The Garrison Border Town of Elvas and Its Fortifications

The Garrison
Border Town
of Elvas and its
Fortifications
PROPOSAL FOR INCLUSION

ON WORLD HERITAGE LIST
Volume I
1. Identification of the Property
2. Description / 2.a. Description of Property
ELVAS (PORTUGAL) 2010

The Garrison
Border Town
of Elvas and its
Fortifications

Volume I
1. Identification of the Property
2. Description / 2.a. Description of Property

THE GARRISON BORDER TOWN OF ELVAS AND ITS FORTIFICATIONS
TECHNICAL DATA
1. WORK CARRIED OUT BY
PROPOSAL
Domingos Bucho Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre
Antnio Ventura Faculty of Letters University of Lisbon

Lus Portugal Tourism Institute of Portugal
Margarida Valla - Lusada University (Lisbon)
Ruth Pereira Municipality of Elvas
Isabel Pinto Municipality of Elvas
Statements and studies
Ray Bondin President of CIWIH (International Committee of Historic Towns and Villages), Member of
the ICCROM Council and Member of the International Executive of ICOMOS.
. Fernando Cobos Guerra Architect, specialist in Urbanism, Documentation, Restoration and

Monuments. Member of the board of the Spanish Medieval Archaeological
Association, and member of the Scientific Council of Europa Nostra.
Edwin Paar Secretary and Interim President of the Overseas Fortifications Committee of the Menno
van Coehoorn Foundation (Netherlands).
Mrio Mendona de Oliveira "Professor Emeritus" of the Federal University of Bahia (History of
Architecture and Science of Conservation). .
.
Jorge Rodrigues - Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
Mrio Pereira IGESPAR
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Lus Portugal
Domingos Bucho
David Richau Municipality of Elvas
COMPARATIVE STUDY
Domingos Bucho
Counselling received on the occasion of the World Summit for Specialists in Military Bastion Architecture (Elvas,
2007), with the scientific coordination of the Centre for History of the University of Lisbon, the organisation of the
Municipality of Elvas and the organisational support of Milagros Flores (ICOFORT). List of specialists in military
architecture and cultural heritage administration: Jun Antonio Rodrguez-Villasante Prieto, Fernando Cobos
Guerra, Maria Cruz Villaln, Antonio-J. Campesino Fernndez, Alberto Darias Prncipe, Natlia Diaz Bagulho,
Soledad Pita, Jos Pags e Madrigal, Edwin Paar, Ray Bondin, Mrio Mendona de Oliveira, Roberto Tonera,
Juana Tamara Blanes Martin, Milagros Flores, Philippe Ia Hausse de Lalouvire, Elsa Grilo, Francisco Sousa
Lobo, Margarida Valla, Walter Rossa Ferreira da Silva, Joo Campos e Virgolino Ferreira Jorge.
BOOK: Elvas in Travel Literature

Antnio Ventura Author/Research
With the Assistance of: Domingos Bucho
2
DVD: Elvas. Key to the Kingdom. Fortifications of Elvas World Heritage Candidature
Carlos Brando Lucas
Domingos Bucho
PHOTOGRAPHS AND SLIDES

Raul Ladeira
With the Assistance of: Domingos Bucho
TECHNICAL DESIGN
Ruth Pereira
Maria de Jesus Martins - Municipality de Elvas
PAGINATION and DESIGN

Raul Ladeira
TRANSLATION
Connie Botelho-Cabral Faculty of Letters University of Lisbon
Manuel Ruas (book: Elvas in Travel Literature)
2. TECHNICAL SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
- Professor Domingos Bucho (Coordinator)

Professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre - Specialist in Military Architecture and in the Conservation
of Architectural Heritage
- Architect Professor Lus Boavida-Portugal (Responsible for the Management Plan)

Architect, urbanist, professor of higher education Specialist in Integrated Administration of Historic Centres
- Professor Antnio Ventura

Full Professor at the Faculty of Letters, University of Lisbon Specialist in Military and Regional History
- Raul Ladeira
Graphic designer Photography and design
- Dra Elsa Grilo

Councillor of the Municipality of Elvas - Institutional liaison officer for the Municipality of Elvas
- Engineer Mrio Baptista

Director of the Department Urban Works and Services of the Municipality of Elvas - technical liaison for the
Municipality of Elvas
- Madalena Demtrio
Administrative officer, Municipality of Elvas. Administrative deputy
3
Key, defence and shield

I am the King of Portugal's
I halt the Castilian advance
I am Elvas and I command
Antnio Serran de Castro (17th century)
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Volume I
TECHNICAL DATA................................................................................................................................ 2
INDEX OF ANNEXES............................................................................................................................ 7
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS.................................................................................................... 8
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY........................................................................................................................ 10
1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY.............................................................................................. 17

1.a COUNTRY........................................................................................................................................ 18
1.b PROVINCE...................................................................................................................................... 18
1.c NAME OF PROPERTY 18
1.d GEOGRAPHICAL COORDINATES TO THE NEAREST SECOND.................................................. 18
1.e MAPS AND PLANS SHOWING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE PROPERTY AND OF ITS
PROTECTON ZONE...................................................................................................................... 18
1.f AREA OF THE CANDIDATE PROPERTY AND OF ITS PROTECTION ZONE.................................. 34
2. DESCRIPTION................................................................................................................................... 35
2.a DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY................................................................................................ 36
2.a. 1 FORTIFICATIONS OF THE HISTORIC CENTRE.......................................................................... 44
2.a. 1.1 CASTLE..................................................................................................................................... 45
2.a. 1.2 CITY WALLS AND CURTAINS................................................................................................... 57
2.a. 1.2.1 FIRST MUSLIM WALL.......................................................................................................... 58
2.a. 1.2.2 SECOND MUSLIM WALL..................................................................................................... 58
2.a. 1.2.3 FERNANDINA WALL.............................................................................................................. 59
2.a. 1.2.4 BULWARKED FORTIFICATIONS........................................................................................... 60
2.a. 2 FORT OF SANTA LUZIA................................................................................................................ 81
2.a. 3 FORT OF GRAA......................................................................................................................... 97
2.a. 4 FORTLETS................................................................................................................................... 118
2.a. 5 BUILDINGS WITH A MILITARY FUNCTION.................................................................................. 126
2.a. 6 BUILDING SYSTEMS, BUILDING MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES OF THE
FORTIFICATIONS AND POWDER-MAGAZINES....................................................................... 163
5
2.a. 6.1 BUILDING SYSTEMS USED IN THE FORTIFICATIONS........................................................... 164

2.a. 6.2 BUILDING MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES OF THE FORTIFICATIONS................................. 165
2.a. 6.3 THE SPECIFIC CASE OF THE POWDER-MAGAZINE.............................................................. 167
2.a. 7 MILITARY URBANISM AND LANDSCAPE.................................................................................... 177
2.a. 7.1 THE MILITARY ORDER IN THE URBAN STRUCTURE OF THE FORTRESS-TOWN OF ELVAS 178
2.a. 7.2 MILITARY LANDSCAPE............................................................................................................ 194
Volume II
2.b HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT
3. JUSTIFICATION FOR INSCRIPTION
ANNEX VII
DOCUMENTS OF SEVERAL AUTHORS ON ELVAS'S HERITAGE
Volume III
4. STATE OF CONSERVATION AND FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY
5. PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PROPERTY
6. MONITORING
7. DOCUMENTATION
8. CONTACT INFORMATION OF RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITIES
9. SIGNATURE ON BEHALF OF THE STATE PARTY
ANNEX II
MANAGEMENT PLAN
ANNEX VIII
INVENTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHS, SLIDES AND OTHER AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS AND THE
APPROPRIATE AUTHORISATION FOR USE
6
INDEX OF ANNEXES
ANNEX I COMPARATIVE STUDY (FOR CRITERIA IV) (SEPARATE DOCUMENT)
ANNEX II MANAGEMENT PLAN (DOCUMENT ANNEXED TO VOLUME III OF THE PROPOSAL)
ANNEX III BOOK ENTITLED ELVAS IN TRAVEL LITERATURE (SEPARATE DOCUMENT)
ANNEX IV PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM (SEPARATE DOCUMENT)
ANNEX V SLIDE ALBUM (SEPARATE DOCUMENT)
ANNEX VI DVD ENTITLED ELVAS. KEY TO THE KINGDOM. FORTIFCATIONS OF ELVAS WORLD
HERITAGE CANDIDATURE (SEPARATE DOCUMENT)
ANNEX VII CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE OF ELVAS

JORGE RODRIGUES E MRIO PEREIRA
7
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
CCDRA Committee for the Coordination and Regional Development of Alentejo

CME Municipality of Elvas
Dec. Decree
DL Decree-law
DG Official Daily Journal of the Government
DGEMN Directorate-General of Buildings and National Monuments
DGOTDU Directorate-General for Land-Use Planning and Urban Development
DGT Directorate-General of Tourism
DR Official Daily Journal of the Republic
DRAOT Regional Directorate for the Environment and Land-Use Planning
DREMS Regional Directorate for the Buildings and Monuments of the South
DSE/GEAEM Directorate of Engineering Services/ Office of Archaeological Studies
and Military Engineering
E East
EIP Permanent Intervention Team
ENATUR National Tourism Enterprise
EU European Union
GPM World Heritage Office
GTL Local Technical Office
ICN Institute for the Conservation of Nature
ICOMOS International Council on Monuments and Sites
ICOFORT International Scientific Committee on Fortifications and Military Heritage.
IGESPAR Institute for the Management of Architectural and Archaeological Heritage
IPPAR Portuguese Institute of Architectural Heritage (now IGESPAR)
MME Municipal Museum of Elvas
MM Military Museum of Elvas (Fort of Santa Luzia)
N North
NE Northeast
NW Northwest
PCI Integrated Conservation Programme
PDM Municipal Master Plan
PDT Tourism Development Programme
PGI Integrated Management Plan
PH Housing Programme
8
PIQTUR Intervention Programme for the Promotion of Tourism

POC Cultural Operational Programme
PORA Region of Alentejo Operational Programme
PPSV Protection and Recovery Plan
PU Recovery Plan
QCA Community Support Framework
REN National Ecological Reserve
RGEU General Regulation of Urban Buildings
S South
SE Southeast
Sc. Century
Scs Centuries
SIG Georeferenced Information System
SM Monitoring System
SW Southwest
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
W West
ZEC Special Conservation Zone
ZEP Special Protection Zone
ZP Protection Zone
9
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
10
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This information, to be provided by the State Party, will be updated by

the Secretariat following the decision by the World Heritage
Committee. It will then be returned to the State Party confirming the
basis on which the property is inscribed on the World Heritage List.
State Party: PORTUGAL
State, Province or Region: District of Portalegre - Alentejo
Name of Property: The Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications
Geographical coordinates to the nearest second:
NOMINATED PROPERTY
Component Name of the component part Coordinate of the central point of Area of Area
part n. the component part nominated of the
property (ha) buffer zone
(ha)
1 Amoreira Aqueduct 385240.82N / 71020.93 W 7 504 m
(in total length)
c. 0.8148 ha
(nominated area)
2 Historic Centre 385250.23N / 70947.96 W 66.8494 ha
Fort of Santa Luzia 385222.63N / 70929.79 W 5.4081 ha

3
and the covered way 385227.24N / 709 34.18W 0.2900 ha
(between 2 and 3) 368 ha
Fort of Graa 385340.62N / 70951.01 W 11.2544 ha
4
5 Fortlet of So Mamede 385216.34N / 70916.80 W 0.4010 ha
6 Fortlet of So Pedro 385218.59N / 70954.59 W 0.2531 ha
7 Fortlet of So Domingos 385239.59N / 71037.14 W 0.4911 ha
Total area (in hectares) 85.7619 ha 368 ha
11
Textual description of the boundary(ies) of the nominated property:
The property that is a candidate for the World Heritage List comprises:
- the Amoreira Aqueduct (component part n. 1);
- the fortifications of the Historic Centre, with their respective ditches, outworks and
esplanades (component part n. 2);
- the buildings that had a military function and the military urban fabric of the Historic
Centre (component part n. 2);
- the Fort of Santa Luzia with its esplanades and the military covered way that
connects the fort to the Historic Centre (component part n. 3);
- the Fort of Graa with its esplanades (component part n. 4);
- the Fortlets of So Mamede, So Pedro and So Domingos, with their respective

esplanades (component part n. 5, 6 and 7).
All these elements of the fortification system are surrounded and linked by Protected
Spaces included in the Urban Perimeter, the National Agricultural and Ecological
Reserves and the Cultural Spaces (Planning Charter of the Municipal Master Plan) thus
forming the buffer zone.
12
SEE ANNEX PAGES (A3)
13
Map of the nominated property, showing boundaries and buffer zone

(if present)
Justification / Statement of Outstanding Universal Value
The City of Elvas, Portugal, is one of the best examples of a fortified border garrison town that
retains its whole fortifications system, both those immediately surrounding the city and the
outer works. The city is in a good state of conservation and is still very authentic in every way.
The fortifications are the largest ensemble of bulwarked land fortifications, of the dry ditch
type, in the world. The fortifications system we see today is the result of various changes and
additions over centuries and are as could be seen at the height of military activity in the 19th
century and retain the authenticity of that period unquestionably in all respects.
The city of Elvas was given this very important system due to its geographic position as one of
the most important border crossings from Spain to Portugal as what is in effect the oldest still
existing border in Europe. Elvas helped to sustain the independence of Portugal, the only
Iberian country to do so in the face of the Spanish unification. In the 17th century Elvas became
known as 'the Key to the Kingdom' because it was located at a natural entry point in a region
that formed the theatre of war par excellence in the military history of Portugal.
The uniqueness of Elvas lies in the fact that the whole town was tied to its military importance.
Due to its geographic and orographic importance it adapted itself throughout the centuries to
become a garrison including many barracks and other military-related buildings and an
impressive system of outer works. The field entrenchment is of an unusual size. It represents a
synthesis of the European art of war in terms of military architecture in view of the various
military engineers (especially Dutch, Italian, French and English) that contributed to the
enlargement and changes of the fortification system, especially after its establishment as a
modern state following the War of the Restoration (1641-1668). This military system was
praised by all experts and is still considered to be one of the best examples of the (Old or First)
Dutch Fortification System worldwide. The Fort of Graa in particular, already considered at
the end of the 18th century to be a masterpiece, is still considered today to be one of the best
examples of a stand-alone fort that is nevertheless linked to the fortification system of the city.
The surrounding landscape between the city and the Fort de Graa is still there in its authentic
form.
The urban fabric of the city itself is also a unique document evidencing the evolution of an
urban centre of a garrison town, adapting itself to its defence needs over a thousand-year
period. Its urban form continued to adapt itself to modern defensive systems right up to
modern times. Elvas was the headquarters of dozens of military units from the 17th century to
14
the present day, leaving behind a very rich historic military, tangible and intangible, heritage of
the highest value. Elvas was and is therefore a frontier garrison town, where civil and military
always co-existed, and has come down to us with an impressive degree of integrity and
conservation, including even the glacis, where practically nothing has been destroyed or
substantially altered by urban development.
The heritage value of the civil and religious architecture of Elvas complement its military
architecture. This perfect ensemble delighted those that travelled through the city, in time both
of peace and war, leaving behind their impressions in a rich travel literature, from the time of
the Romans to the great writers of the 19th century.
The city of Elvas is a testimony of the history of Portugal, of a city that adapted itself to the
changing fortification systems. The building of the city and the experiments in fortifications
systems made there influenced many other cities; within its typology it is a document of
exceptional universal value. It represents par excellence a city that was always meant to be a
bulwark against the invaders, adapting itself to the landscape in which it existed, an
unbreakable fortified system that at the same time included a good quality historic town.
For all the reasons given, within its typology, it is a document of exceptional universal value.
Criteria under which property is nominated

(itemize criteria)
Criterion (i): represent a masterpiece of human creative genius.
Justification:
a) The mathematical precision with which the Dutch Jesuit Cosmander applied Samuel
Marolois's maxims and fortification tables to an orographically completely irregular context;
Marolois's treatise, together with those of Simon Stevin and Adam Fritach, launched the Dutch
School of fortification worldwide; Elvas is the best example of its kind to survive to this day.
b) Fort of Santa Luzia is paradigmatic of the highly functional character of bulwarked military
architecture, in sacrificing a perfect - and redundant -geometric regularity in order to maximize
the military effectiveness of the territorial defensive system to which it belongs.
c) The excellence of design and construction of the Fort of Graa, in a situation also
conditioned strongly by its location and available space. At the end of the 18th century,
experienced European military men already thought so, among them Christian, Prince of
Waldeck (Principality of Germany), engaged with the post of Marshal, on 10 March 1797 to
assist the Commander-in-Chief of the Portuguese army. From his journey of inspection made
in 1798, the following reference to the fort remains: The fort continues to be a masterpiece of
fortification, incorporating all the skill and art available at the time ().
15
Criterion (ii): exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time
or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or
technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design.
Justification:
a) A thousand years of fortification created a whole landscape that remains intact and well
conserved, even outside the ramparts, to an unparalleled extent, and has not been affected by
urban expansion.
b) One of the most important peculiarities of Elvas is that it was designed as a frontier fortress-
city (garrison town in the Modern Age) with the resulting architectural, urban and social
consequences.
Criterion (iv): be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or

technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in
human history.
Justification:
a) Elvas is the largest complex of dry-ditched bulwarked land fortifications in the world
surviving to the present day.
b) The bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre are the best extant evidence of the Old
Dutch Method of fortification in the world.
c) Fort of Santa Luzia is paradigmatic of the highly functional character of bulwarked military
d) The excellence of design and construction of the Fort of Graa, in a situation also
Name and contact information of official local institution/agency
Organization:
Municpio de Elvas - Comisso de Candidatura das Fortificaes de Elvas a Patrimnio Mundial
Address:
Cmara Municipal de Elvas
Apartado 70 * 7350-953 ELVAS
Tel: 268 639 740

Fax: 268 629 060
E-mail: candidaturas@cm-elvas.pt
Web address: http://www.cm-elvas.pt/ 16
1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY
17
1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY

1. a COUNTRY
- Portugal
1. b PROVINCE
- Alentejo
1.c NAME OF PROPERTY

- THE GARRISON BORDER TOWN OF ELVAS AND ITS
FORTIFICATIONS
1.d GEOGRAPHICAL COORDINATES TO THE NEAREST SECOND

- Castle's homage tower:
N 38 52' 57.413"
W 7 09' 51.822"
1.e MAPS AND PLANS SHOWING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE PROPERTY

AND ITS PROTECTION ZONE
The following is an index of maps and plans presented under this item:
Fig. 1.e.1 Location of Elvas on the map of Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula
Fig. 1.e.2 Fortifications of Elvas. General plan
Fig. 1.e.3 Fortifications of Elvas. Protection zones
Fig. 1.e.4 Fortifications of Elvas. Boundaries of the nominated property and of its buffer zone
Fig. 1.e.4 A Fortifications of Elvas. Nominated zone , buffer zone boundary and existing protection zones
Fig. 1.e.5 Fortifications of Elvas. Castle plan at the level of the wall-walk
Fig. 1.e.6 Fortifications of Elvas. Location plan of the medieval Muslim walls
Fig. 1.e.6.1 Fortifications of Elvas. Survey of the medieval city walls, of Muslim origin, as they are seen today
Fig. 1.e.7 Fortifications of Elvas. Bulwarked fortifications of the historic centre
Fig. 1.e.8 Location of buildings with a military function in the historic centre
Fig. 1.e.9 Fort of Santa Luzia. Plan
Fig. 1.e.10 Fort of Graa. Plan at the level of the covered way
Fig. 1.e.11 Fortlet of So Mamede. Plan
Fig. 1.e.12 Fortlet of So Pedro. Plan
Fig. 1.e.13 Fortlet of So Domingos or of Piedade. Plan
Fig. 1.e.14 Location of religious buildings in the historic centre
18
ESPANHA
PORTO
PORTUGAL
NISA
LISBOA
CASTELO DE VIDE
GAVIO MARVO
CRATO
PORTALEGRE
PONTE DE SOR ALTER DO CHO
ARRONCHES
AVIS
FRONTEIRA CAMPO MAIOR
MONFORTE
SOUSEL
ELVAS
Fig. 1.e.1 - Location of Elvas on the map of Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula
19
1000m
0
20
N
Elements of the Fortification System of Elvas

Candidacy Proposal
Aqueduct
Protected spaces within the urban perimeter

Planning Charter of the Municipal Master Plan (PCMMP)
Protected area of the Pousada de Santa Luzia
Cultural space of the Fort of Graa (altitude: 350m)

(PCMMP)
21
Protection and Recovery Plan for the Historic Zone of Elvas

(PCMMP)
National Ecological Reserve
National Agricultural Reserve
Special Protection Zone of Religious Buildings
Fig. 1.e.3 Fortifications of Elvas.

