fortified town on the Atlantic

Asilah, Morocco

Asilah has seen the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Portuguese and Spanish settle here at some point in its history.  It was the Portuguese, in the 15th century, who built the fortified walls surrounding this whitewashed city sitting on the northwest Atlantic coast of Morocco.  Today it is a popular holiday destination which offers beautiful long sandy beaches and hosts international art and music festivals in the summer.

Portugal and Spain

Valença do Minho (Norte Region), Portugal

Portugal on one side and Spain on the other...  the Minho River forming the border between the two.

dusk

Valença do Minho (Region Norte), Portugal

defense walls

Valença do Minho (Norte Region), Portugal

Valença do Minho used these defense walls to protect themselves from invasions centuries ago.

inside the castle walls

Alandroal, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

This late 13th century castle stands strong today with much of it still intact.  Take a walk around the castle walls and observe the landscape beyond.

towers and walls

Alandroal, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Alandroal is one of many fortified villages remaining along the border between Portugal and Spain, each one having its own unique qualities.  The castle here dates from the late 13th century.

Valença do Minho

Valença do Minho, (Norte Region) Portugal

Valença do Minho sits alongside the River Minho which acts as a natural border separating Portugal from Spain.  When walking around you notice numerous defense walls that served to protect the city from invasions centuries ago.  Click here to get a bird's-eye view of this fortified town and I guarantee you will be impressed with what you see.

Bird's eye view picture taken from http://ntransfers.com/blog/2011/07/valenca/

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/)