| ELVAS |
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Famous for its sugar plums, Elvas is also a citadel, whose Spain-facing
fortifications match those of Badajoz across the border. Three
imposing gates lead into the city which, during its long and
chequered history, has been besieged by Moors, Spaniards, Frenchmen
and Englishmen. What to see. Romano-Moorish in origin, Elvas
Castle was rebuilt for King Sanco III in 1226. A walk around
the top of the town's battlements gives a fine view of the old
town and a vantage point from which to appreciate the ingenious
design of the fortifications. The 16th-century octagonal church
of Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos is one of the prettiest sights
in Portugal. Its main appeal lies in the fine marble columns
and spectacular yellow and blue azulejo glazed tiles added in
the 17th century. Nearby. Two surviving satellite forts, Forte
de Graça and Forte de Santa Luzia (to the north and south-east
of the town, respectively) indicate the strategic importance
of Elvas over the centuries. And with its 843 arches, the Amoreira
Aqueduct begun in 1498 is also an impressive sight on the outskirts
of the town. |
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| © 2007 Maisturismo |