Protection zones
0 500 m
22
22A
Fig. 1.e.5 - Fortifications of Elvas. Castle plan at the level of the wall-walk
23
Fig. 1.e.6 - Fortifications of Elvas. Location plan of the medieval Muslim walls. Excerpt of a 1942 city plan (CME)
24
25
Fig. 1.e.6.1 - Fortifications of Elvas. Survey of the medieval city walls,
of Muslim origin, as they are seen today
Castle
1st Medieval City Wall
2nd Medieval City Wall
Note: Te third wall of Christian origin was demolished in order to have the
bulwarked fortification built in its place
26
Fig. 1.e.7 - Fortifications of Elvas. Bulwarked fortifications of the historic centre
Bulwarked Fortifications
27

Fig. 1.e.8 - Location of buildings with a military function in the historic centre
1- Military Bakery 2 - Military Hospital 3 - General Auditor's Office

4 - Aqueduct / Fort's Cistern and its fountains 5 - Retired Men's Barracks
6 - Old Convent of So Paulo Barrack / Old Military Detention Centre
7 - Corner Gate Powder-magazine 8 - Conceio Powder-magazine
9 - Trem Building 10 - War Council 11 - Pontoon Storage Warehouse
12 - Rua dos Quartis Barracks 13 - Santa Barbara Powder-magazine
14 - Command-Headquarters 15 - So Joo da Corujeira Barracks
16 - English Military Cemetery 17 - Military Museum of Elvas
(Old Infantry Regiment no.8 Barrack) 18 - Engineers' Guardhouse
100m
0
Fig. 1.e.9 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Plan
28
0 250 m
Fig. 1.e.10 Fort of Graa. Plan at the level of the covered way
29
25 m
0
Fig. 1.e.11 Fortlet of So Mamede. Plan
30
25 m
0
Fig. 1.e.12 Fortlet of So Pedro. Plan
31
25 m
0
Fig. 1.e.13 Fortlet of So Domingos or of Piedade. Plan
32
N
33
Special Protection Zone
1- Convent of So Joo de Deus 2 - Station of the Cross of Largo da

Misericrdia 3 - Calvary 4 - Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Dores
5 -Station of the Cross of Largo do Hospital 6 - Church and Hospital of
Misericrdia (Museum of Contemporary Art) 7 - Convent of So Paulo
8 -Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceio 9 - Church of So
Martinho 10-Station of the Cross of Rua Andr Gonalves
11 - Episcopal Hall 12 -Church of the Old Convent of the Dominicans
(of Nossa Senhora da Conceio) 13 - Church of Nossa Senhora da
Assuno (Cathedral) 14 - Church of Nossa Senhora da Alcaova
15 - Chapel of So Joo Baptista or of Corujeira 16 - Church of
Terceiros of the Order of St. Francis 17 - Convent of Nossa Senhora
da Conceio ofhe Xabregana Sisters or of Santa Clara
18 - Church of So Pedro 19 - Church of So Loureno or of All
Hallows 20 - Convent of So Domingos 21 - School of the Jesuit

College (or of So Tiago) 22 - Station of the Cross of Rua de Olivena
23 - Station of the Cross of Rua de Alcamim
1.f AREA OF THE CANDIDATE PROPERTY (ha)

AND OF ITS PROTECTION ZONE
Area of candidate property: 85.7619 ha

Area of protection zone: 368 ha
NOMINATED PROPERTY
Component Name of the component part Coordinate of the central point of Area of Area
(ha)
Amoreira Aqueduct 385240.82N / 71020.93 W 7 504 m
1 (in total length)
c. 0.8148 ha
(nominated area)
2 Historic Centre 385250.23N / 70947.96 W 66.8494 ha
Fort of Santa Luzia 385222.63N / 70929.79 W 5.4081 ha

3
(between 2 and 3) 368 ha
Fort of Graa 385340.62N / 70951.01 W 11.2544 ha
4
5 Fortlet of So Mamede 385216.34N / 70916.80 W 0.4010 ha
34
2. DESCRIPTION
35
2. DESCRIPTION
2. a. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY
The fortifications of the city of Elvas have their origins in the Arab period; these were
substantially upgraded during the Christian period up until the 16th century. From this
medieval military architectural period all that remains is the castle (Fig. 2.a.1) and the two city
walls, known as the Muslim walls.
In the 17th century, and as a consequence of the War of the Restoration (1641-1668), a
third medieval wall, the Fernandina, constructed in the period between 1340 and 1369 --
and of which we have as testimony the beautiful drawings by Duarte de Armas (circa 1509)
(Figs. 2.a.1.2.16 and 17) - was demolished to provide building material for the imposing
bulwarked fortification of the historic centre (construction: 1643-1653) (Fig. 2.a.2).
The advances in artillery and actual experience with the Battle of the Lines of Elvas
(1659) demanded that all risings that surrounded the city be strategically occupied by forts
and fortlets, thus forcing the enemy that lay siege to the city to considerably disperse its
forces and not directly threaten the city in its first approach-trench. Whence the creation of the
entrenchment field which is still in existence today (Fig. 2.a.3), also known as the Lines of
Elvas since the aforementioned battle. This system is further fortified by the fortifications of
the historic centre, which also includes the Fort of Santa Lzia (construction: 1641-1648)
(Fig. 2.a.4), the Fort of Graa (construction: 1763 beginning of the 19th century) (Fig. 2.a.5)
and three of the four fortlets that were built in the beginning of the 19th century, in the form that
they present today: Fortlet of So Mamede, Fortlet of So Pedro and Fortlet of So Domingos
or of Piedade (Fig. 2.a.6, 7 and 8).
In addition to the fortified system, the historic centre presents a monumental richness in
buildings that are mainly of a military function and attest to the uniqueness of this city. The
complete urban fabric of the city was designed as an enormous garrison that defended the
main natural entry point into Portuguese territory.
36
Fig. 2.a.1 - Fortifications of Elvas. Aerial view photograph of the castle area
37
Fig. 2.a.2 - Fortifications of Elvas. Aerial photograph of the bulwarked fortifications of the historic centre
38
Fig. 2.a.3 - Aerial view photograph of the fortifications of Elvas in its entirety and its setting
39
Fig. 2.a.4 - Fortifications of Elvas. Aerial view photograph of Fort of Santa Luzia
40
Fig. 2.a.5 - Fortifications of Elvas. Aerial view photograph of Fort of Graa
41
Fig. 2.a.6 - Fortifications of Elvas. Aerial view photograph of Fortlet of So Mamede
Fig. 2.a 7 - Fortifications of Elvas. Aerial view photograph of Fortlet of So Pedro
42
Fig. 2.a.8 - Fortifications of Elvas. Aerial view photograph of Fortlet of So Domingos or of Piedade
43
2.a.1 FORTIFICATIONS OF THE HISTORIC CENTRE
44
2.a.1.1 CASTLE
45
2.a.1 FORTIFICATIONS OF THE HISTORIC CENTRE
2.a.1.1 CASTLE
The castle (Fig. 2.a.1.1.1 and 2) was built on the site with the highest elevation
(345.7m) (Fig. 2.a.1.1.3). On this rising the city of Elvas originated and grew. This place
became known as Costa da Vila-Fria. It is made up of four walls perpendicular to the ground
that define, in plan, an irregular quadrilateral polygon.
The main town gate was opened in the SW wall (Fig. 2.a.1.1.4), between the homage
tower and the turret whose function is also the defence of this same gate. The courtyard,
which exhibits the springers of older constructions, displays the cistern, with a rectangular
mouth, in the S area, and the alcaidaria (military governor's house) (Fig. 2.a.1.1.5 to 7),
abutted on the NE wall; this building, consisting of two storeys, was the residence of the
alcaide-mor (governor) of Elvas until the 16th century1. After the War of the Restoration military
governors administered the city; here is where the reception and the IPPAR store are (Fig.
2.a.1.1.8); abutted, to the SE, is the small building of the old kitchen.
In the courtyard there is also the access to the wall-walk and towers, which is through a
stairway that abuts the NW wall, and is protected by a covered roof of tiled construction (Fig.
2.a.1.1.9). It exhibits, on the wall facing the courtyard, three simple gun loops, a window and
an arrow slit. In the interior of this construction, a descending road gives access to the sally
port, consisting of a gothic arch that opens up in the NW wall, next to the N tower (Fig.
2.a.1.1.10).
The NW wall-walk (Fig. 2.a.1.1.11) has a protecting wall and large battlements with
some observation slits at the base. The total thickness of the wall next to the wall-walk is
3.53m, it being the thickest of all of them.
The homage tower (Fig. 2.a.1.1.12) exhibits a rectangular plan and has large
battlements with some observation slits at the base. The tower covers the W angle of the
castle, the NW wall-walk intercommunicates with the SW wall-walk through an inner passage;
this passageway is tunnel vaulted, and also has an entry doorway with a gothic arch in the first
room of the tower; this room has a rectangular plan, displaying four rectangular shaped arrow
slits (Fig. 2.a.1.1.13); the ceiling has a groin vault with crossed ribs in a slight gothic arch, with
the keystone in the shape of a flower and a grotesque face in each of the angles of the
keystone (Fig. 2.a.1.1.14). The entry to the top room of the tower is through a door with a
pointed arch and up two flights of stairs; the ceiling is tunnel vaulted. The room has a regular
plan, with three rounded arrow slits, a window and a small stairway that leads to the roof
terrace (Fig. 2.a.1.1.15); the ceiling has a wooden rafter supporting the hip-tiled roof.
1
KEIL, Lus - Inventrio Artstico do Distrito de Portalegre, Academia Nacional de Belas Artes, Lisbon, 1943, p. 54.
46
The SW wall-walk (Fig. 2.a.1.1.16) is paved in stones and protected by a small low wall;
it also has high battlements. This wall-walk, from the NW to the SE, gives access, in the first
place, to battlements supported on corbels over the town gate, and then to the turret that
flanks the same gate, with slightly larger battlements; at the end of the wall-walk there is an
entry to the roof terrace of the polygonal loophole turret (Fig. 2.a.1.1.17) that covers the S
angle. This roof terrace has very large battlements that surround the extrados of the vault of
the turret that terminates in a light and ventilation shaft, used for admitting light as well as a
ventilator to eliminate the fumes produced by the discharges of firearms. The entrance to this
transitional fortification is today situated on the side facing the SE wall (Fig. 2.a.1.1.18); in the
exterior, there are nine sides, displaying two levels of firing platforms, in a total of twelve
simple gun loops; the loopholes on the top platform were covered up by the construction of the
aforementioned vault, which is hemispherical and for this reason of a later construction; the
great vault is laid on a circular wall abutting the original, rising over a bracket; the gun loops
have, in the interior, wide openings opening out to the exterior and segmental arch ceilings.
The SE wall-walk is paved in stone, the small, low protective wall and the very large
battlements (2.55m), with 0.50m openings, have some observation slits; the upper part of the
NE, gives access to the wall-walk of the NE wall, after three small flights of descending stairs.
The NE wall-walk is behind the alcaidaria. It has a small low, protective wall by the
house wall and by the wall that faces the exterior, with very large battlements; in the exterior of
this wall there are remains of a support structure and of an old alcaidaria terrace (Fig.
2.a.1.1.19); at the far end of NW wall, and following a small flight of stairs, there is a
construction, with a hemispherical cupola, that protects the entry to the winding staircase
giving access to the exterior.
Next to the N angle of the castle, already in the NW wall, there is a square plan tower,
paved in bricks, with a flat parapet covered in bricks and a masonry bench. Along the NW
wall-walk, from NE to SW, there is, to the left, a raised cistern, which looks like a protruding
turret inside the courtyard; it uses a system for collecting rainwater and has a pentagonal
mouth (Fig. 2.a.1.1.20). To the right, the wall-walk has masonry benches and flower tubs and
gives access, a little farther up, to a rectangular plan turret (Fig. 2.a.1.1.21), paved in stones,
with flat parapets covered in bricks; this is the end of the homage tower wall-walk.
47
Fig. 2.a.1.1.1 - Castle view from Fort of Graa
Fig. 2.a.1.1.2 - Castle. Section of the wall displaying the town gate
48
Fig. 2.a.1.1.3 - Castle. Location on military map
Fig. 2.a.1.1.4 - Castle. Town gate
49
Fig. 2.a.1.1.5 - Castle. Interior with alcaidaria (military governor's house)
Fig. 2.a.1.1.6 - Castle. Back windows of the alcaidaria
50
Fig. 2.a.1.1.7 - Castle. Alcaidaria. Ground floor
Fig. 2.a.1.1.8 - Castle. Alcaidaria. Upper floor (IGESPAR store)
51
Fig. 2.a.1.1.9 - Castle. Construction that protects the access to the wall-walks
Fig. 2.a.1.1.10 - Castle. Sally port seen from the exterior
52
Fig. 2.a.1.1.11 - Castle. NW wall-walk
Fig. 2.a.1.1.12 - Castle. Homage tower
53
Fig. 2.a.1.1.13 - Castle. Homage tower. Room at the same level of the wall-walk
Fig. 2.a.1.1.14 - Castle. Homage tower. Vault of the room at the same level of the wall-walk
54
Fig. 2.a.1.1.15 - Castle. Homage tower. Room next to the roof terrace
Fig. 2.a.1.1.16 - Castle. SW wall-walk Fig. 2.a.1.1.17 - Castle. Roof terrace of the polygonal loophole
turret
55
Fig. 2.a.1.1.18 - Castle. Polygonal loophole turret. Gate Fig. 2.a.1.1.19 - Castle. NE wall/back of the alcaidaria
Fig. 2.a.1.1.20 - Castle. NW wall-walk. Raised cistern
56
2.a.1.2 CITY WALLS AND CURTAINS
57
2.a.1.2 CITY WALLS AND CURTAINS
2.a.1.2.1 FIRST MUSLIM WALL
The Elvas city walls delimit comprehensive spaces, in roughly circular sectors having
as their centre the castle (Fig.1. e. 6). The first of them, of Arab construction, is limited by the
present day streets: Rua Martim Mendes, Largo das Portas do Sol, Ladeira and Beco das
Freiras, Largo de Santa Clara and Caladinha do Castelo. Concealed and absorbed by the
houses, one can readily observe:
- The connection to the E angle of the Castle, displaying the first turret (Fig. 2.a.1.2.1).
- The rough-hewn Miradeiro or Malheiro Arch (Rua Martim Mendes) (Fig. 2.a.1.2.2).
This 2.56m wide gate, demolished in 1887 (Fig. 2.a.1.2.3), had a horseshoe arch. The
complex of which it is part exhibits 10th century characteristics2.
- Two turrets visible from Rua Martim Mendes, the first, where the street comes to a
dead end. The second, was rehabilitated and is now part of the building of the Lar Jlio
Alcntara Botelho (Figs. 2.a.1.2.4 and 5).
- The Templo Gates, next to the Tempre Arch (Fig. 2.a.1.2.6), 2.30m wide, situated in
Largo de Santa Clara, with a turret further up (Fig. 2.a.1.2.7).
In addition to the visible present day towers, there is a third tower, drawn on a 19383 and
1942 (Fig.1.e.6) city plan, which would have been situated between the Templo Gates and the
Miradeiro Arch.
2.a.1.2.2 SECOND MUSLIM WALL
The second Muslim wall, much rehabilitated at different times, is delimited by the
present day streets: Cano (or S da Bandeira), Braz Coelho, Cadeia and Joo Pereira de
Abreu. Abutting the houses, the wall and its four turrets are visible as one ascends Rua do
Cano (Fig. 2.a.1.2.8):
- Quadrangular turret that supports the bell tower of So Pedro's Church.
- Quadrangular turret, of a smaller plan, followed by another, similar, but of larger
dimensions.
- Straight gorge turret, displaying an eight-sided faade; at its base one can discern the
Nossa Senhora da Encarnao Gate or New Gate (Fig. 2.a.1.2.9), which is 2.61m wide and
has a round arch. On its rear wall there is a niche containing a statue of the Virgin.
2
TORRES, Claudio and MACIAS, Santiago O Legado Islmico em Portugal, Circulo dos Leitores, s.l., 1988, p. 129.
3
Biblioteca Municipal de Elvas, Planta da Cidade de Elvas, 1938, scale 1:2000, drawing by 2 Sargento Direitinho, updated by Capito Gonalves.
58
In Rua da Cadeia (Prison Street), one can see, from E to W:

