OUR BUS TRIP TO ELVAS - Thursday, 21st March, 08h30 - 18h45
Come and discover Europe’s largest fortified town, Elvas, in the Alentejo region, just a few kilometers from the Spanish border.
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site since 2012, Elvas played an important role in history in defense of Portugal’s border. The ramparts dating from different periods and the curious star-shaped fortifications are the main points of interest of this complex. You will discover on your tour the landmark lookout on the town’s highest point, Elvas Castle, built in the 12th -14th centuries.
To continue the tour (note the unevenness of the ground), walk down the street that runs alongside the ramparts to the octagonal-shaped Dominican Church. Dating from the Templars, the church is located on the Largo 1° de Dezembro, where a strange pillory, carved in Manueline style, also stands.
In just a few minutes, you’ll arrive at Praça da República, the center of Elvas, with its ancient cathedral, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. It was built in the 16th century to plans by the royal architect Francisco de Arruda, who also designed the impressive Amoreira Aqueduct in Elvas. The aqueduct, which took 100 years to complete and dates back to 1622, is 12 km long and has four levels. You can also admire the Medieval Tower, also known as the Torre Nova or Fernandina Tower. It was once a prison. You’ll also visit the Plum Museum, where the famous Queen Claude plum is served, along with one of the city’s convent desserts, “la sericaia” – learn about its secrets.
You will also visit Graça Fort (ticket cost included) which is a masterpiece of 18th century European military architecture, both for its monumentality and for the originality of its solutions. At the request of the Marquis of Pombal, the Portuguese army was reorganized. This led to the construction of the Graça Fort, a solution proposed by the Maréchal Comte de Lippe to ensure the total defense of the Elvas stronghold.
THE ITINERARY
- 08h30 - Departure from Alcântara-Mar
- 10h30 - Arrive in Elvas and visit downtown
- 13h00 - Lunch (restaurant suggestions will be sent out)
- 15h00 or 15h30 - Visit of the Graça Fort (One hour visit)
- 16h45 - Departure to Alcântara-Mar
- 18h45 - Approximate arrival
Contact Martina on designatemember.iwp@gmail.com
