ELVAS TOURISM GUIDE
Impressive military fortifications and a monumental aqueduct
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Elvas is one of the greatest and most heavily fortified frontier towns in
Europe, with military fortifications that are among the most sophisticated
and best preserved in the continent (they've been given World Heritage status).
Sitting just 12km (7.5miles) from the border with Spain, 17th century
star-shaped fortifications with gates, curtain walls, moats and bastions
surround the town, along with two fortresses.
A good place to start a tour of the narrow streets of the old town is the
beautifully paved Republica Square. At the top of the square is the
16th-century Manueline-style Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção with
blue and yellow tiles decorating the nave and sacristy. Behind it is the
octagonal Church of Nossa Senhora da Consolação built on the plan of
a Templars' church. Unremarkable from the outside, its interior is
extraordinary, with painted marble columns and fantastic 17th century tiles
lining the walls.
Nearby is a tiny triangular "square," Largo Santa Clara, with a splendid 16th century Manueline marble pillory with four metal
hooks to which prisoners were shackled, and a 10th century archway beneath a
loggia built by the Moors leading to the ruined castle. Also built
by the Moors, it offers a panoramic view of the town, its fortifications,
and the countryside.
On the opposite end of town is the Municipal Museum, packed with
local treasures, including Neolithic remnants, Roman mosaics, old weapons,
and religious paintings.
Also in the city center (on Rua da Cadeia) is the surprising MACE, a museum of contemporary art.
Lying outside the city walls is the city's most famous sight, the towering
Amoreira Aqueduct, 7km (4.5miles) in length that took over 100 years
to complete. With a total of 843 arches, and at places rising to over 30m
(100ft), it still brings water to town.
Buses arrive in the center of town from Lisbon and Evora.
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Places Nearby
Estremoz
- A legendary miracle; a luxury pousada
Vila
Viçosa - Marble extravagance; a royal retreat
Evora -
A museum-town; a Roman temple; prehistoric sites
Monsaraz
- A white town; a magical medieval atmosphere
Marvão
- White walled town reaching the sky
Castelo
de Vide - A Jewish enclave; medieval charm
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AROUND LISBON
AND TAGUS VALLEY Alcobaça Arrábida Azeitão Batalha Cascais Ericeira Estoril Fatima Leiria Mafra Nazaré Obidos Palmela Peniche Queluz Santarém Sesimbra Setubal Sintra Tomar |
ALENTEJO
Beja Castelo de Vide Elvas Estremoz Evora Marvão Mértola Monsaraz Vila Viçosa ALGARVE Albufeira Faro Lagos Sagres Silves Tavira Vila Real de Santo António Vilamoura |
BEIRAS (CENTRAL PORTUGAL)
Aveiro Belmonte Buçaco Coimbra Conimbriga Figueira da Foz Guarda Monsanto Piodão Serra da Estrela Viseu PORTO AND DOURO Amarante Lamego Porto |
MINHO
Barcelos Braga Gerês National Park Guimarães Ponte de Lima Ponte da Barca Viana do Castelo TRAS-OS-MONTES Bragança Chaves Vila Real THE ISLANDS Azores Madeira |