- The Republic Square (Praa) Gate, which is 3.07m wide and has a gothic arch (Fig.
2.a.1.2.10).
- Remains of a rectangular plan turret (Fig. 2.a.1.2.11).
- The Prison Tower or Fernandina (Fig. 2.a.1.2.12).
In Rua Joo Pereira Abreu one can see the Bishop's Arch, which is 5.80m wide and has
a round arch (Fig. 2.a.1.2.13); the wall that is to the N of this arch (Fig. 2.a.1.2.14) connects to
a turret (Fig. 2.a.1.2.15).
There are also two more gates that we know of that are no longer in existence. These
are the Santiago Gate, to the SW, and the Ferrada Gate, towards the E4.
In addition to the above-mentioned towers, visible from the streets that surround them,
there are also drawings of other towers in the already cited city plans of 1938 and 1942(Fig.
1.e.6). There are three more towers or simple orthogonal inflections in the wall before the
Encarnao Gate, another two towers between this last gate and Rua da Carreira, two others
between this last street and Fernandina Tower, and two more between the Bishop's Arch and
the Rua dos Quartis (Barracks Street). The remains of these last two towers, which were
rehabilitated, can be observed as one goes along what remains of the wall. This wall leads into
the old War Council building (Figs. 2.a.2.16 and 17).
2.a.1.2.3 FERNANDINA WALL
As was mentioned in the introduction to this chapter, the Fernandina wall was the last
wall to be built during the Middle Ages, between the reigns of King Afonso IV and King
Fernando. However, and curiously, it was the wall that least resisted time, since in its place
and with the help of its building material the bulwarked fortifications were constructed. Of the
imposing construction of 22 towers, 11 gates and corresponding walls (Fig. 2.a.1.2.18 and
19), there only remain some fragments of the walls and some turrets, which are difficult to
identify. The more evident ones are the following:
- Rectangular plan turret situated at the gorge of the Old Gate Bulwark, a part of the old
Infantry Regiment no. 8 (RI8) (Fig. 2.a.1.2.20).
- Curiously, there is still a cruciform loophole (Fig. 2.a.1.2.21) opening in the wall that is
protected by the straight orillion, or shoulder, of the above-mentioned bulwark, as well as a
gothic arch gate, walled in, which was probably the Bath Gate or the Old Gate (Fig. 2.a.1.2.22)
of the Fernandina wall. This is the most visible proof that the bulwarked fortification was
integrated into the Fernandina wall. Above the loophole and the gate there is a gun-casemate.
Probably this gate was given the name of Bath Gate or Ferrada, taken from the second
4
TORRES, Claudio and MACIAS, Santiago O Legado Islmico em Portugal, Circulo dos Leitores, s.l., 1988, p. 129.
59
Muslim wall, when it was eliminated. It was modified into the postern gate of the
bulwarked fortification; it was protected and hidden from view by a low traverse of rectangular
plan. Through this postern it was possible to make a quick sortie to defend, with the infantry,
the So Vicente Gate.
- Embattled turret situated inside the bulwark of So Joo de Deus (Fig. 2.a.1.2.23).
2.a.1.2.4 BULWARKED FORTIFICATIONS
After a two-year period (1641-1642) when the walls and medieval towers were
rehabilitated to withstand the Spanish attacks during the War of Restoration, the bulwarked
fortifications of the city began to be erected definitively in 1643. In 1644, when the city was
besieged for the first time by the Spanish army, commanded by the Marquis of Torrecusa, the
fortifications withstood the siege, although they were still far from completion. The Count of
Ericeira wrote: When the Marquis of Torrecusa reached the fortifications, they were only in the
early stages of construction5.
Following the interruption of 1644, the fortification was eventually concluded in 1653,
resulting in the magistral line, which largely coincided with the Fernandina walls (Fig. 1. e. 7).
The military map of the Battle of the Lines of Elvas (1659), drawn by the Military Engineer
Pierre Saint-Colombe6, shows the bulwarked fortification already enclosed (Fig. 2.a.1.2.24).
Two of its gates are dated, or at least display a date: the So Vicente Gate (1644) (Figs.
2.a.1.2.25 and 26) and that of Olivena (1685) (Figs. 2.a.1.2.27 and 28). For the construction
of this colossal fortification, it was necessary to demolish, though difficult to do, the towers and
walls of older city walls in order to fortify it as it appears today7.
These fortifications resulted in twelve fronts8 inserted in an irregular polygon, roughly in
the form of a circular sector with its centre in the zone further north (castle zone), and with a
maximum radius of 965m. The longest distance between two points of the fortification is
1385m, in the E/W direction. Starting the description from the main gate, that of Olivena the
last gate to close at night9 -, we have, in a clockwise direction:
- Olivena Gate, in the curtain of the 1st front, toward the S, with a simple ravelin that
includes the outer gate.
- Bulwark of Olivena, of So Pedro or of Morteiros, with counterguard (2 faces and 1
flank) in the SW face (Fig. 2.a.1.2.29).
5
Third Count of Ericeira, D. Lus de Menezes (1632-1690) Histria de Portugal Restaurado, 2 vols., Lisbon, 1679, p.478.
6
This military map, which is in the Municipal Library of Elvas, was published in MARINHO, Alberto de Oliveira A Gloriosa Batalha das Linhas
de Elvas, Elvas, 1991.
7
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa 73, Nmero 11 (1875), Relatrio sobre a defesa da Praa de Elvas feito pelo seu actual
governador, o General da Brigada Francisco Xavier Lopes.
8
A front was considered to be, any set of two bulwarks, half-bulwarks or redan connected to a curtain. See Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9
Seco, Caixa 73, Nmero 11 (1875), Relatrio sobre a defesa da Praa de Elvas feito pelo seu actual governador, o General de Brigada Francisco
Xavier Lopes.
9
It was thus in 1875. See Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa 73, Nmero 11 (1875), Relatrio sobre a defesa da Praa de Elvas
feito pelo seu actual governador, o General de Brigada Francisco Xavier Lopes.
60
- Curtain with postern gate.

- Bulwark of So Joo de Deus, with cavalier (Fig. 2.a.1.2.30).
- Curtain with postern gate and abutted inside by a cistern.
- Cascalho Redan with counterguard, partly protecting the latter curtain with the cistern
and the corresponding face of the redan.
- Curtain with Corner or vora Gate (Fig. 2.a.1.2.31) and simple ravelin with outer gate.
- Bulwark of Nossa Senhora da Conceio [or Forca (Gallows), or Armazn Antigo da
Plvora (Old Gunpowder Storage Warehouse)] (Fig. 2.a.1.2.32) with three casemated
embrasures and counterguard.
- Curtain with postern.
- Half-bulwark of Trem or of Cesto da Gvea10 (Fig. 2.a.1.2.33).
- Prncipe half-bulwark.
- Curtain.
- Bulwark of Castle or of Santa Brbara (Fig. 2.a.1.2.34).
- Curtain.
- Half-bulwark of So Joo da Corujeira (Fig. 2.a.1.2.35), with three sets of echeloned
embrasures.
- Curtain with So Vicente Gate and simple ravelin (Fig. 2.a.1.2.36) with outer gate.
- Bulwark of the Old Gate with straight orillion or shoulder toward the N.
- Crown work11 (Fig. 2.a.1.2.37) comprising one bulwark between two half-bulwarks and
a simple ravelin that protects the NE curtain; the gorge, over the flanked angle of the bulwark of
the Old Gate, is protected by a simple ravelin toward the N.
- E counterguard of the bulwark of the Old Gate.
- Curtain with postern gate12.
- Bulwark of Casaro, with cavalier (Fig. 2.a.1.2.38 and 39), protected by three
counterguards.
- Curtain with postern gate and simple ravelin (or lunette or entrenched place of arms).
- Half-bulwark of So Domingos.
- Curtain with postern gate and simple ravelin in front of the postern gate.
- Bulwark of the Place of Arms or Parade, with cavalier (Fig. 2.a.1.2.40).
10
This half bulwark would have originally been a redan like that of Cascalho, being modified to its present form between 1699 and 1755 (Plan of Miguel Lus
Jacob) (DSE/GEAEM, drawing No. 1609, version 1A/13/17).
11
This work would have been projected by Nicolau de Langres. See MORGADO, Amilcar A defesa da fronteira terrestre, Histria das Fortifications
Portuguesas no Mundo, Dir. Rafael Moreira, Alfa, Lisbon, 1989, p.217.
12
This postern gate was already built in the 20th century by the Military that occupied the zone, according to information researched from the Municipality of
Elvas.
61
Fig. 2.a.1.2.1 - First Muslim wall, with turret, connected to the castle
Fig. 2.a.1.2.2 - First Muslim wall. Miradeiro Arch
Fig. 2.a.1.2.3 - First Muslim wall. Miradeiro Arch, in horseshoe form, prior to its demolition in 1887
62
Fig. 2.a.1.2.4 - First Muslim wall. Turret seen from Rua Martim Mendes
Fig. 2.a.1.2.5 - First Muslim wall. Rehabilitated turret of

Lar Jlio Alcntara Botelho.
63
Fig. 2.a.1.2.6 - First Muslim wall. Templo Gates, with horseshoe arches, and entrance with an elbow-crookdesign
Fig. 2.a.1.2.7 - First Muslim wall. Tempre Arch
64
Fig. 2.a.1.2.8 - Second Muslim wall. Location of turrets
Fig. 2.a.1.2.9 - Second Muslim wall. Gate of Nossa Senhora da Encarnao or New Gate
65
Fig. 2.a.1.2.10 - Second Muslim wall. Republic Square Gate
66
Fig. 2.a.1.2.11 - Second Muslim wall. Remains of a turret to the W of Republic Square Gate
Fig. 2.a.1.2.12 - Second Muslim wall. Prison or Fernandina Tower
67
Fig. 2.a.1.2.13 - Second Muslim wall. Bishop Arch
68
Fig. 2.a.1.2.14 - Second Muslim wall. Wall N of Bishop Arch
Fig. 2.a.1.2.15 - Second Muslim wall. Turret seen from Rua do Sineiro
69
Fig. 2.a.1.2.16 - Second Muslim wall. Remains of rehabilitated turret,

between Bishop Arch and the Rua dos Quartis
Fig. 2.a.1.2.17 - Second Muslim wall. Remains of rehabilitated turret,

between Bishop Arch and the Rua dos Quartis
70
Fig. 2.a.1.2.18 - Fernandina wall. Fortifications of Elvas seen from the S (drawings by Duarte Armas, circa 1509)
Fig. 2.a.1.2.19 - Fernandina wall. Fortifications of Elvas seen from the N (drawings by Duarte Armas, circa 1509)
71
Fig. 2.a.1.2.20 - Fernandina wall. Turret situated on the gorge of the bulwark of the Old Gate
Fig. 2.a.1.2.21 - Fernandina wall. Cruciform loophole next to what were probably the Bath or Old Gate (in the orillions of the bulwark of the Old Gate)
72
Fig. 2.a.1.2.22 - Fernandina wall. The most likely Bath or Old Gate (in the orillions of the Bulwark of the Old Gate)
Fig. 2.a.1.2.23 - Fernandina wall. Embattled turret on the inside of the bulwark of So Joo de Deus
73
Fig. 2.a.1.2.24 - Military map (1661?) of the Battle of the Lines of Elvas (1659), drawn by Pierre Sainte Colombe, National Library of Lisbon
74
Fig. 2.a.1.2.25 - Bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre. Outer Gate of So Vicente
Fig. 2.a.1.2.26 - Bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre.

Outer Gate of So Vicente. Small statue of military man
75
Fig. 2.a.1.2.27 - Bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre. Inner Gate of Olivena
Fig. 2.a.1.2.28 - Bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre. Outer Gate of Olivena
76
Fig. 2.a.1.2.29 - Bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre. Counterguard of Bulwark of Olivena
Fig. 2.a.1.2.30 - Bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre

Bulwark of So Joo, with cavalier
Fig. 2.a.1.2.31 - Bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre. Inner Gate of Corner or vora
77

Bulwark of Nossa Senhora da Conceio [or of Forca (Gallows)
or Antigo Armazm da Plvora (Old Gunpowder Storage Warehouse)]
Fig. 2.a.1.2.33 - Bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre. Half-bulwark of Trem or of Cesto da Gvea
Fig. 2.a.1.2.34 - Bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre. Prncipe half-bulwark and, in the background, the bulwark of the castle
78
Fig. 2.a.1.2.35 - Bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre. Half-bulwark of So Joo da Corujeira, with three sets of embrasures
Fig. 2.a.1.2.36 - Bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre. So Vicente Gate with ravelin that has the outer gate
Fig. 2.a.1.2.37 - Bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre. Crown work
79
Fig. 2.a.1.2.38 - Bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre. Cavalier of bulwark of Casaro
Fig. 2.a.1.2.40 - Bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre. Bulwark

of the Place of Arms or of the Parade, with cavalier

Cavalier of the bulwark of Casaro. Artillery piece
80
2.a.2 FORT OF SANTA LUZIA
81
2.a.2 FORT OF SANTA LUZIA
The Fort of Santa Luzia (Fig. 1. e. 9) was built between 1641 and 1648, on a
prominence (to pre-empt any siege), 410m SE of the stronghold of Elvas (Figs. 2.a.2.1. and
2). It was connected to the city through an ample covered way (Fig. 2.a.2.3), which at the
present time is crossed by the trunk road that connects Elvas to the border.
The first fortified line falls within an outer irregular polygon (octagon), the N side (facing
the city) being the largest, at around 220m in length. This first line, which comprises the
covered way, displays a tenailled plan forming a nine-pointed star (or six, if we only consider
the larger ones) with four low, round terrapleins (tambores) and two angular redoubts
protecting the re-entrant angles from the NE to the NW. The fort does not have a glacis from
the parapet of the covered way. The curtains that form this first defensive line are in view of the
campaign and have an outer scarp, which is exposed to the besieging artillery. On the N front,
the outer zone displays, to the NE, three rows of mantraps (pits) (Fig. 2.a.2.4), which also exist
to protect the low, round terrapleins, as well as the W angular redoubt. In 1821, this first line
was thus described and commented on:
This covered way is a second enclosure of wall with its terraplein and
parapet () formed by salient angles () and reentrant angles () this
covered way does not have a glacis but these dead angles are well fortified
with low, round masonry terrapleins () with three rows of pits in front of
each low, round terraplein and a row of palisades sloping inside each low,
round terraplein, having on the parapet of the vertex of each angle, two and
in some cases three embrasures that can strike the glacis that comes from
these angles from within the round terraplein () these obstacles are very
difficult to overcome ()13.
The outer gate (Fig. 2.a.2.5) is in a half-bulwark; on the N front, its W face, it gives
access to the covered way of the first ditch and to the inner gate (Fig. 2.a.2.6). This gate is
located in the curtain of the N front of the main body of the garrison, it is bulwarked, and
protected by a redan (from the first line of defence) with embrasures.
Once over the inner gate, we enter the second ditch, crossing the second fortified line
with bulwarks and their corresponding curtains. It displays four bulwarks with obtuse flanked
angles (Fig. 1. e. 9). These bulwarks are rectangular polygons with the outer sides measuring
125m by 152m and the inner ones 76m by 104m. The N and S sides are the largest. The
bulwarks have the following designations, starting from the NE bulwark and in a clockwise
direction: Santo Antnio, Santa Isabel, So Pedro and Nossa Senhora da Conceio. Each of
13
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa 67, Nmero 50 (1821). Observaes relativas Praa de Elvas de Joaquim Jos Ameida e
Freitas, Tenente Coronel do Real Corpo de Engenheiros.
82
the bulwarks that face Spain (Santa Isabel and So Pedro) exhibit, on the gorges, two
traverses, each one with its own casemated embrasure (Fig. 2.a.2.7), to be used in case their
corresponding bulwarks were destroyed or taken. It is important to note that there are three
other traverses, without embrasures, on the inner sides of the E, S, and W curtains: their main
purpose was to restrain the attackers that entered through S front bulwarks and also to
provide some protection (from the enemy artillery) for the buildings abutted to those curtains.
The military reports that refer to this situation state:
At the extreme ends of the curtain there is in each one a bombproof traverse,
lined with masonry and each one contains a covered embrasure, which is
hidden: these traverses are next to the parapet. In this curtain there is
another bombproof traverse lined with masonry, which is next to the inner
scarp of the curtain and the gunpowder-magazine14.
The E and S curtains are fortified by ravelins that are built in the ditches. The E, S and
W wings of this second ditch exhibit different constructions (Fig. 2.a.2.8, 9 and 10):
- Abutting the E curtain, a furnace and barracks were built (Fig. 2.a.2.8) for high-
ranking military men, with each unit having its own fireplace; nowadays, this is where the
tourist reception and toilets are located (Fig. 2.a.2.11).
- In the S zone (Fig. 2.a.2.9), in what appears to have been a vaulted bombproof
military storage area (and barracks?), we find today the main section of the Military Museum
(Figs. 2.a.2.12 and 13) and the access tunnel to the postern gate that leads to the first ditch
(Fig. 2.a.2.14); from this point one has access to the ravelin and covered way of the S front.
This wing displays, in the W end, a barrack that would have been used as a gunpowder-
magazine, since it features a traverse used for cover. It is followed by an older powder-
magazine that was later turned into a barrack. We gathered this information from the following
extract: A barrack was modified into a gunpowder-magazine and the original gunpowder-
magazine was transformed into a barrack, since the powder-magazine was too humid to
serve its purpose15.
- In the W ditch of the central redoubt, there are, abutted to the corresponding curtain
of that front, facilities (Fig. 2.a.2.10) in two adjoining buildings - which at the present time are
occupied by a new section of the Military Museum (Figs. 2.a.2.15 and 16) and were once
storage warehouses, perhaps also barracks and stables; also noteworthy is the existence, in
the N building, of a wide gate and of a division with a fireplace that could have been used as a
guardhouse.
14
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa 67, Nmero 50 (1821), Informao do estado em que se achava a Praa de Elvas e obras
destacadas em o 1 de Janeiro de 1821, Joaquim Jos Ameida e Freitas, Tenente Coronel do Real Corpo de Engenheiros.
15
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa 67, Nmero 30 (1814), Descrio das obras que se tm feito na Praa de Elvas depois da
primeira invaso dos franceses, Raimundo Valeriano da (?) Correia, Coronel do Real Corpo de Engenheiros.
83
- In the N ditch, at the entrance of the ditch of the central redoubt, on the E side,
there is an entrance into a tunnel (Fig. 2.a.2.17) that runs along the curtain, toward the W,
as well as the flanks and faces of the bulwark that is nearest to it (Santo Antnio). This
gallery is comprised of an incomplete countermine16 that ends up as a round compartment.
There is another entrance to the gallery in the W zone of the first ditch. We found an
interesting plan of galleries belonging to Fort of Santa Luzia. However, we were unable to
locate these (Fig. 2.a.2.32).
The wall-walk of the N curtain gives access, through an arched masonry
passageway, to the central redoubt (Fig. 2.a.2.18). This passageway would have
previously had a drawbridge. The inner gate (of the bulwarked fortification) also had a
drawbridge, of which there still remains the lifting mechanism (Fig.2.a.2.19).
It is important to note the difference in thickness of the parapets that face N, toward
the stronghold of Elvas, in relation to the others: while the ones in the covered way and the
bulwarks measure 0.60 to 0.70m, the rest are 4.60m thick. This difference would have
permitted the stronghold of Elvas to destroy the N front, in case the enemy ever occupied
the fort.
The central redoubt is rectangular in form measuring 35.8m by 44.8m, and
occupies the largest sides, the N and S fronts. It exhibits the features described below.
- On the first level, there is the opened inner courtyard (Fig. 2.a.2.20), that gives
access, from the entrance gate and in a clockwise direction: to two small divisions that
would have been used as a guardhouse (at the present time, one is a toilet); to four
compartments (Fig 2.a.2.21) with toilets; to the stairway leading to the roof terrace; to the
chapel with a 16th century vault (Fig.2.a.2.22) and to what we believe to have been the
gunpowder-magazine (Fig. 2.a.2.23) on lower ground, with an access stairway; to a
barrack with a fireplace.
- On the second level, we have: the military governor's house (Fig.2.a.2.24) that
exhibited four compartments before the last rehabilitation that modified it into a bar - the
two rectangular mouths of the two cisterns (Fig. 2.a.2.31), two circular mouths that give
access to the gunpowder-magazine, rain gutters that carried the rainwater to the cisterns,
square sentry-boxes, and the chimney of the barrack from the first level and embrasures.
- On the third level, the terrace and light and ventilation turret of the Military
Governor's house (Fig. 2.a.2.25), gives access to unusual vertical wall-stairs, with steps
built in on two front walls (Fig. 2.a.2.26); from this position one can command the whole
surrounding area of the fort (Figs 2.a.2.27 to 30).
16
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa 67, Nmero 50 (1821). Observaes relativas Praa de Elvas de Joaquim Jos Almeida e
Freitas, Tenente Coronel do Real Corpo de Engenheiros.
84
Fig. 2.a.2.1 - Fort of Santa Luzia seen from the Historic Centre of Elvas
Fig. 2.a.2.2 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Location on Military Map
85
Fig. 2.a.2.3 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Covered way between Fort of Santa Luzia and the fortifications of the Historic Centre
Fig. 2.a.2.4 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Mantraps on the N front
86
THE GARRISONDAS
CANDIDATURA BORDER TOWN OFDE
FORTIFICAS ELVAS AND
ELVAS ITS FORTIFICATIONS
A PATRIMNIO MUNDIAL
Fig. 2.a.2.5 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Outer gate
Fig. 2.a.2.6 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Inner gate
87
Fig. 2.a.2.7 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Traverses of the bulwark of So Pedro
Fig. 2.a.2.8 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Buildings in the E ditch of the central redoubt
88
Fig. 2.a.2.9 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Buildings in the S ditch of the central redoubt
Fig. 2.a.2.10 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Buildings in the W ditch of the central redoubt
Fig. 2.a.2.11 - Fort of Santa Luzia.

Furnace and tourist reception
89
Fig. 2.a.2.12 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Military Museum (main section)

Military Museum (main section)
Fig. 2.a.2.14 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Postern gate in the first ditch, to the S
90
Fig. 2.a.2.15 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Military Museum (new section)
Fig. 2.a.2.16 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Military Museum (new section)
Fig. 2.a.2.17 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Tunnel under the bulwark of Santo Antnio
91
Fig. 2.a.2.18 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Central redoubt gate Fig. 2.a.2.19 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Lifting mechanism for drawbridge
of the central redoubt's inner gate
Fig. 2.a.2.20 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Courtyard of central redoubt
Fig. 2.a.2.21 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Cell or simple latrine of the central redoubt
92
Fig. 2.a.2.23 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Chapel of Santa Luzia

Gunpowder-magazine of central redoubt
Fig. 2.a.2.24 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Military Governor's House
93
Fig. 2.a.2.25 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Fig. 2.a.2.26 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Wall-stairs that give access to
Military Governor's House light and ventilation turret the Military Governor's House light and ventilation turret
Fig. 2.a.2.27 - Fort of Santa Luzia. View from the terrace of Military Governor's House toward the NE
94
Fig. 2.a.2.28 - Fort of Santa Luzia. View from the terrace of the Military Governor's House toward the SE
Fig. 2.a.2.29 - Fort of Santa Luzia. View from the terrace of the Military Governor's House toward the SW
Fig. 2.a.2.30 - Fort of Santa Luzia. View from the terrace of the Military Governor's House toward the NW
95
Fig. 2.a.2.31 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Plans and profiles of the two cisterns
Fig. 2.a.2.32 - Fort of Santa Luzia: countermine galleries, n.d.

(DSE/GEAM, drawing No. 10736, version 2A/29/41)
96
2.a.3 FORT OF GRAA
97
2.a.3 FORT OF GRAA
This imposing work of military architecture (Fig. 1.e.10) began construction in 1763 on
Monte da Graa17, on a prominence 1063m N of the city of Elvas, at an altitude of 404m (Figs.
2.a.3.1 and 2). It was named La Lippe or Nossa Senhora da Graa18; it is comprised of three
main defence lines with two main ditches. The first line of defence has a tenaille outline; it
possesses a small ditch, which includes the covered way (Fig. 2.a.3.3), with embrasures and
traverses (Fig. 2.a.3.4), banquettes (firing steps) and parapets for the firing of rifles on the
glacis. It includes four ravelins: to the N, the ravelin of So Domingos, to the E, the ravelin of
Estao, to the S, the ravelin of Salvas (Fig. 2. a.3.5), and the W, the ravelin of Santo Amaro.
These ravelins, of bulwark form, defended the curtains of the second line of defence. To the N,
defending the corresponding front of the bulwarks, this first line of defence involves a long
branched hornwork (or horneveque) (Fig.2.a.3.6) with a retrenchment (inner line) and a
ravelin with a cavalier; located in front of it is another ravelin the Horneveque ravelin on
lower ground. In front of this hornwork, the glacis has mantraps (Fig.2.a.3.7). In the W zone of
the hornwork, in the first line of defence, there is an underground stairway that gives access to
the Fonte do Marechal, on the glacis (Fig. 2.a.3.8).
Under the covered way and the ravelins, there is a gallery of barracks with iron gates
and openings facing the ditch (Fig.2.a.3.9 and 10). The S ravelin ravelin of Salvas has, in its
SE face, an outer gate (Dragon Gate) (Fig. 2.a.3.11 and 12), decorated with warlike motifs,
among them a dragon, and several facilities in its interior that include the guardhouse (Fig.
2.a.3.13). This ravelin exhibits, in the terraplein, on the SE side, small compartments protected
by masonry that would have formed the powder-magazines of the corresponding battery (Fig.
2. a.3.14); such structures can also be found in many other similar contexts.
The first ditch, measuring around 22m in width and located in front of the inner gate19, is
crossed by a passageway atop masonry arches (Fig.2.a.3.15). Its upper part once had a
drawbridge, which has now been replaced by a concrete slab. Upon entering the inner gate
(Fig.2.a.3.16 and 17), of the bulwarked fortification, we penetrate into the second fortified line.
There are several divisions on either side of the gate: descending stairs to the E and W, to
three other divisions of circular plan (Fig.2.a.3.18) on either side. In front of the gate are stairs
going up to the N and to the second ditch, or the central redoubt (Fig.2.a.3.19 and 20). This
second line is comprised of four bulwarks connected to the curtains, whose names are,
starting from the inner gate in a clockwise direction: Santo Amaro, Malefa, Badajoz or Estao
and Cidade. These bulwarks are rectangular polygons with outer sides measuring 143.5m by
146m and inner sides measuring 98.5m by 100m, the largest being the E and W sides. We can
17
Where the small Chapel of Our Lady of Grace was located, later demolished when the fort was built.
18
Named first Fort La Lippe, it was later changed to Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graa during the reign of D. Maria.
19
Measurements taken from the General Plan, scale 1:500, P.M. No.1, n.d., D.A.E.1/0.2, by Francisco S. Valente (the plan is in the Elvas Town Hall).
98
conclude that polygons were, intentionally, square. Both the curtains and the S front
bulwarks, have, at their base level, inner galleries that were barracks (Fig. 2.a.3.21 and 22).
Like the barracks of the counterscarp, these also have openings facing the ditch, meeting
three objectives: lighting, ventilation, and protection against fusillade from the ditch, although
(in the last-mentioned case) not very efficiently, due to the low angle of the shot, especially in
regard to the openings of the barracks from the bulwarks and curtains. It is important to note
that these openings are very small: they are narrow slits, the distance between the gallery and
the opening is long and the angle made by the sloping side too acute, from top to bottom. We
can conclude that these openings had a more defensive rather than offensive purpose, given
their reduced flanking power, designed especially for ventilation and lighting of the barracks;
the openings of the counterscarp have a greater capacity for flanking the ditch, even though
their design does not make them very effective for this function either.
Entry to the barracks of the bulwarked fortifications, is through two postern gates
(Fig.2.a.3.21) one in each curtain, protected by an elliptical oculus which is opened at the base
of the flanks of the corresponding bulwarks, also sloping from top to bottom, protecting the
galleries from the firing coming from the covered way. Besides their more than evident
purpose of providing light and ventilation, they also allowed the firing of small arms on the ditch
and the vicinity of the postern gates. Access to the galleries is also through the corridors
located in the capitals of the bulwark and the corridors perpendicular to the curtains. In the
case of the S front bulwarks, the corridors of the capitals (Fig. 2.a.3.23) lead into
compartmented areas, which are vaulted with a large central pillar, and where very safe and
bombproof powder-magazines (Fig. 2.a.3.24) were to be found. Barracks for the officers
(Fig.2.a.3.25) were built in the terraplein of the bulwarks, their construction date unknown. The
barracks from the flanks have three compartments, with a fireplace in the main compartment;
the embrasures under these barracks are walled in. In 1827, perhaps when they were built,
plans and profiles were drawn (Fig.2.a.3.37). We also know that, in 185220, some of the
officers' barracks from the flanks and faces of the bulwarks are in ruins and in great need of
immediate repair in order to be habitable21.
The second ditch, smaller in width than the first (measuring around 6.8m), surrounds
the central redoubt. Several buildings, with different purposes, are built in this ditch. These
buildings are leaning against the terraplein, in the intercepting zones of the curtains, to the NW,
NE, SE and SW.
The central redoubt (Fig.2.a.3.26), of octagonal plan, has, under the first floor, a cistern
with eight intercommunicating reservoirs (Fig.2.a.3.27). The first floor is crossed by two
enormous corridors with a tunnel vault, decorated with rectangles and circles in slight relief
20
GUEDES, Lvio da Costa, art.cit., p. 200;In the bulwarks there are living quarters that can be destroyed when there is an attack and many of the cannons
are hidden.
21
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa 72, Nmero 3 (1852), Relatrio das obras que se julgam precisas levar desde j a efeito na Praa
de Elvas e Forte da Graa para construir as suas fortificaes num perfeito estado de defesa, Jos Manos de Faria), Coronel (?) do Estado Maior de
Engenharia.
99
that are perpendicularly crossed in the centre of the redoubt (Fig. 2.a.3.28 and 29).
Here, at the centre of the Greek cross, mass was celebrated, at a central altar, in the 19th
century. From four elliptical tribunes located in the ceiling, the military governor and the
officers were able to attend mass, although the recesses could also have had defensive
purposes. We find other spaces, located in the bisectrices of this Greek cross, like the chapel
(Fig. 2.a.3.30), that also give structure to the divisions of this first floor, interconnecting with
many other compartments of smaller dimensions, which have openings facing the ditch. The
cental redoubt has eight entrances, the main one located in the S, and giving access to the
second floor through a stairway located to the left of the entrance.
The second floor has a circular corridor around the cupola of the first floor giving access
to eight radial compartments that in turn interconnect with others of smaller size. The N, S, E
and W compartments have elliptical embrasures facing the terrapleins of the curtains (Fig.2
a.3.31). The other compartments have openings facing the terrapleins of the bulwarks. All
these compartments are used as storage warehouses and to house the military governor and
some of the officers from the garrison22.
The third floor corresponds to the military governor's terrace (Fig. 2.a.3.32). The terrace
surface is sloped in order to drain the rainwater and convey it to the cistern. The defensive
elements it possesses are: parapets with openings for small arms, facing the corresponding
terrapleins of the bulwarks, and entrances into the machicolations that are located over the
main gates of the redoubt (Fig. 2.a.3.33). This terrace had embrasures with walled-in spaces.
The terrace surrounds the military governor's house, comprised of two storeys (the 4th and 5th
storey are the redoubt), and has a main room on each floor. The main room on the fourth floor
has mural paintings with historical themes, with the portraits of the Count of Lippe and Colonel
Valler (Fig. 2.a.3.34). The main room on the fifth floor is painted all in white, exhibiting a
neoclassical decoration in plaster works (Fig. 2.a.3.35). Also on the sixth floor a terrace
surrounds the cupola on the main room of the fifth floor, with four skylights (Fig. 2.a.3.36).
22
governador, o General de Brigada Francisco Xavier Lopes.
100
Fig. 2.a.3.1 - Fort of Graa seen from the castle
Fig. 2.a.3.2 - Fort of Graa. Location on Military Map
101
Fig. 2.a.3.3 - Fort of Graa. Covered way, in the background, seen from the Military Governor's House
Fig. 2.a.3.4 - Fort of Graa. Traverse with casemated embrasure in the covered way
Fig. 2.a.3.5 - Fort of Graa. In the background, the ravelin of Salvas, with the Dragon's Gate
102
Fig. 2.a.3.6 - Fort of Graa. Hornwork
Fig. 2.a.3.7 - Fort of Graa. Mantraps Fig. 2.a.3.8 - Fort of Graa. Postern gate
103
Fig. 2.a.3.9 - Fort of Graa. Postern gate giving access to Fonte do Marechal
Fig. 2.a.3.10 - Fort of Graa. Gate and openings of the covered way barracks
Fig. 2.a.3.11 - Fort of Graa. Covered way barracks
104
Fig. 2.a.3.12 - Fort of Graa. Dragon Gate
Fig. 2.a.3.12A - Fort of Graa. Dragon Gate. Detail
105
Fig. 2.a.3.13 - Fort of Graa. Guardhouse and other facilities of the ravelin of Salvas
Fig. 2.a.3.14 - Fort of Graa. Ravelin of Salvas. Powder-magazine of the battery
Fig. 2.a.3.15 - Fort of Graa. First ditch. Access bridge to inner gate
106
Fig. 2.a.3.16 - Fort of Graa. Inner gate
Fig. 2.a.3.17 - Fort of Graa. Inner gate. Detail
107
Fig. 2.a.3.18 - Fort of Graa. Round room (powder-magazine?), its entrance is through the corridor between the inner gate and the second ditch
Fig. 2.a.3.20 - Fort of Graa. Central redoubt ditch
Fig. 2.a.3.19 - Fort of Graa. Stairway that connects the inner

gate to the second ditch
108
Fig. 2.a.3.21 - Fort of Graa. Gate, oculus and openings of the barracks of the bulwarks and curtains
Fig. 2.a.3.22 - Fort of Graa. Barrack of a bulwark
Fig. 2.a.3.23 - Fort of Graa. Corridor of a capital in the S front
109
Fig. 2.a.3.24 - Fort of Graa. Powder-magazine under one of the bulwarks,with

the corridor of its corresponding capital (line) leading into it
Fig. 2.a.3.25 - Fort of Graa. Officer's houses in the terraplein of one of the bulwarks
110
1
Fig. 2.a.3.26 - Fort of Graa. Central redoubt
111
1
Figs. 2.a.3.27 - Fort of Graa. Pan and section of the cistern (DSE/GEAEM, drawing No.1688, version 1A/13/17, n.d. Plan)
(DSE/GEAEM, drawing No.10743, version 2A/29/41, n.d. Section)
Fig. 2.a.3.28 - Fort of Graa. Corridor of central redoubt
112
1
Fig. 2.a.3.29 - Fort of Graa. Cupola of the cross-shaped corridor of the central redoubt
113
1
Fig. 2.a.3.30 - Fort of Graa. Chapel of the central redoubt
Fig. 2.a.3.31 - Fort of Graa. Compartment on the second floor of the central redoubt
114
1
Fig. 2.a.3.32 - Fort of Graa. Terrace of the Military Governor's House
Fig. 2.a.3.34 - Fort of Graa. Military Governor's House. Room on the fourth floor
Fig. 2.a.3.33 - Fort of Graa.

Entrance into the machicolations of
the central redoubt
115
1
Fig. 2.a.3.35 - Fort of Graa. Military Governor's House. Room on the fifth floor
Fig. 2.a.3.36 - Fort of Graa. Military Governor's House. Terrace and cupola
116
1
Fig. 2.a.3.37 - Plans, profiles and faades of the barracks of the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graa, 1827.
(DSE/GEAEM, drawing No.1708, version 1A/14/19).
117
1
2.a.4 FORTLETS
118
2.a.4 FORTLETS
The fortlets forced the enemy siege to extend itself considerably, making it disperse its
forces, a time-consuming task, which relieved the pressure on the city. Occupying higher
ground to the SE, S and W of the historic centre, these fortlets were considered strategic, and
were approximately 300m above sea level. Their specific functions were the following:
- The Fortlet of So Mamede (Fig. 1.e.11), built atop a hillock to the SE of Fort of Santa
Luzia (301.5m above sea level) (Fig. 2.a.4.1 and 2), controlled the unseen hillside to the SE,
preventing the approach and surprise bombardment of the fort. The Fortlet has a ditch (Fig.
2.a.4.3) surrounding it and, in its interior, the barrack building or guardhouse (and also
probably a storage warehouse) (Fig. 2.a.4.4), the powder-magazine (Fig.2.a.4.5), a traverse
(Fig. 2.a.4.6) and another small building that, being of military function, would have been a
small storage warehouse; there are remains of embrasures on the curtain that faces Spain.
- The Fortlet of So Pedro (Fig.1.e.10), built atop the hillock with the same name (308m
above sea level) (Fig. 2.a.4.7 and 8), to the S of the city, in the present-day Bairro de So
Pedro, prevented the bombardment of Elvas and of the Fort of Santa Luzia from that location.
The Fortlet has a powder-magazine (Fig. 2.a.4.9), the remains of a barrack or guardhouse
(and also probably a storage warehouse) (Fig. 2.a.4.10) and two traverses (Fig. 2.a.4.11); the
ditch runs all around it (Fig.2.a.4.12) with the exception of the W flank, which has a rocky slope.
- The Fortlet of Piedade or of So Domingos (Fig.1.e.13), built to the W of the city, near
the Aqueduct of Amoreira (to the S) (Fig. 2.a.4.13 and 14) (312m above sea level), defended
the aqueduct from the approaching enemy troops coming through that sector; besides the
walls and ditch (Fig. 2.a.4.15), it only has three traverses (Fig. 2.a.4.16).
- The Fortlet of So Francisco (Fig.2.a.4.17) is located to the N of the aqueduct, behind
the earlier cemetery of the Convent of So Francisco23. It prevented the enemy from
approaching through that sector, protected by the convent; in a plan of the Battle of the Lines of
Elvas (1659), probably made in 1661, by the Engineer Pierre de Saint Colombe, there is a
drawing of a fortification on this site.
23
It is thus located in a letter from 1906, from Direco-Geral dos Trabalhos Geodzicos e Topogrficos, scale 1:50000. This letter was part of the
estate of Lieutenant Jos Roque: a copy was kindly given to us by his son Amadeu Roberto Roque.
119
Fig. 2.a.4.1 - Fortlet of So Mamede seen from Fort of Santa Luzia
Fig. 2.a.4.2 - Fortlet of So Mamede.

Location on Military Map
Fig. 2.a.4.3 - Fortlet of So Mamede. Ditch
3
120
Fig. 2.a.4.4 - Fortlet of So Mamede. Buildings of the old barrack/ guardhouse/ storage warehouse
Fig. 2.a.4.5 - Fortlet of So Mamede. Powder-magazine
Fig. 2.a.4.6 - Fortlet of So Mamede. Traverse
4
121
Fig. 2.a.4.7 - Fortlet of So Pedro
Fig. 2.a.4.8 - Fortlet of So Pedro.

Location on Military Map
Fig. 2.a.4.9 - Fortlet of So Pedro. Powder-magazine
5
122
Fig. 2.a.4.10 - Fortlet of So Pedro. Remains of the old barrack/ guardhouse/ storage warehouse
Fig. 2.a.4.11 - Fortlet of So Pedro. General view with two traverses next to the wall
Fig. 2.a.4.12 - Fortlet of So Pedro. Ditch
6
123
Fig. 2.a.4.13 - Fortlet of Piedade or So Domingos abutting the Amoreira Aqueduct. Entrance
Fig. 2.a.4.14 - Fortlet of Piedade or So Domingos. Location on Military Map
7
124
Fig. 2.a.4.15 - Fortlet of Piedade or So Domingos. Ditch
Fig. 2.a.4.16 - Fortlet of Piedade or So Domingos. Traverses
Fig. 2.a.4.17 - Fortlet of So Francisco. Plan
8
125
2.a.5 BUILDINGS WITH A MILITARY FUNCTION
126
2.a.5 BUILDINGS WITH A MILITARY FUNCTION
In the 18th century, the War Council of Elvas decided to exempt the residents of the city
from being recruited, as a consequence of the general laws passed in 171024. This fact reveals
the true dimension of the military character of this city, that is, why recruit soldiers in Elvas
when the whole population was already in practice part of that large garrison! We can actually
say that Elvas is a large border-garrison town, as can be seen in the quantity and quality of its
buildings with a military function (Fig.1 e.8). The buildings were either planned and built for this
purpose or were buildings that originally had another function and were occupied,
rehabilitated and enlarged as in the case of the convents of So Domingos and So Paulo,
which were expropriated by the national treasury after the Liberal takeover. These buildings
are a patrimonial complement of the fortifications and their high historical-architectural value
contribute decisively to the unique character of Elvas. The following is a brief inventory of the
existing buildings25:
1. Amoreira Aqueduct (Figs. 2.a.5.1 and 2). Elvas attempted to resolve its water
shortage problem from the end of the 15th century, and the Real d'gua was launched in
1498, to meet this need. The construction of the Aqueduct was, therefore, a basic necessity,
since the strategic location of the city atop a prominence was incompatible with the plentiful
existing springs within its urban area. The Poo (Well) of Alcal situated near the old
Episcopal Hall and the numerous cisterns that private citizens built were not enough to
supply the necessary water to a population that in the Numeramento of 1527, shows Elvas to
be the fifth largest city of the kingdom. But the work was also justified as an important military
logistic infrastructure, to guarantee the supply and storage of water in case of a siege. The
search for springs was started in the Amoreira site, west of the city, but the great work only
began in 152926. Acquiring momentum with the appointment of Francisco Arruda as the
master of works for the region of Alentejo in 153127, and especially once the king (D. Joo III)
himself had told him in a letter dating from 1537, to take a personal interest in the Aqueduct28.
Francisco Arruda, was succeeded in the overseeing of the work by Afonso lvares, Diogo
Marques and Pro Vaz Pereira. The latter saw to its completion and was also responsible for
24
MORGADO, Amilcar F.(1993), ob.cit.,p.58.
25
Among the ones that no longer exist, we would like to mention the House of the Main Guards, in present day Praa da Repblica on the right side of the
Square when facing the Cathedral, where the Pillory also was it was demolished in 1872 (GAMA, Eurico Roteiro Antigo de Elvas, I Srie, Tipografia
Casa Ibrica, Elvas, 1963, p.25); the old arms storage warehouse of Elvas, next to the defunct church of Nossa Senhora dos Bencasados (see KEIL.
Luis, ob.cit., p.75 and also GAMA, Eurico Roteiro Antigo de Elvas, II Srie, author's edition, Elvas, 1964, p.40); Eurico Gama cites Varela, in his
Theatro das Antiguidades d'Elvas, mentions that this historian placed the storage warehouse in the basement of the Church of Santa Maria dos Casados,
saying that it was a storage warehouse for petards of war, built during the reign of D. Afonso IV and where the said petards were stored until 1654; when
the church was demolished to build Banco Nacional Ultramarino (inaugurated in 1963) (GAMA, Eurico (1963), ob.cit., p.18), 97 stone cannonballs were
found, each weighing 70 kg; these were distributed among the Municipal Museum and the castle. It should also be mentioned that the polygonal loophole
turret of the castle was used as a Military Radio Post in the 20th century. Also many barracks, which we will be referring to later on in the text, have
disappeared.
26
GAMA, Eurico (1954) Elvas. Rainha da Fronteira, C.M. de Elvas, Elvas, 1986, p.20.
27
VITERBO,Sousa (1899) Dicionrio Histrico e Documental dos Arquitectos, Engenheiros e Construtores Portugueses, vol. I, INCM, Lisbon, 1988,
p.60.
28
RODRIGUES, Jorge and PEREIRA, Mrio, ob.cit., pp. 44 and 45.
2
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the Fonte da Vila (others attribute this work to Diogo Marques29), where the water
began to flow, officially, in 1622; it is said that the water had already reached Elvas by 162030.
The monumental work that, along with the fortifications, constitutes the city's icon, measures
7504m in length, from the main spring to the Largo da Misericrdia, where the Fonte da Vila
was earlier located - it now stands in the Largo 25 de Abril (Fig.2.a.5.3 and 4). In the Valley of
So Francisco, the Aqueduct has 1113m of arches (ranged in up to four tiers), it measures 31m
in height and is supported by large buttresses; in all, the Aqueduct has 843 arches and part of
its trajectory is subterranean (1367m), reaching 6m in depth.
2. Fortress Cistern and Casa das Bicas (Rua da Faceira da Cisterna) (Fig.2.a.5.5
and 6). Praised by George Borrow, who considered it to be the largest cistern in the world31, it
measured 58m in length, 5m in width and 8m in height, and had the capacity (2320m3) to
supply the city for four months, according to the estimate in the report of the War Council of
168432. Built by Nicolau de Langres, the work was resumed in 1650, according to the date
displayed on a memorial plaque on the fountain designated as Casa das Bicas originally with
a courtyard33, which was demolished in 194834 that abuts it: () INDVSTRIA NICOLAI
LANGRES GALLI PERFECIT ANNO M.D.C.L. Eurico Gama gives us an account of the
curious annual ceremony that took place on the eve or day of St. John, where people ate
white as snow toffee, savouring the fresh water and listening to the concerts given by the
bands of the city's military units35.
3. Wells and private cisterns. Also noteworthy is the great quantity (106) of wells and
cisterns that exist within the walls. They were built throughout time to try and remedy the
shortage of springs, and could not be left out since they constitute an important infrastructure
in terms of military logistics, as can be seen by inventory taken by the army36.
4. Barracks. The large number of troops sent to the country's main war garrison, after
the Restoration, caused great inconvenience in the city, that had men and animals billeted in
private homes, in the convents, in the castle and even in the Guildhall. It was decided by the
Municipality, in 1643, that a new tax be levied to build barracks; the actual construction of
these barracks only commenced in 164637, the first being those of So Joo da Corujeira38. It
should also be mentioned that after the siege of the Battle of the Lines of Elvas, the Queen
29
GAMA, Eurico (1963), ob.cit., p.12.
30
Idem, ibidem, p.12.
31
RODRIGUES, Jorge and PEREIRA, Mrio, ob.cit., p.44.
32
Idem, ibidem, passim; GAMA, Eurico A Vida Quotidiana em Elvas Durante o Cerco e a Batalha das Linhas de Elvas, editor's edition, Elvas, 1965,
p.30.
33
See GEAEM (DSE), drawing no. 1594, version 1A-13A-18 (1816)
34
GAMA, Eurico Roteiro Antigo de Elvas, II Srie, author's edition, Elvas, 1964, p.25.
35
Idem, ibidem, passim.
36
governador, o General de Brigada Francisco Xavier Lopes, 1875. See report in Elvense, No. 1.156 of 6 March 1892; cit. in GAMA, Eurico, ob.cit., p.24.
37
38
Idem, ibidem, p.63.
2
128
Regent granted the request of the judge, councillors and other officials of the
Municipality, in a letter dated 26 April 1660, that construction of the barracks be temporarily
halted and the money raised used to meet the needs of the population and soldiers of the city
for food 39. However, in 1810 billeting was still in practice40.
4.1 Corujeira Barracks (Rua de So Joozinho, now Rua dos Quartis da Corujeira)
(Figs. 2.a.5.7 and 8). Inventoried, today, as Engineer's Barracks perhaps because they were
first occupied by artisans41- it consists of two storeys with ten units each. They were built
between 1695 and 169742. The ground floor consists of a rectangular compartment, with a
barrel vault, and a fireplace to the right of the entrance door, facing the street. On the upper
floor, the compartments have the same plan, with the fireplace using the same chimney as the
corresponding barrack on the lower floor and a window aligned with the door of the lower floor;
the entrance doors are located at the rear of the building and the wooden and tile ceiling
supports the roof. In the middle of the faade, these barracks from the outside their
appearance is the same as other vernacular architecture display the coat of arms of Portugal
below a crown and cross.
4.2 Barracks of Rua dos Quartis (Old Rua Nova de So Martinho) (Figs. 2.a.5.9 and
10). They were being built in 165643; there are twelve barracks, six in each floor, with only five
chimneys, the middle one being the largest since it serves both the quarters that flank it. On
the inside it is identical to the previous barracks: a rectangular compartment with a chimney.
They are not abutted by any of the fortification works, and its formal typology is similar to that of
the Barracks of Corujeira it looks more like popular housing it was necessary to abut to its
faade a passageway above round arches to give access to the doors of the top floor barracks.
They differ from the Corujeira barracks only in the separation of the floors: instead of a vault
they exhibit brick tiles over wood; they were rehabilitated and are used as crafts workshops.
4.3 Barracks of the Artillerymen, the Cannonballs or the Veterans (Rua da Parada
dos Reformados) (Figs. 2.a.5.11 to 13). These were built after the Battle of the Lines of Elvas
(1659)44. They consist of a rectangular apartment, with a fireplace on the left side of the door
entry and a vault of segmental arches. They show evidence of later conversion into stables,
having movable mangers and drinking troughs built into one of the walls. Abutting the curtain,
fully vaulted and covered in brick - let us not forget that they are in a zone that would, inevitably,
bear the brunt of an enemy artillery attack - its interior construction is, however, identical to the
barracks already mentioned.
39
GAMA, Eurico A Vida Quotidiana em Elvas Durante o Cerco e a Batalha das Linhas de Elvas, editor's edition, Elvas, 1965, p.48. Cmara Municipal
de Elvas, Prprias, Livro 6, page 282.
40
41
Idem, ibidem, p.66.
42
Idem, ibidem, p.63.
43
44
Idem, ibidem, p.17.
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129
4.4 Casaro Barracks (Figs. 2.a.5.14 to 20). These were built after the "Fantastic" war
(1762-63), from a plan by artillery colonel Luis Guilherme Valler45; construction began in
176746. They have an elongated rectangular shape, with the fireplace opposite to the top the
entrance and barrel vault; one of the side walls has two niches between two empty spaces,
one at each end, permitting communication between all the barracks.
4.5 Missing barracks and occupied convents. With the coming of Liberalism, after
the end of civil war (1832-34), and the resulting reorganisation of the army, some barracks
were abandoned for lack of troops, and some began to be inhabited by people of humble rank,
while others were demolished. Among those barracks lost we can list the following, almost all
demolished in the three years preceding the establishment of the Republic47: Barracks of the
Corner Gate, Barracks of So Martinho - next to the church of the same name - and Castle
Barracks (Fig. 2.a.5.21), all demolished, as were those of So Martinho, between 1909 and
191048. At the same time, the convents were dissolved and nationalised, being occupied by
the army to form major military units with all the necessary infrastructure: the Convent of So
Domingos (Figs. 2.a.5.14 to 20) until recently housed Cavalry Regiment no. 1, the Artillery
Regiment (installed in cloisters), and Infantry Regiment no. 8 and is now where the Elvas
Military Museum is being set up - and the Convent of So Paulo (Figs. 2.a.5.22 to 24), until
recently housed Light Infantry Regiment no. 8, the Southern Military Court and the Military
Prison.
5. Military Hospital (Lg. do Hospital) (Figs. 2.a.5.25 to 27). Created in 1641, its Rules
were already laid down in the following year: it was endowed with a trustee, a registrar, a
doctor, a surgeon and a blood-letter. Its curious location in the gorge of the bulwark of So
Joo de Deus, at risk not only from enemy bombardment, but also close to the roar of friendly
artillery fire from the bulwark, can only be explained in terms of the use of temporary premises
that happened to be available - part of the structure of a tower of the Fernandina wall is still
visible - and which became permanent. In 1645, the Elvas Military Hospital, along with those of
Campo Maior and Olivena, created in the same year, were handed over to the Order of So
Joo de Deus, which was already pursuing this activity in Portugal and Spain, and where in
1537 its founder, the Portuguese Joo Cidade (Montemor-o-Novo, 1495 Granada, 1550)
came to live. At the time of the Battle of the Lines of Elvas (1659), the hospital could receive up
to 350 patients, although there were only ten religious brothers. In the second half of the 18th
century it boasted a Surgical and Anatomy Theatre, which operated there for 34 years, until
it was relocated in the Military Medical School in the Hospital of So Jos de Lisboa. In 1803,
as part of a general reform, the Order of So Joo de Deus lost its hospital functions, but the
45
Later Engineer Lieutenant-General.
46
47
Idem, ibidem, p. 60.
48
Idem, ibidem, pp. 60 and 67.
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Elvas Military Hospital did not close its doors until 1976. Today, with the former
installations of the Auditor-General, it forms part of the hotel So Joo de Deus (Fig. 2.a.5.28).
6. Auditor-General's Office of the Army of Alentejo Province (Lg. da Vedoria) (Fig.

2.a.5.29 and 30). This economic administration body of the army, created in 1641 (along with
the Accountant-General and the Paymaster-General), displayed great administrative activity
during the War of the Restoration (1641-1668) and was dissolved in 1763. The 17th century
building, set up ad hoc, has had several uses up to the present day: infirmary (during
epidemics of cholera that occurred in 1764 and during the Peninsular War), artillery repair
workshop, ward of the Military Hospital (on the upper floor) until 1976, Voluntary Fire Brigade
HQ (from after the closure of the ward until 2002) and, finally, the building is now incorporated
into the hotel So Joo de Deus. The large vaulted ground floor hall is of great architectural
nobility, supported by marble columns, accessed through a doorway bearing the arms of D.
Joo V (Fig. 2.a.5.30).
7. Trem (Equipment Storehouse) (Av. 14 de Janeiro) (Figs. 2.a.5.31 to 33). Along with
those of Estremoz and Porto, one of the main ordnance centres in Portugal, it was built
between 1694 and 171549 for the repair, storage and manufacture of military equipment and
munitions. The building is triangular in plan with a central courtyard, and has one room about
100m long by 7m wide, providing its faade, and had 7 forges and workshops for all
specialities required. It was dissolved with the reorganisation of the Army Arsenal in 1868,
remaining as a warehouse known as the "Former Trem" and, later, as the stronghold's War
Equipment Reserve. The Military Prison occupied the ground floor, from at least 1821 until it
was dissolved in 1911. From 1902, there were stables50 there, and Light Infantry Regiment
no. 8 occupied the premises and those of the Convent of So Paulo. It is today the premises of
the Elvas Agricultural College, part of the Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, which owns it.
8. Military Bakery (between Av. de Garcia da Horta and Lg. da Senhora da Oliveira)
(Figs. 2.a.5.34 to 37). After the creation of the Military Bakery in Lisbon in 1861, another two
opened - one in Porto and the other in Elvas - where operations began, officially, in 1869.
When the bakery in Lisbon was later given over to maintenance, the Elvas facility became a
branch of it, with the same name. It was a large store of grain for the daily production of bread,
with four animal-powered mills (atafonas) and one windmill - later replaced by the one on the
crown work - as well as six ovens, the chimneys of which are still visible on the roof. The
building still had barracks for the military working there, stabling for the animals employed in
49
Note the discrepancy in dates: MORGADO, Amilcar F. (1993), ob. cit., p. 46, refers to 1715 as the date the work was completed, pointing out that other
equipment stores were in temporary use at the time in some houses bought by the Misericrdia; GAMA, Eurico (1963), p. 23, mentions that the Trem
was already under construction in 1649 and that it was completed by 1694; note that there are no drawings of the Trem in the GEAEM, at least in its online
database SIDCARTA.
50
MORGADO, Amilcar F. (1993), ob. cit., p. 46.
2
131
the mills and transporting bread as well as warehouses for firewood and straw. The
Elvas Military Bakery closed down in 2002, and the building today houses municipal services.
9. Pontoon Store (Rua dos Quartis) (Fig. 2.a.5.38). An 18th century building in which
bridgemaking equipment for the Guadiana river crossing was kept, but from 1823 it was used
as a theatre51. During the Liberal Wars it served as a prison, and was able to house 300
imprisoned supporters of D. Pedro. Queen Mary II (Queen from 1834-1853) attended the
theatre here. The first cinema screenings were held here too, from around 1912 until the Cine-
Theatre52 opened in 1930. Today it houses the Municipal Market.
10. War Council (Rua Pereira de Abreu) (Fig. 2.a.5.39). Of 17th century construction -
the first judge was appointed in 1674 - with double gallery and courtroom, it retained military
justice functions until 1875, the year in which the Territorial War Councils were created as part
of the Divisional Military Command. In the last century the Military Cooperative and a Post
and Telegraph Office operated there. Today, it houses educational services and the
Portuguese Red Cross offices.
11. Military Court, recently abolished (2004), it operated from the former Convent of
So Paulo.
12. Military Detention Centre (in the former Convent of So Paulo) (Fig. 2.a.5.24). It
operated from the year the disciplinary facility in the Fort of Graa was closed (1989), until
2002, in which year the prisoners were transferred to the Tomar Military Prison.
13. Command Headquarters (Rua Martim Mendes) (Fig. 2.a.5.40). The stronghold's
Command Headquarters building, which retained these functions until the last quarter of the
20th century.
14. British Military Cemetery (Figs. 2.a.5.41 to 44). It is located in the So Joo da
Corujeira half bulwark and has five graves (Major-General Daniel Hoghton; Lieutenant-
Colonel Daniel White, Lieutenant-Colonel James Oliver Ward, Major William Nicholas Bull
and Caroline Bull) and several memorials to the thousands of British soldiers who fell in
Albuera and in Badajoz during the Peninsular War. It is considered one of the oldest British
military cemeteries, with annual ceremonies energetically organised by the Friends of the
British Cemetery association. In 2004, General Fulgencio Coll Bucher, Commander of the
11th Mechanised Brigade of Extremadura, unveiled a stone plaque, in the presence of the
British Ambassador, in honour of Spanish Regiments that fought in Albuera.
51
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 73, Nmero 11, (1875), Relatrio sobre a defesa da Praa de Elvas feito pelo seu actual
52
GAMA, Eurico (1963), ob. cit., p. 23.
2
132
15. Engineering Guard Corps (Fig. 2.a.5.45). Thus designated in a plan of 1942,
nothing more is known of its history; today it houses a cultural and recreational group.
16. Powder-magazines
16.1 Conceio Powder-magazine (next to the Corner Gate) (Figs. 2.a.5.46 to 50).
Also known as round bomb powder-magazine, it was not considered bombproof53. It is of
circular plan, with an safeguard corridor, a barrel vault and hemispherical vaulted store; niches
were built in the walls in a round arch, to store equipment. The plan seems to have been by
Cosmander54. A small pyramid on the roof has three Latin inscriptions invoking divine
protection. It was fitted with a lightning-rod at an unknown date, in accordance with an undated
plan, and the conductor cables were replaced in 1864.
16.2 Santa Brbara Powder-magazine (near the Castle) (Figs. 2.a.5.51 to 55). Also
known as the stronghold's big powder-magazine, it was considered bombproof. It is of
rectangular plan, with an antechamber and protected entrance, and chicane vents on the
walls. The roof is barrel-vaulted and the side walls go up as far as roof-ridge level to form a
surrounding ledge onto which earth could be laid to provide more protective cover. The return
is a protective wall with a single entrance. It was probably built in the 17th century55 and was
fitted with a lightning-rod in 1861.
16.3 Round Powder-magazine near the Old Gate bulwark (Figs. 2.a.5.56 and 57)
which, like that of Conceio, was not bombproof56, has an octagonal plan, walls with five
niches for storing equipment, three tubular vents and a hemispherical vault. It has an
antechamber, an opening on the side of the esplanade and a lightning-rod.
16.4 Powder-magazines that form part of the bulwarks, inventoried in military

