A short History of Elvas and its Fortification

Author:

Maj. Nick Hallidie

Report:

44

Page:

43

Year:

2017

Excerpt:

The fort owes its importance to the dominating height on which the Arabs built the original castle in the 8th century, with a position astride major north/south and east/west routes. The town of Elvas at that time consisted of the castle and a small fortified area. The settlement soon developed beyond these walls, necessitating the building of a second defensive wall. During the Reconquista the fort was captured and lost on several occasions. After Christian rule was finally established, Christians, Muslims and Jews lived in harmony until the coming of the Inquisition. The author describes in details the walls of the castle, as well as the neighbouring Fort of Graça.

The article (in pdf) can be downloaded here