Forte de Nossa Senhora de Graça

Elvas, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

If you're standing at the walls surrounding Elvas on a clear day, this 18th century fort, Forte de Nossa Senhora de Graça, can clearly be seen a kilometer away.  It was strategically built on one of the higest points of the region to protect Elvas from further invasions.  The fortifications of Elvas represent the best surviving example of Dutch school fortifications in the world.

The aerial view of this fort is beyond impressive!  Check it out and see for yourself!

(aerial view link taken from http://walledtowns.com/towns/elvas/)
 

Elvas

Elvas, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

This fortress city lies approximately 15 kilometers from the Portuguese-Spanish border and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list since June 30, 2012.  According to the UN organization, "it represents the largest bulwarked dry ditch system in the world".  In 1658 an army of Spanish soldiers, containing a considerably higher number of men than the Portuguese army, hoped to capture the town of Elvas.  The victory went to the Portuguese and one of the reasons for their success was due to the strong fortifications surrounding the town.

When you walk around this stronghold city, you can't help but to imagine what went on in its streets centuries ago.