reports, eleven in number, and are today difficult to locate. They fed the cannon directly and
were protected by the walls and terrapleins of the earthworks on which they were sited (Fig.
2.a.5.58).
17. Other religious and civil buildings where military activities were carried out
17.1 Fortification School of the Jesuit College. This School was created in 1651 by
Prince D. Theodosius, son of D. Joo IV and Governor of the Arms of the Kingdom: (. . .) For
the benefit of this stronghold of Elvas a school is opening in which they study the subjects
referred to, and to keep it going as it should, the task is given to the members of the Society of
53
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 67, Nmero 41, (1817), Relao dos diversos Paiis e Depsitos de Plvora existentes na
Praa de Elvas, Matias Jos Dias Azedo, Tenente General Comandante.
54
MORGADO, Amilcar F. (1993), ob. cit., p. 49.
55
56
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 67, Nmero 41, (1817), Relao dos diversos Paiis e Depsitos de Plvora existentes na
Praa de Elvas, Matias Jos Dias Azedo, Tenente General Comandante.
2
133
Jesus, who assist in their College, and have the choice of subject to be studied and of
who shall be the most eminent57; Father Audueno (Thomas Owen), an Englishman, was the
class's first teacher. Later, in 1732, on the initiative of Manoel de Azevedo Fortes - Engineer-
General of the Kingdom since 1719 - the Fortification School and Academy was reorganised
and became the School of Elvas Province.
17.2 Barracks in the Guildhall. We do not know for how many years it continued, but
in 1644 soldiers were still billeted in the Guildhall; officials protested against the damage
caused to these houses, owing to the governors of the militia and the captaincy-major of the
city, sometimes billeting there troops coming from outside58.
From the brief inventory we have just set out, we can conclude that, in addition to
buildings custom-built for military purposes, neither fortifications nor any other building with
some space free escaped military use, whether it was private, municipal or religious. Elvas
was, in fact, a barracks town, and, returning to where we started, it is not surprising that their
young had been exempted from military service from 1710: because, as the saying goes,
"before they were sent, they were already there".
57
GAMA, Eurico (1965), ob. cit., p.23.
58
GAMA, Eurico - Catlogo dos Pergaminhos do Arquivo Municipal de Elvas, Separata do Boletim da Biblioteca da Universidade de Coimbra, vol. XXVI,
Coimbra, 1963, p. 17.
2
134
Figs. 2.a.5.1 - Amoreira Aqueduct
Figs. 2.a.5.2 - Amoreira Aqueduct
3
135
Fig. 2.a.5.3 - Fonte da Vila (17th century, by Pro Vaz Pereira) Fig. 2.a.5.4 - Fonte da Vila; detail
5
136
Fig. 2.a.5.5 - Fortress Cistern
Fig. 2.a.5.6 - Fortress Cistern; plan and profile; GEAEM (DSE), drawing no. 1589, version 1A/3A/18 (1831)
6
137
Fig. 2.a.5.7 - Barracks of So Joo da Corujeira; location plan; GEAEM (DSE), drawing no. 1054, version 2A/29/41 (1700-1900)
Fig. 2.a.5.8 - Barracks of So Joo da Corujeira
6
138
Fig. 2.a.5.9 - Barracks of Rua dos Quartis; rehabilitated as crafts workshops
Fig. 2.a.5.10 - Barracks of Rua dos Quartis; interior
6
139
Fig. 2.a.5.11 - Barracks of the Artillerymen or the Cannonballs, next to the Parada dos Reformados, in the terraplein of the Cascalho redan
Fig. 2.a.12 - Barracks of the Artillerymen or the Cannonballs; interior
7
140
Fig. 2.a.5.13 - Barracks of the Artillerymen or the Cannonballs; plans of the terrace and of the barracks; GEAEM (DSE), drawing no. 1596,
version 1A/13A/18
Figs. 2.a.5.14 - Entrance to the Military Museum of Elvas (still being set up), next to the apse of the church of the Convent of So Domingos,
whose cloister and other buildings were occupied by Infantry Regiment no. 8
8
141
Fig. 2.a.5.15 - Casaro Barracks
Fig. 2.a.5.16 - Casaro Barracks; roof
11
142
Fig. 2.a.5.17 - Casaro Barracks; faades and profiles; GEAEM (DSE), drawing no. 1522, version 1A/13A/18 (1824)
Fig. 2.a.5.18 - Casaro Barracks; GEAEM (DSE), drawing no. 1569, version 1A/13A/18 (1826)
11
143
Fig. 2.a.5.19 - Casaro Barracks; interior
Fig. 2.a.5.20 - HQ building of the Casaro Barracks; fountain by Colonel Guilherme Valler
12
144
Fig. 2.a.5.21 - Castle Barracks, now demolished
Fig. 2.a.5.23 - Faade of the Convent of So Paulo
Fig. 2.a.5.22 - Convent of So Paulo; cloister
12
145
Fig. 2.a.5.24 - Old Military Detention Centre, in the old Convent of So Paulo
Fig. 2.a.5.25 - Military Hospital; Lg. do Hospital; present-day Hotel So Joo de Deus
12
146
Fig. 2.a.5.26 - Military Hospital; plan of ground floor; GEAEM (DSE),

drawing no. 10760, version 2A/29/41 (1936)
Fig. 2.a.5.27 - Military Hospital; plan of 1st floor; GEAEM (DSE),

drawing no. 10761, version 2A/29/41 (1936)
Fig. 2.a.5.28 - Hotel So Joo de Deus; hallway
13
147
Fig. 2.a.5.29 - Auditor-General's Office; Lg. da Vedoria; present-day Hotel So Joo de Deus
Fig. 2.a.5.30 - Ground floor Hall of the former Auditor-General's Office; present-day facilities of Hotel So Joo de Deus
13
148
Fig. 2.a.5.31 - Trem (Equipment Storehouse); main doorway
Fig. 2.a.5.32 - Trem (Equipment Storehouse); Av. 14 de Janeiro;

rehabilitated and is now the Elvas Agricultural College
Fig. 2.a.5.33 - Trem (Equipment Storehouse); plan of ground floor

of present-day Elvas Agricultural College
13
149
Fig. 2.a.5.34 - Military Bakery; between Av. de Garcia da Orta and the Lg. da Senhora da Oliveira; today, houses municipal services
Fig. 2.a.5.35 - Military Bakery; faade; GEAEM (DSE), drawing no. 10805, version 2A/29/41 (1700-1900)
150
14
Fig. 2.a.5.36 - Military Bakery; GEAEM (DSE), drawing no. 10805, version 2A/29/41 (1700-1900)
Fig. 2.a.5.37 - Military Bakery; GEAEM (DSE), drawing no. 10805, version 2A/29/41 (1700-1900)
15
151
Fig. 2.a.5.38 - Pontoon Storage Warehouse; Rua dos Quartis, present-day Municipal Market
Fig. 2.a.5.39 - War Council; Rua Pereira de Abreu; now the Red Cross Offices
16
152
Fig. 2.a.5.40 - Command Headquarters
Fig. 2.a.5.41 - British Military Cemetery. Ceremony
16
116
153
Fig. 2.a.5.42 - British Military Cemetery; in the Corujeira half-bulwark; entrance next to the church of So Joo da Corujeira
Fig. 2.a.5.43 - British Military Cemetery (graves)
16
116
154
Figs. 2.a.5.44 - British Military Cemetery (memorial plaques)
16
116
155
Fig. 2.a.5.45 - Former building of the Engineering Guard Corps
Fig. 2.a.5.46 - Conceio Powder-magazine (roof)
16
116
156
Fig. 2.a.5.47 - Conceio Powder-magazine (safeguard corridor)
Fig. 2.a.5.48 - Conceio Powder-magazine (interior)
16
116
157
Fig. 2.a.5.49 - Conceio Powder-magazine; plan and section; GEAEM (DSE), drawing no. 4968, version 1A/13A/18
(1700-1900)
Fig. 2.a.5.50 - Conceio Powder-magazine; sections; GEAEM (DSE), project for the replacement of the
lightning-rods; drawing no. 4968, version 1A/13A/18 (1700-1900)
16
116
158
Fig. 2.a.5.51 - Santa Brbara Powder-magazine (entrance)
Fig. 2.a.5.52 - Santa Brbara Powder-magazine (roof)
16
116
159
Figs. 2.a.5.53 Santa Brbara Powder-magazine (interior)
Fig. 2.a.5.55 - Santa Brbara Powder-magazine and

backyard; GEAEM (DSE), drawing no.
10794, version 2A/29/41 (1700-1900)
Fig. 2.a.5.54 - Santa Brbara Powder-magazine; plan and section;

GEAEM (DSE), drawing no. 10796, version 2A/29/41 (1811)
16
116
160
Fig. 2.a.5.56 - Round Powder-magazine of the Old Gate bulwark
Fig. 2.a.5.57 - Round Powder-magazine of the Old Gate bulwark
16
116
161
Fig. 2.a.5.58 - Part of the Powder-magazine of the Corner Gate (that could have served other purposes)
16
116
162
2.a.6 BUILDING SYSTEMS, BUILDING MATERIALS

AND TECHNIQUES OF THE FORTIFICATIONS
AND POWDER-MAGAZINES.........................
163
2.a.6.1 BUILDING SYSTEMS USED IN THE FORTIFICATIONS
The building systems used in all the fortifications of Elvas are in no way different from
those of other fortifications in the region. In the case of the fortifications erected before the 17th
century, the walls are high, perpendicular to the ground, without any steep rises and of
thicknesses suited to their various functions.
In the castle (Fig. 1.e.5), the four lengths of wall meet roughly at right angles, forming
an irregular quadrilateral with internal dimensions of 32.70m x 39.20m59. There are angle
towers (to the N, W and S) or part way along a side (to the NW and in the entry section), in all
cases projecting from the walls, flanking them and serving as structural elements. The four
sides of the wall are not uniformly thick, the NW side being thickest (probably because it was
the most exposed), ca. 3.50m near the wall-walk, and the others about half or a little more of
that thickness.
In the two medieval city walls (Fig. 1.e.6), the wall almost always runs at the level of the
gorge of the towers, not only allowing flanking fire but also improving the structure.
Throughout the medieval fortifications, the towers are massive up to wall-walk level, with the
exception of the polygonal loophole turret in the castle and so-called "Fernandina" tower,
which has three floors, having served as a jail, and this is the origin of the name of the street
that passes in front of it Rua Cadeia (Jail) (Figs. 2.a. 1.2.12 and 2.a.6.1); they are higher than
the walls, unless they have undergone later change for military or habitation purposes. As for
the polygonal loophole turret in the castle, lower in height than the walls abutting it, this design
is foundational and is a typological feature of transitional fortifications.
The third wall, the "Fernandina" was, as already mentioned, demolished, and its
materials reused in the building of the bulwarked fortification of the historic centre. The
building system here is completely different from the medieval fortress, characterised,
essentially, by being built low and of earth, buttressed on the inside and surrounded by
curtains built on steeply sloping ground (Figs. 2.a.1.2.32 to 34). (Figs. 2.a.1.2.32 to 34).
Unlike the Graa Fort, the Fort of Santa Luzia has no glacis, that is, esplanades level
with the parapets from the covered path (Figs. 2.a.4 and 2.a.2.1); thus the curtains remain in
view. The Fort of Graa is protected from enemy approach trenches by the tendency to
perform manoeuvres by the capital lines, through glacis and esplanades formed from earth
embankments, with salients sufficient to make the axis of approach almost impossible for
cannon (Fig. 2.a.6.2). When we climb the slope towards it, the colossal works are so
ensconced that we can barely make out the sentry-boxes. It is not until we are past the
covered path that we become aware of the enormous scarped and sunken earthwork,
separated by deep ditches in a highly stable building system, with the capacity to withstand
intense bombardment.
59
Measurements taken from the courtyard, in the following directions, respectively, SE, NW, NE, close to the entrance.
164
It remains to mention the numerous galleries to be seen in the forts under the
terrapleins; they are almost exclusively semicircular, the most stable arch form, (Figs.
2.a.3.10 and 22) or, in the case of narrow galleries through which only one man can pass at a
time, roofed in the simplest way with slabs of coarse stone forming angular arches (Fig.
2.a.2.17).
The central redoubts of the forts are higher because they serve also as operational
command points; they incorporate, underground, stores of food and ammunition and large
cisterns to store the rainwater falling on the terraces. However, only the houses of the
governors lend a touch of nobility to the architecture, then as now, a crown as it were on the
uncouth head of the fortifications.
2.a.6.2 BUILDING MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES OF THE

FORTIFICATIONS
Inevitably, the materials used were those available on the spot: earth, gravel and
limestone in abundance, which is massed under the construction (Fig. 2.a.6.3). Granite was
also used and is to be found essentially in the medieval buildings (Figs. 2.a.6.4 to 9). Besides
stone, the most common material used in the walls is brick, employed in all the fortifications
(Figs. 2.a.6.10 to 13). Although the parapets and embrasure were initially built with walls of
stone and brick, these materials began to be replaced in the 19th century:
(...) Parapets coated with masonry, that is, made of stone masonry, bricks, lime
and sand, are always harmful to those defending there because the artillery
shot reaching the edges of parapets inevitably send up shards of stones and
brick (...) that kill and maim all within their range: for this reason I believe it is an
urgent task to repair all the interior revetments and those of the rear of the
embrasures with taipa [rammed earth with clay, sand, gravel, straw and lime]
made from good earth, or with a composite of lime and gravel60.
But the lath and plaster was not applied only in embrasures and cross walls of the
bulwarked fortification (Fig. 2.a.6.14); traces of it remain, supposedly from the Arab
fortification, in both medieval city walls (Figs. 2.a.6.15 to 17)61.
The mortar in the walls is of lime, as also are the remains of plaster that appear in the
facings of the modern fortification (Figs. 2.a.6.18 and 19).
60
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 68, Nmero 5, (1823), Relatrio do Coronel do Real Corpo de Engenheiros. Joaquim Jos de
Almeida e Freitas, a 11 de Janeiro de 1823.
61
We do not know what this is based on, Basilio Pavon Maldonado, mentions that the walls from the old castle, completely reconstructed by the Christians
were of lath and plaster, the facings are of masonry of Christian origin in many of its sections (MALDONADO, Basilio Pavon - Ciudades y Fortalezas
Lusomusulmanas / Crnicas viajes por el sur de Portugal, M. A. E., Madrid, 1993, p. 12).
165
In both the medieval and bulwarked fortifications, the visible wall surfaces are always
built of stone in layers (rusticated), with ashlared corners, although, in the Fort of Graa, the
unit is more solid and precise (Fig. 2.a. 6.19).
The recesses are of stone, granite in the medieval fortification and limestone in the
modern, incorporating the artistic styles of the time.
We have already said that the terrapleins are, as the word implies, made of earth and
stone, often structured by the roots of trees and shrubs that were planted there for that
purpose and also to cover up defences in time of espionage.
Besides the materials already listed, we may also note the wood, doors, windows,
floors and roofs, and iron, in the heavy bolts for the postern gates and those that frame the
jambs of the main gates.
In the governors' houses in the two forts, plaster, mortar work and all kinds of materials
characteristic of civil architecture can be seen. Even whitewash is considered of great
importance:
The officers' and men's Guardhouse, the Chapel and warehouse, need repairs
to the masonry and carpentry and to be whitewashed, because whitewashing
preserves the buildings much better and underground it is needed to clarify or
make better use of the little light they receive62.
As for the employees of fortifications themselves, the following occupational

distinctions were recorded in 1763: pointers, heavy labourers, workers, lads, bricklayers,
mallet-men, mixers, masons, tampers and stonebreakers63. In other areas of construction
there were carpenters, locksmiths and ironworkers, as well as others with specialised trades
in the manufacture of weapons and ammunition.
One may conclude that the systems, materials and construction techniques employed
in Elvas, in the bulwarked fortification, did not differ from other fortifications of the region and
are in keeping with the prevalent theory of the time64.
62
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3" Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 67, Nmero 50 (1821), Informao do estado em que se achava a Praa de Elvas e
obras destacadas em o 1 de Janeiro de 1821. de Joaquim Jos de Almeida e Freitas, Tenente Coronel do Real Corpo de Engenheiros e de Miguel
Joaquim Pires, l Sargento Engenheiro.
63
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 59, Nmero A-6, (1763), Relao das pessoas que trabalham nas obras de ,fortificao
desta Praa de Elvas (...).
64
According to the Mtodo Lusitnico - see PIMENTEL, Luis Serro, Mtodo Lusitnico de Desenhar as Fortificaes das Praas Regulares e Irregulares
(), facsimile of the 1680 edition, Direco da Arma de Engenharia, Lisbon, 1993, pp. 96-104 the measurements and the materials for the construction
of the curtains were as follows in the 17th century:
a) Materials: stone, lime, gravel and sand.
b) Thickness: for every five feet in height one of talus, or base of the Slope. This in the Province of Alentejo; where there is usually good lime
(). If however the land is bad, and you could only have four for everyone of Slope; and only three if it is very bad () And so as a general rule
where the lime is good and the materials of stone and gravel or sand four feet thick to the wall at the height of it, rising much, or little, and the
Slope according to the height to which it has to rise and in order to know at what thickness the base has to be started from the bottom of the Ditch,
there must be added from the base of the slope with a width of four feet from the wall and the sum will be that at which the Slope wall must be
started. (pp. 96 and 97)
c) Height: then counting the number of Portuguese feet we calculate the perpendicular height of the walls from 10 to 18 or 19 feet above the
level of the open Field according to the size of the Stronghold. (p.101)
d) Rope Twist: the Rope Twist is a decoration of the stone work that is generally placed at the top of the wall below the Parapet immediately
next to the foot of the Parapet, the Slope of the wall finishing at the lower part of the Rope Twist and there the latter is arranged against it, about a
foot round, or slightly more in height, and a palm, or a little more in extension over the wall beyond which it must enter inside it to sustain itself.
166
2.a.6.3 THE SPECIFIC CASE OF THE POWDER-MAGAZINES
For obvious reasons, the construction of powder-magazines needed extra care. This
can be summarised as follows:
a) Distribution had to be both efficient - rapid supply of several fronts, where from
before 1817 the 11 small powder-magazines already referred to were set up on the bulwarks -
and at the same time safety, so that an explosion in one powder-magazine did not leave the
stronghold without ammunition.
b) Their exact location was also of great importance, so as not to be too exposed to
bombardment; note that the Conceio powder-magazine was built to a lower height than the
corresponding terrapleins: it is as though they are hidden (Fig. 2.a.5.46). The Santa Barbara
powder-magazine is located at the top of the slope of the castle, an area subject to little
bombardment and also protected, not only by the castle and adjacent rising land on the inside
(Fig. 2.a.6.20) but also by the Santa Barbara bulwark. The Old Gate powder-magazine is
more exposed on the inside, has the bulwark of the same name and all the crown work to
protect it, as it is within firing range of their capital lines. The Fort of Santa Luzia powder-
magazine is below ground under the central redoubt; and the Fort of Graa powder-magazine
is located in the bulwark cellars (Fig. 2.a. 3.24) and there appears to be a circular compartment
giving onto the corridor that crosses the central redoubt (Fig. 2.a.3.18); only those powder-
magazines on fortlets or redoubts, as somewhat ephemeral works more appropriate to
campaign fortification, do not conform to this pattern of sheltered location, and, indeed, are
very exposed (Figs. 2.a.4.5 and 9).
c) They could be circular in plan (the Conceio and Old Gate powder-magazines) or
rectangular (Santa Barbara), the latter being the favourite in those built later, whether in Elvas
or in Campo Maior; from the structural point of view, there is no doubt that the circular ones
were more resistant.
d) Walls made of stone, compacted brick and lime mortar are fairly thick, and powder-
round magazines also have safeguard corridors (Fig. 2.a.5.47), and the Santa Barbara
powder-magazine has an outer wall for increased protection (Fig. 2.a.6.20).
Above the Rope Twist it continues for 2 or 3 feet further from the wall without a Slope as far the foot of the Parapet, or only with very little, as 1
foot of Talus or for every 10 of height because here the wall is more graceful. However, I consider it better to insert the Rope Twist of the
height of the wall beginning from the bottom of the Ditch as Sardi does () and the Fourth part of it above which its height enters without Slope,
or with the little that we say of 1 or of Talus with every 10 of height. But I consider better still that the Rope Twist be inserted at 4/5 of the height
() And these trifles are not important to the essentials of the Fortification nonetheless it has some relevance to elegance and also to
convenience () . (p.102)
e) Buttresses: I take it that buttresses will not be needed if the materials are good and the walls are built in the way I said () The buttresses are
props, or interior supports made out of a stone wall, with lime, if they are inserted in the fabric of the principle wall inside the Earthworks to join
together better, and sustain the earth without making it heavier if it did not have them. () The first form that we usually choose, and easy and
()
From the part where it joins the wall is thicker and the part inside the Terraplein is thinner at the end. () It seems that they can be made 4 or 5
feet thick at the top where they come out incorporated from the inside of the wall to the inside of the Earthwork, and 15 to 20 long finishing with a
thickness of 2 whose height reaches the level of the Rope Twist, or a little higher, and spaced at a distance of 15 or 18 to 20 feet. () These
Buttresses should not be of polished wall, but coarse like teeth that are holding something firm, and one the Terraplein, and they should come out
in the same fabric incorporated within the principle wall such that the wall and the Buttresses comprises a united body (). (pp. 103 and 104)
167
e) The ceilings are always vaulted and with near-semicircular arches; built on the back
of the vault is the roof (Conceio and Old Gate powder-magazines), elsewhere a brick gable
roof further protected by a wall that reaches the height of the ridge (Fig. 2.a.5.52); earth and
vines were smeared onto this den to absorb the impact of bullets. As the vault could not alone
bear being loaded with earth, it had to be built with a brick lining, and three-deep at the side
and two on top (...) so that there were bricks placed alongside the two concave and convex
surfaces, and also in the middle, and between the two rows up to the top (...)65.
f) Lighting-rod protection is also a constant factor; in the Conceio powder-magazine,
attributed to Cosmander, the following can be read on one of three inscriptions on the small
pyramid above it: "XPUS VIVIT XPUS VINCIT / XPUS REGNAT XPUS IMPERAT I XPUS AB
OMNI FULGURAE / IN DEFENDATVERBUM Caro" (Christ lives Christ conquers / Christ
reigns Christ commands / Christ the Word made flesh defend us all around)66.
g) The interior of the powder-magazines should be dry and airy; such protection is
assured by the general impermeability of the construction and that of windows and loopholes,
always well baffled and protected, further increasing the protection of gunpowder and
ammunition in general by placing these on platforms and wooden shelves - traces of wall
mounting can still be seen in the Santa Barbara powder-magazine (Fig. 2.a.5.53) - or in
vaulted compartments, built into the thickness of the walls (Figs. 2.a.3.18 and 24 and
2.a.5.48), all if which further improved its general protection.
h) A final comment regarding the entrances to powder-magazines: they were always
reinforced with antechambers (powder-magazines of fortlets) or at least with very strong
double doors to make it hard for saboteurs or the merely curious to get in (Fig. 2.a.6.21);
sometimes, in times of peace, the doors were even walled up: so was the powder-magazine
of Campo Maior, installed in the tower of the castle keep, before the 1732 explosion.
65
FORTES, Manoel de Azevedo - O Engenheiro Portuguz, Tomo II, Direco da Arma de Engenharia, Lisboa, 1993, p. 310.
66
MORGAD0, Amlcar F. - Elvas. Praa De Guerra. Arquitectura Militar, Cmara Municipal de Elvas. Elvas, 1993. p. 49.
168
Fig. 2.a.6.1 - Second medieval city wall. Fernandina Tower. Fig. 2.a.6.2 - Fort of Graa. Glacis and esplanade with talus
Section (drawing DGEMN) further along the capital line
Fig. 2.a.6.3 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Limestone mass forming the foundation of the fort
169
Fig. 2.a.6.4 - Fernandina Tower. Granite masonry, in rows, with angle blocks in ashlar
Fig. 2.a.6.5 - Castle. Homage Tower. Granite masonry, in rows, and the same ashlared material
Fig. 2.a.6.6 - Castle. SE Wall. Granite masonry in rows
170
Fig. 2.a.6.7 - First medieval city wall. Miradeiro Arch. Ashlared granite
Fig. 2.a.6.8 - First medieval city wall. Miradeiro Arch. Granite masonry in rows
171
Fig. 2.a.6.9 - Castle. Polygonal Loophole Turret. Facings of rows Fig. 2.a.6.10 - Castle. Stone and brick loophole
of granite masonry and the same ashlared material
Fig. 2.a.6.11 - Fort of Graa. Brick embrasure
172
Fig. 2.a.6.12 - Fort of Graa. Brick entrance talus
Fig. 2.a.6.13 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Brick embrasures
173
Fig. 2.a.6.14 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Taipa traverse
Fig. 2.a.6.15 - First medieval city wall, next to the castle. Taipa parapet
Fig. 2.a.6.16 - Second medieval city wall, next to Bishop's Arch.

