Elvas Castle
Elvas Castle (Castelo de Elvas) in the city of Elvas is a major tourist attraction in this picturesque Alentejano town.
History
The castle was first built during the Moorish period of rule and occupation of the area between the 8th and 12th centuries.
The castle was fought over repeatedly between Moors and Christians and changed hands several times.
Afonso Henriques took the castle around 1166 but it was subsequently retaken, then lost, then retaken again.
Elvas Castle was eventually abandoned by the Moors in 1230 when their base in Mérida (Spain) was under threat.
Portugal vs Castile
Elvas Castle was also besieged in the 14th century, this time by the armies of Castile.
As a result of these attacks from the across the border with Spain, Elvas was reinforced with a taller keep and artillery positions in the 15th century. King Manuel I further strengthened the castle during his reign in the early 16th century adding towers to the walls.
In the 16th century Elvas Castle became part of the ever more sophisticated walls and fortifications of Elvas built to withstand attack from neighboring Spain.
Elvas Castle resisted many attempts to take it but was eventually stormed after an attack by the French in 1807 during the Peninsular War (1807-1814).
However, a year later the castle was back in the combined hands of the British and Portuguese armies opposing Napoleon's forces.
The castle is now illuminated at night.
Access
Elvas Castle
R. da Parada do Castelo 4-8
7350-082 Elvas
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm
Admission: small fee.
Nearby
Elvas Castle is also within easy walking distance of Elvas Cemetery, which contains the graves of British soldiers killed in the campaign against the French and Pousada Santa Luzia Hotel, a recommended place to stay in town.