Porta da Esquina is one of the historic gates leading into the fortified city of Elvas, with a distinctive angled passage that reflects the defensive character of the city. Believe it or not, this is the way you enter the city of Elvas when you drive there. The first time I saw this gate, I […]

The Pelourinho in Elvas is a Manueline-style landmark that reflects the history of municipal authority in Portugal. This was the first time I saw a pillory in Portugal. Obviously, it’s not the most wonderful of sights to behold, considering the rather gruesome history behind it. But it is still, all things considered, beautifully designed. The […]

Praça da República is the main square of Elvas, hosting several historical buildings and beautifully paved in the traditional mosaic style known as Calçada Portuguesa. I love this square at sunset, when the light rakes across the Calçada Portuguesa paving and brings out its geometric pattern, while also highlighting the yellow and golden hues in […]

Elvas Cathedral stands out in the historic city center of Elvas, framed by the intricate Portuguese pavement of Praça da República. I’d been wanting to photograph the buildings and pavement in the square since I visited Elvas for the first time, but I couldn’t before because there was a market taking place. It looked very […]

Elvas Castle crowns the highest point of the walled town of Elvas, in Portugal’s eastern Alentejo, just twelve kilometers from the Spanish border. The Castelo de Elvas has never been a royal residence or a place of luxury. Maybe this is why I found it to be less refined than many other castles in Portugal, […]

The Amoreira Aqueduct is a 16th-century monumental structure stretching nearly 8 kilometers on the outskirts of Elvas, in Portugal. This impressive aqueduct is impossible to miss when you’re visiting Elvas, and I felt I had to do a little series of images because only one photo would not have captured the full essence of such […]