UNESCO heritage– Elvas
Visit by train Europe’s most heavily fortified town, also known as the ‘Queen of the Border´.
Sitting just eight kilometres from the Spanish city of Badajoz, Elvas is the Portuguese city with the largest number of UNESCO heritage sites. Intensively fortified between the 17th and 19th centuries, the barracks city guarded the main border between Lisbon and Madrid.
In June 2012, UNESCO classified the Border and Garrison City of Elvas and its Fortifications as a World Heritage Site. The complex of fortifications, whose foundation dates back to the reign of King Sancho II, is the world's largest land-based bastioned fortification. In addition to the historic city centre, the Forts of Santa Luzia and Graça, the seven-kilometre-long Amoreira Aqueduct and the three 19th-century forts of São Pedro, São Mamede and São Domingos or Piedade have also been listed.
Visiting Elvas is synonymous with learning about the history of Portugal and the Alentejo. Visitors are treated to unrivalled tranquillity, culture, and excellent regional cuisine.
