Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications
Overview
The site, extensively fortified from the 17th to 19th centuries, represents the largest bulwarked dry-ditch system in the world. Within its walls, the town contains barracks and other military buildings as well as churches and monasteries. While Elvas contains remains dating back to the 10th century ad, its fortification began when Portugal regained independence in 1640. The fortifications designed by Dutch Jesuit padre Cosmander represent the best surviving example of the Dutch school of fortifications anywhere. The site also contains the Amoreira aqueduct, built to enable the stronghold to withstand lengthy sieges.
About Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications
Elvas, officially the City of Elvas, is a Portuguese municipality, former episcopal city and frontier fortress of easternmost central Portugal, located in the district of Portalegre in Alentejo. It is situated about 200 kilometres (120 mi) east of Lisbon, and about 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) west of the Spanish fortress of Badajoz, by the Madrid-Badajoz-Lisbon railway. The municipality population as of 2011 was 23,078, in an area of 631.29 square kilometres (243.74 sq mi). The city itself had a population of 16,640 as of 2011.
Read more on WikipediaSelection Criteria
(iv)
Components(7 locations)
- •Fort of Garça1367bis-004
- •Historic Centre1367bis-002
- •Amoreira Aqueduct1367bis-001
- •Fortlet of São Pedro1367bis-006
- •Fortlet of São Mamede1367bis-005
- •Fortlet of São Domingos1367bis-007
- •Fort of Santa Luzia and the covered way1367bis-003
Details
- Countries
- Portugal
- ISO Codes
- PT
- Area
- 179.356 ha
- Coordinates
- 38.8806, -7.1633
Stay Nearby
Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications
Attractions & Tickets
Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications
Getting Here
Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications