From UNESCO:

The site, extensively fortified from the 17^th to 19^th centuries, represents the largest bulwarked dry ditch system in the work. 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 10^th century A.D., its fortification began when Portugal regained independence in 1640. The fortifications designed by Dutch Jesuit Padre João Piscásio 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.

From our members:

globetrotter230 visited from 11/4/2015 to 11/4/2015.

Otter visited from 11/28/2014 to 11/28/2014.

carlosfilipemelo

timallen

daniel c

maklaj

lon