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Located at the highest point of the city, the Castle of Elvas is a work of Islamic fortification, rebuilt in the 13th and 14th centuries, taking only in the century. XVI the current aspect. It welcomed the mayor of Elvas and was the scene of important events in the country's history, such as peace treaties, exchanges of princesses and banquets for royal weddings.
Over the centuries, the castle lost its defensive importance, being without any military function from the second half of the century. XIX. This fact led to the building being abandoned, entering the century. XX ruined. Several elvenses lovers of history and heritage wanted to promote its restoration, its visibility and started a process that would make the castle of Elvas, in 1906, the first Portuguese National Monument.
Until the Modern Age, the defense consisted of three defensive curtains, preserving the two oldest important structures from the Muslim period.
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The site, extensively fortified from the 17th to 19th centuries, represents the largest bulwarked dry-ditch system in the world. 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 10th century ad, its fortification began when Portugal regained independence in 1640. The fortifications designed by Dutch Jesuit padre 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.UNESCO
