5 Must Do Things in Elvas, Portugal
Elvas is about 15 km west of the Spanish fortress of Badajoz, and 230 km east of Lisbon. Elvas is a World Heritage Site since 30 June 2012 and that makes it a good reason to visit the city and old town. Here is a list of 5 must do things in Elvas if you are touring it for just 3 hours.
This was our first day in Portugal and sixth day of our road trip through Spain and Portugal, our fifth vacation in Europe.
Elvas Portugal
Where is Elvas located – my friends were curious when I told them of my trip plan. Well, compared to Lisbon or Porto, Elvas isn’t popular, yet I was keen to include it in my itinerary of Portugal for its UNESCO heritage site status.
The city of Elvas is situated in the Alentejo region of Portugal, located close to the border with Spain, and is approximately 230 km east of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. It is situated on a hilltop, providing a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.
Elvas surprised us. I was expecting a moderately big city, but it was just a small town wrapped inside a fortress. Narrow streets, it was as if everyone would know everyone here. We planned a 4 to 5 hours halt here, but we could complete the leisurely walk and sightseeing around in 3 hours.
Plenty of restaurants around the town square and we had a relaxed meal here. We could visit a couple of churches here and a castle and rest of the time we just loitered around. Elvas is unique as it has a unique zig-zag shaped fortification all around the old city.
Must Do Things in Elvas
Aqueduto Da Amoreira, Portugal
The foremost must see site of Elvas is the Aqueduto Da Amoreira. Located approx 2 km from old town of Elvas, it is a sight to behold! Aqueducts were used to transport drinkable water to the walled city. The 8.3 km long aqueduct has 843 arcs and has a height of 31 m. Records mention it being built during the years between 1490s to 1620s. The work halted several times in between due to lack of funds and foreign invasions. Aqueduct da Amoreira, is in the Alentejo, and is located in São Brãs e São Lourenço, region of Elvas, district of Portalegre.
Aqueduto Da Amoreira
Dominicas Church and Old Santa Clara Square
The chapel faces the Square.
This is a small chapel. The Church of Dominicas was originally Church of Consolation. Previously a monastery, it has its foundation on a older church of the Knights of Templar. What we get to see today is only that part of the monastery which was saved from demolition. The interior has unique octagonal shape with lovely tile work in the interiors. These tiles are existing from 1669 and that makes them all the more precious. The columns, the arches of the altars and the architrave is decorated with paintings of reasons, a representation of the Mystic Lamb, a profusion of gilt and poly chrome.
Opening times are 10 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 6.30 PM. (closed completely on Monday and the morning of Tuesday)
Dominicas Church
Another interesting place that must be included in list of must do things in Elvas is the old Santa Clara square. Centuries back the pillory was a symbol of independence of a community and also the place where justice used to be applied often in brutal ways. The iron bars are said to be the originals dating back to the 16th century! In many countries of Europe the pillories have been almost erased from the towns but in Portugal most towns still have them. From 15th century the use of the pillory for executions in Portugal was rare and was mainly a symbol of status.
The Castle of Elvas
The castle of Elvas is one of the National Monuments of Portugal. This monument is of importance as it was built on Roman remains. First captured from Arabs in 1166 by King D. Afonso Henriques, it was lost to Arabs a few years later. It was finally taken by King D. Sancho II in 1226. In 1226 after the Christians recaptured it from the Moors, the structure was rebuilt. In 14th century more modifications were carried out. The monument is worth including in list of must do things in Elvas as it is an important part of the history of Elvas. July’s first weekend would be a great time to visit as the “Medieval fair” is on during that time. The public is allowed to visit the castle and the atmosphere of medieval times is recreated around the Castle.
Castle wall
Cathedral of Elvas
This imposing architectural monument cannot be missed. The sight of it from the plaza is outstanding! The simple plain exteriors enclose grand interiors. It can take half an hour to go around admiring the interior. This religious monument was built in 1517 on the ruins of an old parish church of St. Maria. The construction was completed in 1537 and got status of Cathedral of Elvas in 1570. Read more: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.
Entry is Free.
Open everyday.
Summer: 10 AM to 1 PM, 3 PM to 6 PM.
Winter: 9.30 AM to 12.30 PM, 2 PM to 5 PM.
Cathedral in Square
Main Square of Elvas
The main square in Elvas is a cool place to rest your heels after walking through the up and down sloping streets of the old town of Elvas. Ideal place to do people watching too. Food is available at very reasonable price here compared to the restaurants of Spain just 10kms away. The combo kind of dish that we ordered had a soft drink, soup, main dish, dessert and tea/coffee at the end. All for 10euros! We enjoyed our food here.
Elvas Old Town Walking Tour
During the self guided walking tour we took through the up and down sloping streets of Elvas we didn’t meet a single person except one another tourist. It was around 3 to 4 in the afternoon. The whole town of Elvas seemed to be sleeping. We had no one to ask directions, but it wasn’t confusing either.
There were many interesting street scenes to capture though. There were signs of people living because their laundry was left to dry outside; the gardens looked well looked after. The route map took us to the cathedral and castle there without much of confusion. We spent around threes hours walking through the streets of Elvas Old Town. Here are some pictures during my self guided walking tour.
The houses along the streets didn’t have any modern look. The town seemed to have preserved its old charm well. The yellow paint in the lower portions of the walls makes it look simple and neat.
The mosaic pattern in the main square in front of the cathedral, so neatly maintained.
Elvas Souvenirs
Though all the shops were shut we could see the souvenir items on sale through the glass panes. The rooster images were intriguing, so were the souvenirs made of cork. After I reached Evora, I understood the significance of cork souvenirs and why they are in plenty. Do read: Cork Souvenirs of Portugal, Rooster of Barcelos
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What a lovely city! I’ve never heard of Elvas but it seems to be a very nice place. In fact, Portugal is full of little secrets like that.
I’ve never been to Portugal (and never heard o Elvas) but it looks so lovely! Was the food vegan-friendly?
Portugal has been on my list for the longest time! I haven’t heard of Elvas but after seeing your photos I will definitely check it out. The castle of Elvas looks so nice! It’s amazing that its still well preserved
I had never heard of Elvas . It is UNESCO heritage site, wow! The Aqueduct definitely looks so imposing. Doesn’t it have everything, a castle a cathedral , a church and a plaza? 🙂 I am sure it was like being transported back to the medieval times.
That aqueduct is pretty impressive, I can’t believe it’s still standing so high! Elvas sounds like a nice place to visit for history lovers, lots of things to explore, but I admit I’d be more into the lunch menu 😀
Wow, Elvas looks awesome!!! The church is really stunning! The tile work is really mind blowing!
Elvas seems such a picturesque little city with its castle and its cathedral, a proper World Heritage Site. I always love visiting Heritage sites and especially when in a country like Portugal. I’m glad that the food was tasty as well as cheap!
This means value for money!
Elvas is so representative of the old world charm of Portugal and Europe in general. The Aqueduct looks amazing. Have always been fascinated by these structures which are engineering marvels and a testimony in stone to the genius of the skill of the people long gone into history. The Square is another place that I find interesting. The squares across Europe have always fascinated me.
Interesting I didn’t know it was a UNESCO site and that it was so close to Badajoz, makes total sense. The aqueduct made me think about the ones in Spain, obviously since it was the same type of construction and time. Great to discover new places, so much to see in Portugal
This is a handy post, I’m hoping to visit Lisbon in next 12-18 months and can now make sure to include a side trip to Elvas. The aqueduct and castle are particularly appealing to me and being able to walk around the main square and old town area.
We are heading to Spain late this year and plan to check out a little bit of Portugal as well. We had planned to drive from Seville to Lisbon straight through, but now we will have to make a pit stop in Elvas. The Aqueduct looks super cool, and of course eating in the main square would fun to do and at such a low cost, great!
As an engineer Aqueducts are some of my favorite structures. The engineering is so impressive. I love how tall the Aqueduct of Elvas. I really need to visit Portugal and see all the amazing structures.
So nice that Elvas is now a World Heritage Site. I can’t believe that this happened only in 2012!
I think spending some time in the main square with a drink and a meal would be the perfect way to unwind. And do some people watching!
