Elvas, a town in Alentejo situated in the district of Portalegre, stands out as a remarkable set of bastion fortifications, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This municipality is brimming with history, reflecting centuries of a crucial strategic position on the Portuguese border.
Its military architecture is unique, featuring the largest system of dry bastion fortifications in the world. Walking along its walls is like leafing through a history book, where each bastion and each moat tells of a people's resilience. Beyond the defenses, the city is served by the imposing Aqueduct of Amoreira, a remarkable feat of engineering that stretches for several kilometers, a testament to antiquity and human ingenuity in providing water.
Within its walls, Elvas reveals its charm with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and an atmosphere that invites calm exploration. Its identity is deeply linked to its military heritage, but also to the serenity of the Alentejo landscape that surrounds it, marked by cork oaks and olive groves. By visiting Elvas, the traveler has the opportunity to experience the essence of a city where its military past has indelibly shaped the urban and cultural landscape.
Authentic flavors that tell the story of our land
A traditional Alentejo dessert, sericaia is a creamy and delicate sweet, made with eggs, sugar, flour, milk, and cinnamon. Its uniqueness and connection to the municipality of Elvas lie in its combination with the famous black Elvas plums, which give it a sweet and sour flavor and a unique texture, cooked and served on top of the cake.
An emblematic dish with origins in the Elvas region, Bacalhau Dourado is a rich and comforting combination of shredded cod, fried potato sticks, scrambled eggs, and onion. Seasoned with parsley and olives, this dish stands out for its enveloping texture and intense flavor, representing Alentejo's culinary creativity in using simple ingredients.
A classic of Alentejo cuisine, Ensopado de Borrego is a robust and flavorful stew, prepared with tender lamb meat, traditional Alentejo bread (usually Alentejano or migas bread), and a rich sauce made with garlic, coriander, tomato, and olive oil. It is a dish that reflects the region's pastoral tradition and the use of local resources, ideal for savoring the authenticity of country flavors.
This sour and refreshing soup is a traditional dish from Alentejo. Prepared with dogfish (a type of small shark) pieces marinated in vinegar and garlic, the soup is enriched with coriander, olive oil, and sliced homemade bread, which absorbs the broth. It is a delicacy that represents the simplicity and intense palate of regional cuisine, ideal for warm days.
Weather Elvas
On-duty Pharmacy Elvas