Walls of Elvas

City Walls in Elvas

Muralhas De Elvas Em Portugal
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Jacinto Júlio Nozes César

The Walls of Elvas are a set of fortifications that surround the town of Elvas, which is located in the Alentejo region of Portugal. The walls were built during the 17th century to protect the town from Spanish invasion during the Portuguese Restoration War (1640-1668).

The Walls of Elvas are considered to be one of the finest examples of military architecture in Europe. They cover an area of about 10 kilometers and include 12 bastions, 5 bulwarks, 3 gates, and a number of smaller defensive structures. The walls were designed to be highly defensible, with deep ditches, thick walls, and strategic locations for artillery.

In 2012, the Walls of Elvas were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Fortifications of the Garrison Town of Elvas. The UNESCO designation recognized the Walls of Elvas as an outstanding example of a military fortification system and a testament to the history of Portugal and the region of Alentejo.

Today, the Walls of Elvas remain largely intact and are a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the walls and bastions on foot, taking in panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside. The walls also host various cultural events throughout the year, including music concerts, exhibitions, and reenactments of historical battles.

The Walls of Elvas appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Elvas!

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Visiting Walls of Elvas

Duration: 20 minutes

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