Elvas Fortifications
Elvas
The world's largest bastioned dry-moat defensive system, with ramparts, star-shaped forts, and a roughly 7-kilometer aqueduct inscribed as a World Heritage Site.
Elvas lies right on the Spanish border. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, multi-tiered star-shaped bastions, moats, and the outlying Santa Luzia and Graça forts were built to defend against Spain. The town was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2012. The roughly 7-kilometer Amoreira Aqueduct towers over the approach into town. The old town has a cathedral and several squares. The outer walls can be viewed for free; the forts charge separate admission, and some close on Mondays. About 85 km from Évora, roughly a one-hour drive.
Opening hours
Open all day (fortress about 10:00–17:30; some areas closed Mondays)
Nearby sights
- Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa
- Estremoz
- Monsaraz
- Herdade do Esporão
- Alqueva Lake
- University of Évora (Colégio do Espírito Santo)
- Lóios Church & Cadaval Palace
- Évora Cathedral