Portugal: Elvas – Exploring the Town

Elvas sits just 12km from the Spanish border in the main road to Lisbon and thus was nicknamed the “Key to the Kingdom”. It was founded by the Romans, fortified by the Moors, and taken over by the Portuguese in 1230 a fortifies some more. The city itself sits in a high hill, with near vertical streets and has plenty to see – the medieval Elvas Castle l, the spectacular Praca da Republica square lines in traditional Portuguese black and white stones, the stunning Elvas Cathedral facing the square, and the nearby absolutely surreal Igreja das Domínicas Church – with unusual octagonal design inside and completely clad floor to ceiling with dazzling azulejos (patterned Portuguese ceramic tiles). And just roaming the black and white patterned streets lined up with old building is the perfect way to explore.