The 17th century fortresses of the border city of Elvas, Alentejo, mainland Portugal, was classified by UNESCO as World Heritage site for its uniqueness in the world. This is the second World Heritage Site in Alentejo and the 14th in Portugal. Evora city is the other UNESCO World Heritage site in Alentejo.

With 14 sites classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, Portugal is now the 16th country with more World Heritage sites in the world.

According to the UNESCO statement released June 30, in St. Petersburg, Russia,

The site, extensively fortified from the 17^th to 19^th centuries, represents the largest bulwarked dry ditch system in the work. Within its walls, the town contains barracks and other military buildings as well as churches and monasteries. While Elvas contains remains dating back to the 10^th century A.D., its fortification began when Portugal regained independence in 1640. The fortifications designed by Dutch Jesuit Padre João Piscásio Cosmander represent the best surviving example of the Dutch school of fortifications anywhere. The site also contains the Amoreira Aqueduct, built to enable the stronghold to withstand lengthy sieges.

The World Heritage Committee meets once a year, and is responsible for the implementation of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, which defines the kind of natural or cultural sites which can be considered for inscription on the World Heritage List.

Elvas  city holds historic remains dating back to the 10^th century A.D.. Its fortification began being built after Portugal regained independence from Spain in 1640.  Read more >>

Gallery of newest UNESCO World Heritage sites here  >>

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