Elvas - The City and its Municipality

General view of Elvas

The founding of Elvas have been attributed to the Romans; roman remains have been found in several parts of the local municipality and it is thought that prior to the Romans, there were other peoples living in this area.

During the reign of king Dom Afonso Henriques, in 1166, Elvas was captured from thr Moors for the first time. It was lost to the Moors then re-taken again, eventually becoming an integral part of the Portuguese territory in 1229, during the reign of King Dom Sancho II, by royal decree, which opened its way to freedom and growth. In 1513 King Dom Manuel I elevated Elvas to the category of a City.

The strategic position of Elvas near the Spanish border, was the cause of several border disputes, hence, the special care then taken by the Portuguese in building its defense lines, as well as in forts of Saint Luzia and of Graça, which clearly depicts the concern for the defense of Elvas at that time; this was proven right, namely during the War of Restauração, when the decisive Battle of Linhas de Elvas took place in January 14th, 1659.

Nowadays, although its border line is no longer strategically important, Elvas is located between the two Iberian capitals and new horizons await Elvas, with the future holding new chalenges and "new battles to win".

Church of Nª Srª da Assunção (Former Cathedral)

The Municipality of Elvas, with a population of thirty thousand people, of whom, eighteen thousand live in the city, has a great potencial for a tuture accelerated development. With only 12 kms separating Elvas from Spain and a good road netweork, it gives this municipality in the Alentejo, an important position, having a very decisive influence on the development of commerce and tourism.

The largest church in Elvas

Within a 20 km radius from Elvas, its seven rural zones are found:
at Santa Eulália or at Barbacena, São Vicente or in Vila Fernando, at Terrugem, in Vila Boim or at São Brás and São Lourenço, we find small villages typical of traditional Alentejo culture, as well as rich examples of the Elvense tradition and pottery.

The Principal gatway
of Graça's fort

In recent years, commerce has greatly increased, a fact linked to the great demand for Portuguese products by Spanish buyers. In agriculture, cereal farming and olives are the main products, and also, it cannot be forgotten the specific culture of regadio, namely around the vicinity of the Caia dam.

The famous and much appreciated Elvas olives are found in this same region and there is also a production of dried fruits and the also famous Elvas plums.

New projects involving various economic activities, as well as the advantage of Portugal being a member of the E.E.C. are a great motivation for development in the area.

A stay in Elvas' region offers many varied and exciting activities.

Rural tourism has only recently been introduced to the region, and as a get away from the busy life of the big cities, Elvas region has much to offer.

Keen fishermen have the Guadiana valley and the Caia dam; the latter also offers sailing to the nautical minded. Hunting can be done as well, in this part of Alentejo.

A visit to Elvas' region and the sampling of its gastronomic delights such as bread soups, pork or mutton, olives and plums, as well as cericaia, are musts to the visitor who comes to Elvas' region. The walls of the city

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