Elvas City Portugal
Introduction
Elvas city of Portugal is very close to the Spanish border, just 15 km from Badajoz. Muslims lived peacefully in this city between 8th-12th centuries. In 1166, this castle was conquered by Afonso Henriques but later the Muslim armies re-took the castle. 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.
As the fall of Elvas happened during the reign of Sanchu II, there are few statues of him in the city. One of them is an equestrian statue of Sancho II is shown beside the Fountain of Mercy. Rua da Cadeia is one of the main streets in Elvas, anyone who visits Elvas will be passing on this street at some stage.
Old Town
Praça da República (the Republic Square) is an open space, surrounded by cafes and other buildings. This place is to sit and see the people pass by. It was a rainy day so there were only few people around.
Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral has an unusual octagonal design was inspired by the Knights Templar chapel, which stood on a nearby site before this church was built in the mid-16th century. Close to church, Pelourinho (pillory) is located in the old Santa Clara square. In the past, pillory was used to serve justice, in many countries of Europe the pillories have been almost erased from the towns but in Portugal few towns still have them.
Ceramic Shop
In one corner of the Elvas Castle, old tower is converted into a ceramic workshop. Inside this small workshop various products are made from clay. Once dried, then different colours are applied to enhance the beauty of the products. When colours are dried, pots are placed inside these heating chambers. Finally, when items which were ready for sale are displayed on the shelves.
Green Streets
Rua das Beatas is a pedestrian street and it is lined with the plants. This street starts from Rua Baluarte do Principe and then it finishes at Rua da Parada do Castelo. It seems to be that there is a some sort of competition of displaying the best plants and flowers outside their homes. A right turn, just before Rua da Parada do Castelo and I saw few plants hanging from the walls (close to the Arco do Miradeiro).
Mercado Municipal de Elvas was erected between 1703 to 1705, as a part of the preparation for the War of the Spanish Succession. Barges and bridges were stored inside this building which were to be used to cross the Spanish border in the Caia and Guadiana rivers during the military operation.
Fort de Santa Luzia
The 17th Century fortifications of Fort de Santa Luzia to the north of the old town. It was designed on the principles of the French architect Marquis de Vauban. My visit to this military fortress was delayed by the rain. When I arrived at the main door of the fortress, it was already closed. This star-shaped fortress houses a military museum. Rua Principal is lined with the orange trees, it lies between the Forte de Santa Luzia and the third walls of Elvas.