Wall containing taipa work
174
Fig. 2.a.6.17 - Second medieval city wall. First tower of the wall, next to the War Council. Use of taipa
Fig. 2.a.6.18 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Facings showing masonry with Fig. 2.a.6.19 - Fort of Graa. Corner facings of the curtain of a bulwark
lime mortar
175
Fig. 2.a.6.21 - Conceio Powder-magazine. Inner Gate
Fig. 2.a.6.20 - Santa Barbara Powder-magazine. Connection to adjacent

supporting wall, from direction of castle
176
2.a.7 MILITARY URBANISM AND LANDSCAPE
177
2.a.7 MILITARY URBANISM AND LANDSCAPE
2.a.7.1 THE MILITARY ORDER IN THE URBAN STRUCTURE OF THE

FORTRESS-TOWN OF ELVAS
Margarida Valla
In the Restoration period (1640-1668), the defence policy of the Kingdom must have
focused on the land border, and the biggest financial investment would have been applied to
the renovation of the fortifications of towns and cities located near the frontier. As stated
above, Cosmander and John Gilot were sent in 1642, to reconnoitre the sites and raise
whatever fortifications were necessary to defend the province of Alentejo, after the various
raids that the Spanish army carried out in this province from 1641.
Urban development of the city of Elvas and its location close to the border, guarding the
main route of penetration into Portuguese territory en route to the capital, were both
instrumental in its adopted role, from the start of the Restoration, of "Key to the Kingdom". The
need to begin the works and create an image of a great fortified city, added to the large
investment that building work on this scale would entail. The application of modern fortification
in the renovation of defensive walls in Portugal would have served not only to hinder access in
case of enemy attack, but also to project an image abroad of a country pursuing the new
European political strategy of territorial defence, by the construction of urban fortifications that
would be impregnable according to the scientific rules as they stood at the time.
At that time the city became an important political centre in the consolidation of the
Modern State. The need to create an army to defend this state required that urban nuclei in
strategic locations be designated as fortress-towns, which served as permanent housing for
military, as well as for storage of weapons, given the difficulty of transporting guns and
ammunition without adequate roads and rearguard support. The range of weapons was
limited and flexibility of troop movement was poor, hence, the siege was the strategy used in
this 17th century warfare. These fortress-towns would have operated in a system of mutual
support with a constant relationship between forces forming a defence complex made up of a
number of systems.
Apart from some trenches dug in the first years of Restoration, the programme of works
in the town of Elvas started with the construction of the Fort of Santa Luzia, erected on a small
hill south of the city and thus close to the Olivena Gate, looking towards Badajoz67. This fort
was essential in the defence of the city to prevent enemy troops mustering there prior to
launching an attack, as had happened in the past. The approval in 1644 of the project, drawn
up by Cosmander, will have brought him to notice as a military engineer with a promising
67
MENEZES, D. Luis de (Count of Ericeira) Portugal Restaurado, (1670) vol. I, anot. Antnio Dria, Lisbon, Porto, 1945, p. 5.
178
career. His direct contact with the experience of the Low Countries in the Eighty Years' War,
and his knowledge of mathematics, served as the basis for his understanding of modern
fortification and proved sufficient to entrust him with the project for the new Elvas fortifications.
As the medieval perimeter had expanded considerably, the option chosen for the new-
bulwarked circuit was to demolish the medieval walls and reuse the stone as revetment
material, following its route with a small expansion in the west. During the Arab occupation two
walls had already been erected: the first enclosed a small group of buildings including the
castle and the Medina with its mosque, later transformed into the main church, and the second
extending up the south-facing hillside, enclosing the newer part of the town and increasing its
points of entry (Fig. 2.a.7.1.10). This second wall, with several towers and gates, still clearly
delineates an area defined by the surrounding road that linked the So Martinho Gate with the
Bath Gate (Figs. 2.a.7.1.7 and 8). In the Christian reconquest, the periphery grew as well as
the old town suburb around the Convent of So Domingos (1267), and once again there was a
need to extend the perimeter of the walls in the 14th century. This great work was begun in the
reign of King Afonso IV and ended in that of King Fernando, enclosing all the outskirts and the
convent, and leaving some space free for future urban occupation in later centuries (Fig.
2.a.7.1.10).
In 1513, in the reign of D. Manuel I, Elvas was elevated to city status, and became the
seat of a bishopric in 1570, evidence of its development due to the fertile land that surrounded
the city and its favourable location as a place for exchanging products. The construction of the
S (Cathedral) in 1517 and the reconfiguration of the adjacent square, increasing its area,
conclusively turned this part of Elvas into its civic centre. The Guildhall moved also from the
Largo do Salvador, the city's then political centre, to this new urban space where the pillory,
symbol of local administrative power, was erected. Two new convents, of N.S da Consolao
(1520) and of Santa Clara (1526), were situated in the grid within the second Arab wall,
enclosed large areas within their walls. The building in 1540 of the Misericrdia, an important
source of assistance to people in the Portuguese urban context, confirmed the importance of
Elvas as a political centre. These were the major changes in the urban fabric during the 16th
century, along with the construction of the Amoreira Aqueduct, that great work of architecture
characterised by its monumental aesthetic, designed by royal architect Francisco Arruda,
who also designed the S. The aqueduct, about eight kilometres in length, took almost a
century to build and was a key piece of infrastructure in the development of the city, enhancing
public spaces with the placement of sources of water inside the perimeter of the walls (Fig.
2.a.7.1.11).
During the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, the number of inhabitants
continued to grow, and there were about 2500 households. All the previously free space in the
area bounded by the Fernandina walls was filled with buildings, though the market place, near
the surrounding route alongside the second circuit of walls, remained uncovered. The main
streets gave access to the gates and led into this path that followed the walls, which became
179
the Rua da Carreira, and later, as Rua de Olivena, the main route, linking the
Olivena, or Real, Gate with the Cathedral place via the Relgio Arch, opened in 1569.
The major structural changes in the urban layout of Elvas, with the introduction of 17th
century fortifications, focused on strengthening the existing urban limits with complex
outworks. In the modern fortification, the walls proved unassailable, and remained as
boundaries for centuries. The outworks were developed and increased the military area
surrounding the urban structure, a process of continuous improvement. The historian Lewis
Mumford expresses the change in how the city was conceived with the construction of the
new bulwarked ring wall: While the old city was divided into blocks and squares, and then
surrounded by a wall, the recently fortified city was planned as a fortification, and the city was
confined within that straitjacket. Whether old or new that would be, their opportunities for
expansion were thwarted68.
The outworks spread the process of defence outwards, a so-called defence in depth.
Analysis of the site was essential to the design of the line of walls, and accuracy in
measurement was the main element in the application of practical geometry on the ground.
Any irregularity in the site, as was the case in Elvas, which was located on a hill, precluded the
perimeter assuming a perfectly regular form, and entailed more outworks along the line of the
first ring wall defined by bulwarks and curtains. These outworks, already built in 1658,
included ravelins, counterguards and a crown work called the Casaro, designed in 1648 by
Nicholas of Langres; this French engineer oversaw the works from this date, replacing
Cosmander when the latter went to serve in Spain (Figs. 2.a.7.1.12 and 13).
Forts and fortlets were still needed to occupy important points in the area surrounding
the city. This must have been the function of the Fort of Santa Luzia, located on a hill
dominating and within artillery range of the fortress-town of Elvas: on the one hand it protected
the city, but on the other it could also be destroyed if taken by the enemy. It was necessary to
free the whole area surrounding the city through the expropriation of land and destruction of
buildings such as houses, convents, suburbs and natural elements such as trees. These
demolitions were carried out, not only along the walls and outworks, but also on the glacis, to
allow a broad visibility on the ground, and free lines of fire for heavy artillery and muskets69.
In reconfiguring the walls in Elvas, it was necessary to demolish a hospital attached to
the Convent of So Domingos, because it stood next to the medieval walls, as well as some
houses in the area of the castle to make way for the Place of Arms. The opening of the military
road along the walls required the destruction of blocks between the bulwark of So Joo de
Deus and the bulwark of So Domingos, where this attains a considerable width. This route
linked all the bulwarks and curtains inside the walls, and was a wide peripheral urban road that
68
MUMFORD, Lewis A Cultura das Cidades, Belo Horizonte, 1961, pp. 95-96.
69
These rules in the construction of the military area surrounding the stronghold are expressed by the chief engineer Azevedo Fortes: "it is necessary to
demolish all the houses and anything else that can provide cover for an attack and impede the defenders view (...) and also demolish all the farm walls,
and vegetable plots, ditches-and-hedges, so that within the firing range there is nothing that could conceal the enemy from the defenders sight",
FORTES, Manuel de Azevedo - O Engenheiro Portugus, vol. II, Lisbon, 1729, p. 241.
180
constrained the urban fabric, not allowing it to expand (Figs. 2.a.7.1.1 to 4). In his
treatise on fortification (1694), Jacques Ozanam describes the military road as the very wide
street that separates the civil from the military function so as to avoid the houses in the city
being attached to the walls, to facilitate patrols, watches and the entire Fortress-Town70. The
covered walk compliments the military road, surrounding the ditch on the outside near the
glacis. This route was strictly military, the first line of defence where long-range weapons were
deployed. It was completed in1660.
The supply of water to the population was one of the main problems in the construction
of the new ring wall in Elvas, and the 16th century Amoreira Aqueduct, was essential to urban
life. Discussions of this problem raised two issues: its location in a military area, cutting
through the glacis putting it in the way of the stronghold's lines of fire and made the enemy
approach easier; its possible destruction would raise serious questions about the resistance
of the population and army in case of siege. The issue was resolved with the construction of a
bombproof cistern, designed by Nicolau de Langres in1648, and only a small section of the
Aqueduct near the wall was demolished, the water being carried by underground pipes. Thus
the destruction of a piece of heritage with profound symbolic importance for the people of
Elvas was avoided, a factor which influenced a decision taken by the Count of So Loureno,
Governor at Arms of Alentejo at that time.
For the construction of the glacis it was also necessary to destroy the famous Alameda
dos Paulistas, an orchard located in the vicinity of the medieval walls, and its convent,
replaced inside the bulwarked ring wall. The convents were large buildings which, due to their
layout, were suitable for use as barracks in which to quarter enemy troops, as happened in the
occupation of the So Francisco Convent in the siege of the Lines of Elvas. Later with the
dissolution of the religious orders in 1834, the Convent of So Domingos was also used as
barracks and the Convent of the Paulistas as a military court.
The town-country dialectic now took on a different aspect and the gap between them
was greater. The urban space was now further from the country, from the agricultural areas
that supplied the city with produce. The military space of the city was now the property of the
central power, outside the control of the territory in its surrounding area, and any questions
about what could be built were decided by military engineers. The gates - for the civilian
population, the means of access to the countryside beyond - were increasingly subject to
military control. In Elvas the eleven gates that formed part of the medieval town wall were
reduced to three in the new-bulwarked ring wall: the Olivena, Corner and So Vicente Gates.
The postern gates were for exclusively military use giving access to the ditch and outworks;
they corresponded to the former medieval gates.
One of the military ground rules of modern fortification was that the number of gates
should be kept to a minimum, as they were the weakest points in a town wall. Hence the city
70
OZANAM, Jacques - Trait de Fortification Contenant les Methodes Anciennes et Modernes pour la Construction et la Deffense des Places, Paris, 1694,
p. 70.
181
gate, as well as incorporating a guardhouse, was rendered still more difficult of access
by outworks (ravelins) which made a double entry and exit for the residents, and thus a more
complicated and controlled journey. The difference was accentuated between the urban and
rural populations, now further separated by this extension to the military area. Moreover, the
means by which the gates were expressed could not but strengthen the sense of
impenetrability imposed by the walls and the symbolic freight of central power over the city
and its citizens. The symbolism of gates is expressed by Engineer-in-Chief Lus Serro
Pimentel in his Mthodo Lusitnico: as far as construction of gates is concerned there must be
something rather course about its exterior aspect so as to represent austerity, and an
awesome sense of an invincible Fortress-Town, looming formidably before its enemies71.
This abrupt discontinuity between the space inside and outside the walls is inherent in
the concept of the fortress-town, with its emphasis on a military periphery72. The outer
periphery was made up of the walls themselves, the outworks, the gates and the ditch; and the
inner periphery was now doubly marked by military buildings erected for preference in the
area close to the walls. The urban fabric grew more densely woven by the occupation of all
available space, with gardens and vegetable plots and also with ever-higher buildings, now
that it was no longer possible for outskirts to expand beyond the walls. The religious, cultural
and commercial institutions developed within the fortified enclosure and so convents and fairs
were set up permanently in the city area.
The impact of the new walls on the urban structure of the fortress-towns spawned
theories on the ideal urban structure best corresponding to the ideal form for defence. A new
order was imposed on the layout, and the ideal Renaissance city served as a model for
implementing this order, now with a military logic. The construction of the fortress-town of
Palmanova in the state of Venice provided a model for structuring this ideal. The line of the
ring wall and its adjuncts were placed within a regular polygon with nine sides and its bulwarks
were all the same as were the curtains. Its radial plan established an intrinsically
centre/periphery relationship controlled by military power. In the central square, which
functioned as a place of arms for mustering the army and as a market place, a watchtower
was located. On the periphery were sited the military installations with depots and barracks
next to the curtains. There were roads connecting the central square to the three gates and to
some of the bulwarks, running as far as the military road.
The city of Elvas, whose urban structure had been consolidated over a period of
centuries had to adapt to these new concepts without being able to adopt the rational solution
of the urban grid that was considered ideal. This was a situation that military engineers faced
in the 17th century, which gave rise to theories encompassing not only the regularisation of
forms but also the restructuring of the existing urban layout. The military engineer's
71
PIMENTEL, Luis Serro - Mthodo Lusitnico de Desenhar as Fortificaes das Praas Regulares, & Irregulares, Lisbon, 1680, p 147.
72
VALLA. Margarida - A Fortificao no Desenvolvimento da Cidade Portuguesa no Sculo XVII", in TEIXEIRA, Manuel C. and VALLA, Margarida
O Urbanismo Portugus Sculos XIII-XVIII, Portugal-Brasil, Livros Horizonte, Lisbon, 1999, p 149.
182
involvement would not be limited to fortification works, but would extend to organising
the urban space into a hierarchy of functions, as well as to the construction of public and
military buildings. The acute instability of frontier urban centres undermined local
administrative structures and made them subject to central power in the form of direct
intervention by military engineers, with the town planning logic that this entailed.
In a fortress-town there were clearly two strata to the population civil and military
coexisting in the one urban space but functioning independently of each other. To the public
space was added the military space made up of priority access routes for manoeuvres or of
troop mustering ground. The interaction of these spaces depended on the existing urban form
on the polygonal line of the walls and on the stronghold's importance in the territorial
defensive system. Thus, the military apparatus could be more or less dominant within the
urban space.
The urban layout of the Elvas Fortress-Town underwent changes in its hierarchy where
roads giving access to the gates were accorded priority. The Rua Olivena, leading to the
Olivena Gate, the main way in and out of the city, became more than ever the principal street,
once it gave onto the central square (Fig. 2.a.7.1.5 and 6). The road running around the Arab
wall connected the three gates and thus also became an important route in this new urban
structure (Fig.2.a.7.1.7 and 8). The military road, opened in this period, was the circular route
that emphasised the periphery and connected all the military structures, stopping short of the
Convent of So Domingos. This situation was repeated in the stretch between the So
Vicente Gate and the Castle, which served as a small redoubt, where the urban grid consisted
of dense housing on very steep terrain.
The Principal Guardhouse Building was erected on the 16th century Cathedral Square
to mark a military presence in the civil centre. Thus, the local power, the religious power and
the military power made use of the same space in which civil uses were given preference, but
a place of arms was also symbolically imposed. In reality the military parade ground was
situated next to the castle, along with several barracks. For M. L'Abb Didier, the place of
arms was an empty space, where soldiers mustered to receive orders or carry out exercises73.
In the French fortress-towns planned by Vauban in the late 17th century, such as Longwy,
Sarrelouis and Neuf-Brisach, the central place was designated a place of arms but was also
where other institutions of local and religious - power were located.
