Battleground of the Lines of Elvas

Category: Archaeology > Battlefield

District: Portalegre > Elvas > Elvas > Bairro do Vedor

Location

The Battle of Elvas Lines Site is located on the outskirts of Elvas, in the area known as Bairro do Vedor. This place stands on a hill at about 319 meters of altitude, providing a serene and isolated setting. It is surrounded by an Alentejo rural landscape, characterized by extensive olive groves and open fields. Its position, northwest of the city, allows for a panoramic view over the surrounding plain, offering an environment conducive to reflection on the history that unfolded there.

The monument, visible from a distance, is located in the center of a wide unpaved area, which was once the scene of important military events. This natural setting helps preserve its historical atmosphere, inviting an immersive visiting experience.

The Legacy of a Decisive Battle

This site commemorates one of the most crucial moments in Portuguese history: the Battle of Elvas Lines, fought on January 14, 1659. Part of the Portuguese Restoration War, this battle represented a turning point for the affirmation of Portugal's independence.

On that date, the Portuguese army faced the Castilian forces that had been besieging the city of Elvas for three months. Led by D. António Luís de Meneses, Count of Cantanhede, the Portuguese troops managed to break through the enemy siege lines. The victory was decisive, resulting in the retreat of the Spanish army and the recovery of important war materials. This triumph not only liberated Elvas from the siege but also solidified Portuguese determination to maintain its sovereignty, deterring future reconquest attempts and raising Portugal's prestige in the European landscape.

The Architecture of Memory

To perpetuate the memory of this victory, the Commemorative Monument of the Battle of Elvas Line was erected on the very site of the conflict, still in the 17th century, by order of King D. Afonso VI. This monument, classified as a National Monument, is a remarkable piece of 17th-century commemorative architecture.

Built from Estremoz white marble, the monument rests on a three-step plinth, which raises it from the ground. The main body consists of a robust pedestal, upon which stands a Tuscan order column, approximately five meters high. At its top, a closed royal crown symbolizes the monarchy and the sovereignty of the kingdom. The faces of the pedestal feature inscriptions in Roman characters, detailing the events of the battle, including the names of the participants and the date. A later plaque, placed in 1959, commemorates the three hundred years of the battle, reinforcing the connection of this site to heritage and collective memory.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt