Castle of Elvas
Introduction
The Castle of Elvas lies to the north of the town, overlooking the Spanish city of Badajoz. It is small in size but it is Portugal’s most battle hardened castle due to its proximity to the Spanish border. Built on the highest point of the city, the castle has thick solid walls, high battlements and a solid keep. The plan of the castle is an irregular quadrilateral polygon, defined by four walls, flanked by towers in the south, west and north.
Some of the fragmented ceramics found in the area are on display inside a small museum. The items on display have very little appeal because they are badly fragmented. One of the best preserved medieval pottery can be seen in Mertola, Silves and Tavira.
History
Muslims lived peacefully in this city between 8th-12th centuries. In 1166, this castle was conquered by Afonso Henriques. The Muslim armies re-took the castle and in 1200. Later Sancho I encircled the citadel, and his successor, Sancho II made a tentative attempt to capture Elvas in 1226. The town and castle were finally abandoned in 1230 by the Muslims who left Elvas to defend the city of Merida in Spain.
Wars after the Conquest
Elvas was under siege from 1325 to 1327 from the forces of Alfonso XI of Castile. Few other sieges took place at this castle, first with a two-day siege in 1334; in 1337; and then in 1381. John II of Castille besieged it in 1385, during the Restoration Wars (1384-1387). Between 1658 and 1659, this castle was besieged by the Spanish forces once again. During the Peninsular wars, this castle was taken by the French forces in 1807.
From the top of the battlements of the Castle, one can have some amazing views. In the distance, just above the hills, the town of Badajoz (Spain) can be seen.
Access to the battlements are from a staircase on the northwestern wall. This section is defended by three simple embrasures and through a doorway with broken bow. At a hilltop, the Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Graça seen from the Castle of Elvas. This fortress lies in the village of Alcaçova, about 1 kilometer from Elvas and it was built in the 18th century.
