and it is considered a masterpiece of military architecture of its time. An aqueduct supplied the fortified town with water, so it would be self-reliant during a siege.
Visiting Elvas is essential for those who love exploring Portugal’s heritage and history. It is one of the biggest fortified cities in the world, with the world’s largest fortress (star-shaped) and many other scenic, cultural and gastronomic attractions
In 2012, UNESCO classified the Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications as a World Heritage Site.
It is worth mentioning that Elvas is the city with the largest number of heritage sites classified by UNESCO – the historical centre, the 17th century fortified walls, the Santa Luzia Fort, the Graça Fort, the Amoreira Aqueduct and the three fortlets: São Pedro, São Mamede and São Domingos or Piedade.
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