Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Portalegre > Elvas > Elvas > Centro Histórico
The Olivença Gates are situated in the heart of the Historic Centre of Elvas, an Alentejo city of profound military and historical relevance. This access point is located in the southern part of the complex system of walls that enclose the city's old core. Upon approaching, visitors are immediately met with the monumentality and robustness of the fortifications, marking the entrance to an area where the military past is a constant presence.
This set of gates is an essential part of Elvas's vast 17th-century walls, a remarkable example of 17th-century military engineering. Its design is inspired by the "first Dutch tradition of fortification," which favoured the construction of bastioned defences, effective against the artillery advancements of the time. The access point consists of an ingenious system of two distinct gates: the outermost one featured a lifting mechanism with chains, which could be activated to reveal a wide and deep moat, creating an additional obstacle for the invader before reaching the second, more protected gate. The entire complex reveals decorations that underscore its strategic and belligerent purpose.
Built in 1685, during the reign of D. Pedro II, the Olivença Gates are more than a mere point of entry; they represent a monument to Portuguese memory and conquests. Their construction was intended to commemorate the important victories achieved by Portugal. An inscription carved on site perpetuates the celebration of the "triumphs of the Portuguese and spoils taken from the Spanish," stating that these conquests occurred with divine aid. The name of these gates symbolically points towards Olivença, underlining Elvas's crucial position as a key city in border defence during the War of Restoration.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.8774499,-7.162457
Coordinates DMS: 38°52'38.8"N 07°09'44.8"W
Weather Elvas
On-duty Pharmacy Elvas