I love Portugal for so many reasons, but mainly because it has so many unique things to see. I’m a huge fan of Portuguese tiling so I especially love your pictures of Elvas Dominicas Church – such intricate detail. The castle looks pretty cool too – a bit Moorish!
Still haven’t been to Portugal but hopefully soon. I would love to go during the Medieval fair so guess July would be perfect. Would love to see jousting if they perform it there.
They look like a castle to me but they are churches, right? The photo of Virgin Mary is what caught my eye. being a Catholic, I’d always love to see architectures, churches or even small chapels in my travels. I’ll surely pay a visit here in Portugal and won’t miss Elvas. For me, it is something that I should see!
I haven’t heard of the city called Elvas, Indrani. It does look quite interesting and my main areas of interest would be the castle and the cathedral, apart from the main square of course. I plan a trip to Spain and Portugal this summer but I am not really sure where all I will be able to make it to. Thanks for these suggestions, it will help me plan my perfect itinerary!
I never heard of this Portuguese town before. It looks like a quaint, little town to soak in the sun. Also to immerse in history and architecture as evidenced in the various structures left by the Romans as a legacy to the town.
I’m so glad I’ve come across your post. Portugal is very high on my list and I’ll make a note of your recommendations. Hope to make it there soon. Elvas aqueduct looks stunning!
The Elvas Aqueduct is fascinating from an engineering perspective. The Romans usually find a good design and replicate it over and over. I studied the Roman three arch aqueduct in statics class, with each layer having successively smaller arches such that the loads and torques are balances. The Elvas aqueduct has four layers without significant variations in arches. It apparently was built “well enough” since it’s still standing, but it’s an interesting deviation from the classic form.
The Aqueduct of Elvas structure was really intriguing, when you say it used to transport drinkable watter to the walled city.
I love the Castle of Elvas! it really seemed like a fairytale into reality, can you enter until the top of it? for a photo op?
The Aqueduct of Elvas structure was really intriguing, when you say it used to transport drinkable watter to the walled city.
I love the Castle of Elvas! it really seemed like a fairytale into reality, can you enter until the top of it? for a photo op?
Wow…. Exciting and amazing pictures
Clean streets, grand buildings, beautiful interiors. So pleasing to eyes. SomEuropean.
So quintessentially European. Clean beautiful,streets. Grand structures. Grand interiors. Simply beautiful and pleasing to eyes.
Some of the structures are amazing–esp the aqueduct.But how was water transported?
For sure I would want to visit the aqueduct. They are (to me) amazing feats of engineering for their times. PLUS this one would be so much fun to photograph.
Nice shots. Noted down the places, lets see when I visit the place next… 🙂
Great captures Indrani 🙂 The old town seems like a perfect getaway place
bahut khub 🙂
What a stunning town! Happy to see it through your pictures!
I only spent two hours between planes in Portugal. Could not see much of it. Looks nice from your images 🙂
Portugal is an awesome place. Thanks for sharing dear 🙂
I defintely would bookmark this page. Got every intention to return to Portugal.
I want to leave for Portugal right now! Awesome…
Very interesting post and picturezs !
amazing place.. what beautiful buildings and blue sky
Thank you Indrani, this is a marvelous variety of sights and scenes.
Hello Indrani, what a lovely place to visit. I like the castle and the cathedral. Beautiful images. Thanks for sharing your trip! Happy Friday, have a great weekend!
Superb clicks… indeed a great trip to Elvas 🙂
Elvas seems like it is wonderful place, beautiful portrait.
Those are some nice shots. I hope you also start using a GoPro to get a different perspective ;).
Great shots, so interesting!
Amazing clicks, Indrani… 🙂
As usual awesome snapshots 🙂
all of it sounds so exciting 🙂
Brilliant captures!!
Awesome photos , Great post
Beautiful photos and great tips! Love the aqueduct photo.
So interesting!
Great post Indrani! Bookmarked this, was planning a trip to Portugal. This will really help! 🙂
Superb captures as always, Indrani!! And they do take us on a great visit to Elvas!! Thank you so much for sharing the beauty and the history!!