About Elvas

This fortified UNESCO World Heritage Site is only a few kilometers from the Spanish border. Though fortification did not begin here until 1640 when Portugal regained its independence from Spain, there are remains that date back to the 10th century. The 10-point star-shaped fortress contains military buildings, barracks, churches, monasteries and even an aqueduct in case of lengthy sieges. Visitors to Elvas can see all of this, extensive tunnels and more.