Despite the Restoration Wars, new convents were built inside the fortified area, such
as the Convent of So Joo de Deus (1645), planned as a Military Hospital. After the Convent
of the Paulistas, outside the walls, was demolished, the new Convent of So Paulo (1660)
was erected next to the military road. In 1659, the Jesuit College was built within the urban
area, replacing an existing chapel on the site. In the 18th century the construction of the Church
of Terceiros, next to the Convent of Santa Clara, and of the new Hospital of the Misericrdia,
73
DIDIER, M L'Abbe - Le Parfait Ingenieur Franois, ou Fortification Offensive et Dfensive, Paris, 1742, p. 54.
183
contributed further to the densely packed nature of the city area, as did the other civil
buildings added at this time (Fig. 2.a.7.1.14).
The permanent military presence in the city gave rise to military buildings, which had
an ever increasing impact on the urban fabric. From the 17th century onwards the construction
of military facilities was given priority, not only to improve military efficiency and relations with
the local people, but also to raise the profile of an army that was beginning to adopt the
standards of other European armies. The facilities installed near the walls created a territory,
that is, a military periphery that bordered on an adjacent urban periphery. While the military
buildings invaded the urban fabric, however, their presence was marked out by a specific
architectural form and design. The typologies adopted destroyed the logic of the city block,
surrounding itself with a space of its own, where the military structure would continue to
function independently of the civil structures; but the interaction of civil and military society
grew and developed in the same public space.
The military buildings were created by the need to store large quantities of products,
such as food and munitions, but also to satisfy the inescapable need to house a large number
of soldiers, for which available local housing was not adequate. Each type of building
performed its different function, and the design conveyed austerity: ornamentation was
restricted to the entrances to great buildings, as can be seen in or on the Trem (Equipment
Storehouse), erected in 1694. The military facilities in this city were installed next to the walls
and the military road as was standard practice. In other situations they encroached on urban
space, as was the case with the War Council, the Auditor-General's Building and the Military
Bakery, located on the other side of the military road, emphasising this military periphery on
the border of the urban fabric. The first barracks, those of the Castle, Corujeira, Rua Nova de
So Martinho and of Cannonballs, some built in the period of the Restoration Wars, were
situated on the urban periphery, their vernacular style similar to the typical style of houses. As
larger buildings began to be erected examples are the Auditor-General's Building, the War
Council, the Trem (Equipment Storehouse), the Military Bakery and the Powder-magazine by
the Corner Gate - this idiom became more erudite and particular. This tendency can also be
observed in the Casaro Barracks, planned in 1767 by the military engineer Guillaume
Valler and built between the bulwarks of So Domingos and the Old Gate. The involvement
of this engineer in the urban fabric of Elvas also comprised a monumental fountain (Fig.
2.a.7.1.9), which enhanced the public space. This also happened in the cities of Besanon
and Longwy, where very elaborate wells were constructed at the same time as the
fortifications, as essential infrastructure for the inhabitants.
The city became the defender of a region, and the relationship between city and
hinterland changed radically in the designated fortress-towns, where urban structure
conformed to military logic and the perimeter of the military area widened and petered out in
the countryside. From this perspective, the construction of the Fort of Graa, begun in 1763
184
and planned by the Count of de Lippe who was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the
Portuguese Army in 1762, increased military domination of the city of Elvas over the territory.
This work was carried out on the ground by the French military engineers Major Etienne and
Guillaume Louis Valler, and apart from its military efficiency, completing the city's defensive
system, epitomised this duality between military function and the beauty and magnificence of
its concrete expression.
The Elvas fortifications and the whole infrastructure supporting a fortress-town were in
accord with the rules governing modern fortification, where a military and civilian population
coexisted and occupied the same public space. This was the concept of the fortress-town
based on changes in the hierarchy of the urban fabric the better to regulate military functions
but still respecting the existing city and its institutions that in some way guaranteed an urban
way of life. Managing this balance came from a direct relationship between the central power
and the people, which the Modern State claimed to affirm politically at the expense of other
vested interests.
The investment made in the fortifications and military structures testified to the unique
role that the city of Elvas played in Portugal's defence policy from the Restoration onwards74.
The scientific rigour of the plans of its fortifications and aesthetic beauty, all the military
facilities, the characteristics of its urban fabric reflecting the various phases of the city's
growth, and its aqueduct, together form a monument in permanent dialogue with the
surrounding territory.
74
The fortifications of Elvas gave rise to many arguments about the importance of the work and how much it cost, and certain issues were raised at the time
of its construction. King Joo IV, in a letter addressed to D. Joo da Costa, Artillery General of Alentejo, referred to: "I have been told that the reason for
the delay was that father John Cosmander wanted a work that was pleasing to the eye, rather than something just as effective that could have been built
quicker", SEPLVEDA, Cristvo Ayres de Magalhes - Histria Orgnica e Politica do Exrcito Portugus, Provas, vol. IX, Coimbra, 1923, p. 66 .
185
Fig. 2.a.7.1.1- Military Road (Av. 14 de Janeiro)
Fig. 2.a.7.1.2 - Military Road (Av. de So Domingos)
186
Fig. 2.a.7.1.3 - Military Road (Av. Garcia da Orta)
Fig. 2.a.7.1.4 - Military Road (Rua Nova de So Vicente)
187
Fig. 2.a.7.1.5 - Rua de Olivena
188
Fig. 2.a.7.1.6 - Praa (Square)
Fig. 2.a.7.1.7 - Lg. de So Vicente and Rua S da Bandeira
189
Fig. 2.a.7.1.8 - Aerial view of the city, with Rua da Cadeia, the widest street crossing the centre
Fig. 2.a.7.1.9 - So Loureno Fountain
190
Fig. 2.a.7.1.10 - First and second Arab walls and Fernandina wall
Fig. 2.a.7.1.11 - The city of Elvas in the 16th century
Fig. 2.a.7.1.12 - The city of Elvas in the 17th century, with the Fort of Santa Luzia
191
A1
A Fortress-town 1 Cathedral
2 Church of S.t Maria da Alcova
A1 Fortications of the historic centre 3 Church of S. Pedro
A2 Fort of Santa Luzia 4 Church of S. Joo da Corujeira
5 Church of Esprito Santo
B Square 6 Church of S. Martinho
7 Church of All Hallows
C Market Place (Carriage Road)
8 Church of S.t Madalena a Nova
D Bishop's Place
E So Domingos Place
9 Church of N. Sr. da Nazar
10 Chapel of S. Salvador
A2
11 Chapel of N. Sr. dos Bem Casados
F Misericrdla Place 12 Chapel of N. Sr. da Conceio
13 Convent of S. Domingos (1267)
G College Place 14 Convent of N. Sr. da Consolao (1520)
15 Convent of S.t Clara (1526)
H Outer walls Fountain Place
16 Convent of S. Francisco (1591)
I So Martinho Place 17 Convent of the Jesuits (1644)
18 Convent of S. Paulo (1660)
J Sta Maria de Alcova Place 19 Misericrdia (Church and Hospital)
20 Guildhall (with extension)
L Salvador Place
21 Bishop's Palace
M Place of the Religious Sisters 22 Alcaide's Palace
23 Pillory
N Santa Clara Place
24 Cistern Fig. 2.a.7.1.13 - The fortress-town of Elvas in the 17th century
O Castle's Place of Arms 25 Fountain
26 Aqueduct (1498- 1622)
P So Vicente Gate Place 27 Convent Wall
28 Medieval Castle
Q Olivena Gate Place
29 Homage Tower
R Corner Gate Place 30 Polygonal Loophole Turret
31 17th century fortification
S Olivena Street 32 War Council
T Military Road 33 Military Government
34 Powder-magazine
35 Trem (Equipment Storehouse)
36 Military Bakery
37 Military Hospital
(Convent of S. Joo de Deus 1645)
38 Auditor-General's Office
39 Barracks
40 Main Guard Corps
41 Guard Corps
42 Corner Gate
43 Olivena Gate
44 S. Vicente Gate
45 Postern Gate
46 Bulwark of S. Joo de Deus
47 Bulwark of Morteiros
48 Bulwark of the Place of Arms
49 Bulwark of S. Domingos
50 Bulwark of Cavaleiro
51 Bulwark of the Old Gate
52 Bulwark of S. Joo da Corujeira
53 Bulwark of S.t Brbara
54 Prncipe Bulwark
55 Bulwark of Sesto da Gavia
56 Bulwark of Conceio
57 Redan of Cascalho
58 Ravelin
59 / 60 Counterguards
61 Crown work
192
A1
A Fortress-town 1 Cathedral
2 Church of Santa Maria da Alcaova
A1 Fortications of the historic centre
3 Church of S. Pedro (Rebuilt)
A2 Fort of Santa Luzia 4 Church of S. Joo da Corujeira (Rebuilt)
5 Church of Esprito Santo
B Square 6 Church of S. Martinho
A2
C Market Place (Carriage Road)
8 Church of N. Sr. das Dores (Rebuilt 1780)
D Bishop's Place 9 Church of N. Sr. da Nazar
10 Church of Terceiros (1701-19)
E So Domingos Place 11 Chapel of Salvador
12 Chapel of N. Sr. dos Bem Casados
F Misericrdla Place
13 Chapel of N. Sr. da Conceio
G College Place 14 Convent of S. Domingos (1267)
15 Convent of N. Sr. da Consolao (1520)
H Outer walls Fountain Place 16 Convent of S.t Clara (1526)
I So Martinho Place 17 Convent of S. Francisco (1591)
18 Convent of the Jesuits (1644)
J Sta Maria de Alcova Place 19 Convent of S. Paulo (1660)
20 Misericrdia
L Salvador Place
(Church and Hospital, with extension)
M Place of the Religious Sisters 20 Guildhall (with extension)
22 Bishop's Palace
N Santa Clara Place 23 Alcaide's Palace
24 Pillory
O Castle's Place of Arms
25 Cistern
P So Vicente Gate Place 26 Fountain Fig. 2.a.7.1.14 - The fortress-town of Elvas in the 18th century
27 Aqueduct (1498-1622)
Q Olivena Gate Place 28 Convent Wall
R Corner Gate Place 29 Medieval Castle
30 Homage Tower
S Olivena Street 31 Polygonal Loophole Turret
T Military Road
33 War Council
34 Military Government
35 Powder-magazine
37 Military Bakery
40 Barracks
41 Pontoon Store
42 Main Guard Corps
43 Guard Corps
44 Corner Gate
45 Olivena Gate
46 S. Vicente Gate
47 Postern Gate
55 Bulwark of S.t Brbara
56 Prncipe Bulwark
60 Ravelin
61/62 Counterguards
63 Crown work
193
2.a.7.2 MILITARY LANDSCAPE
Domingos Bucho
Isabel Pinto
Ruth Pereira
The choice of the site by the Arabs for their fortress and settlement was based on the
principal needs that had to be balanced at that time, the result necessarily a compromise
between them: defence, health, supply of water and farm products, and building material
(stone). It is not known with any accuracy at what date the settlement began but specialists
date the earliest surviving structures to the 10th century. Note that Badajoz was founded a little
earlier, in 875.
The defence needs required a site on higher grounds than its surroundings but the
settlement would need to be established on a plateau or gentle slope. While the hill today
occupied by the Fort of Graa, is higher, by about 50m than that of the city, it does not however
fulfil the latter requirement. In fact, there is in this region no site that meets both needs better;
anyone leaving Badajoz in the direction of Elvas will readily appreciate that the latter city
clearly represents the best choice.
As for a healthy site the Elvas settlement also could not be better: it is sheltered from
the cold North winds which lash the Costa da Vila Fria and its housing spreads towards the
South in a natural amphitheatre, which receives the sun throughout the day.
If there are construction materials we shall return to this below in the appropriate
place and if the agricultural richness has long been legendary, there would have to be some
drawback to blemish an otherwise perfect location: in this case the question of water. The
Cto stream flows through the valley to the north but it is dry in summer and is separated from
the city by a steep slope. The rivers Caia and Guadiana are far away. Water would have had to
be collected in wells and cisterns: the Arabs were very skilled at this. The Alcal Well fulfilled
this need and perhaps a good number of the innumerable private wells and small cisterns still
in existence today, date from this period.
Looking at Fig. 2.a.7.2.1, we can see that the fortress (today, the castle) occupied the
highest point, to the north, with no threat at all from the W, N, and E directions, and the
settlement developed towards the south descending the steps of the amphitheatre, forming
circular sectors centred on the castle.
After the settlement was abandoned to Christian occupation in 1228, the town
continued to grow and the new wall surrounded the dwellings in the 14th century in 1378 work
was still being carried out on the new wall. The same pattern of expansion was followed; the
town grew southwards in an arc (Fig. 2.a.7.2.2).
Whereas up to now the defensive principle had been impregnability, which was
194
achieved simply with high thick upright walls enclosing an ever greater urban area, the
beginning of the Restoration Wars, with the technological advance in artillery from the 15th
century onwards, entailed a profound change in military architecture and thus in the
occupation of the territory. Now the guiding principle was invulnerability, in the face of cannon
with an effective range of 400m.
The Fernandina city wall with its 22 towers and 11 gates, had had to be demolished
sometime before, to be replaced by a low fortress on a slope, at its heart an enormous mass of
earth (terraplein) capable of absorbing the impact of artillery fire. It also had to be arranged in
angles (bulwarked), with a wide ditch and outworks (crown work, ravelins, counterguards and
places of arms) which extended the defence in depth far beyond the magistral line. The first
defensive line now began on the covered way that surrounded the whole of the bulwarked ring
wall and outworks, as the barbican had been in the Middle Ages. This is how the bulwarked
fortification of the historic centre was built, but by this time it was no longer sufficient: a SE
elevation, just 380m (that is within effective cannon range) had also to be strengthened with a
fort, that of Santa Luzia, because if it had not been, the enemy would have installed a battery
there and the stronghold would have been vulnerable (Fig. 2.a.7.2.3).
Also, the harquebus and the musket, the latter with an effective range of 234m, needed
open land without obstacles allowing the enemy to approach. This open land, supposedly
beginning at the parapet of the covered way, was called the esplanade, built in angle taluses or
simply stripped of vegetation and roughly flattened out, and became a fully fledged part of the
military architecture, with which the fortresses were isolated in the landscape (Figs. 2.a.7.2.4
and 5).
Although in the 17th century the Monte da Graa, to the north, represented no threat to
the stronghold because it was about 1000m, a battery installed there could effectively hit the
valley (as happened during the siege and Battle of the Lines of Elvas), which was important
from the tactical point of view. But in the second half of the 18th century the effective range of
cannon increased to 800m, and the firing rate to two shots per minute75, which allowed the city
to be reached effectively given the drop of about 50m between Monte da Graa and the castle
area. Finally at about 1858, the appearance of groove-barrelled cannons and a little later (in
the 1880s) of smokeless gunpowder, generally called in to question the effectiveness of all
fortifications; firing range by then had reached about 6000m76. Thus the Monte da Graa had
to be fortified, with a powerful fort on which building began in 1763, well protected by a built
glacis that prevented the approach of enemy batteries by extending the capital lines of the
bulwarks. In plan, the new structure resembles an enormous spider on the hill poised to attack
(Fig. 2.a.7.2.6). At the beginning of the 19th century, preparing the country for the inevitable
75
CAPMANY, Carlos Diaz, ob. cit., p 199.
76
BARBE, Jean-Franois - "Le Fort de Ia Croix-de-Bretagne", in Vauban et ses Successeurs en Brianonnais, Association Vauban,
Paris, 1995, p.137.
195
French Invasions, four fortlets were built (Fig. 2.a.7.2.7), at key commanding points of
which just one was demolished to make way for the city's cemetery.
A thousand years of fortification produced a whole landscape that defended itself,
within and without its walls, by means of its natural relief and human artifice, creating a field
entrenchment (Figs. 2.a.7.2.8 and 9) with a perimeter greater than 7500m enclosing an area
more than 300 ha. And all that was built survives in an incomparable state of preservation and
completeness. Even the ditches and esplanades of the historic centre, which elsewhere in the
world were subsumed in urban expansion, are here preserved to the highest of standards
(Fig. 2.a.7.2.10):
- the ditches are preserved over 98.37% of their area;
- between the covered way and the line of effective musket firing range, 95.48% of the
area is unbuilt on;
- between the latter line and that of effective cannon range the unbuilt on area is
93.12%.
Obviously, in the forts and fortlets the preservation of esplanades is higher still.
196
PLAN OF THE ARAB QUARTER 11TH AND 12TH CENTURIES
DWELLINGS
DRAINAGE SYSTEM STORAGE

STRUCTURES
PAVEMENTS
INHABITED AREA OF
THE HISTORIC
CENTRE OCCUPIED
DURING THE ARAB
PERIOD FROM THE
197
10TH TO THE 13TH
CENTURIES
1ST ARAB WALL
1ST ARAB WALL (CONJECTURAL RECONSTRUCTION LAYOUT)
2ND ARAB WALL
2ND ARAB WALL (CONJECTURAL RECONSTRUCTION LAYOUT)
ARAB QUARTER (11TH AND 12TH CENTURIES)
GATES AND ARCHES STILL IN EXISTENCE
1 - Templo or Santos Gate

2 - Miradeiro or Alcaova Gate
3 - Bishop's Arch
4 - Praa (Square) Gate

5 - New Gate or N. Sra da Encarnao Arch
DRAINAGE SYSTEM PLAN 16TH CENT MEDIEVAL POT -14TH, 15TH AND 16TH CENTURIES
INHABITED AREA
OF THE HISTORIC
CENTRE OCCUPIED
UP TO THE 16TH
CENTURY
198
1ST ARAB WALL
1ST ARAB WALL (CONJECTURAL RECONSTRUCTION LAYOUT)
2ND ARAB WALL
2ND ARAB WALL (CONJECTURAL RECONSTRUCTION LAYOUT) GATES AND ARCHES STILL IN EXISTENCE
FERNANDINA WALL (14TH CENTURY)
FERNANDINA WALL (CONJECTURAL RECONSTRUCTION LAYOUT) 1 - Templo or Santos Gate
ARAB QUARTER (11TH AND 12TH CENTURIES) 2 - Miradeiro or Alcaova Gate
3 - Bishop's Arch
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
4 - Praa (Square) Gate
5 - New Gate or N. Sra da Encarnao Arch
6 - Bath or Old Gate
1ST ARAB WALL
2ND ARAB WALL
2ND FERNANDINA WALL (14TH CENTURY)
BULWARKED FORTIFICATION (17TH CENTURY)
FORT OF SANTA LUZIA (17TH CENTURY)
1 - Corner Gate
2 - Olivena Gate
3 - S.Vicente Gate
P - Postern gates
INHABITED
AREA
OCCUPIED UP
TO THE
17TH CENTURY
199
WALLS AND EMBRASURES
FIRING ANGLE
EFFECTIVE RANGE OF CANNON FIRE (400m)
EFFECTIVE RANGE OF THE MUSKETS (233.88m)
AREA OF ESPLANADE WITHIN EFFECTIVE

FIRING RANGE
FIRING MAP FROM

THE MAGISTRAL
LINE
(17TH CENTURY)
200
NOTE: IN EACH STRETCH OF BULWARK OR CURTAIN WE ONLY CONSIDERED ONE EMBRASURE

WALLS AND EMBRASURES
FIRING ANGLE
EFFECTIVE RANGE OF THE MUSKETS (233.88m)
FIRING MAP FROM

THE MAGISTRAL
LINE
(18TH CENTURY)
201
NOTE: IN EACH STRETCH OF BULWARK OR CURTAIN WE ONLY CONSIDERED ONE EMBRASURE

1ST ARAB WALL
2ND ARAB WALL
FERNANDINA WALL (14TH CENTURY)
BULWARKED FORTIFICATION
(17TH CENTURY)
FORT OF GRAA (17TH CENTURY)
INHABITED AREA
OCCUPIED UP TO
THE
18TH CENTURY
202
.
1 ST ARAB WALL
2 ND ARAB WALL
FERNANDINA WALL (14 TH CENTURY)
BULWARKED FORTIFICATION
(17TH CENTURY)
FORTLETS (EARLY 19TH
INHABITED AREA
OCCUPIED UP TO
THE EARLY 19TH
CENTURY
203
AREA WITHIN 1ST ARAB WALL
AREA ADDED BY 2ND ARAB WALL
AREA ADDED BY FERNANDINA WALL
FORTLETS (EARLY 19TH CENTURY)
AREA WITHIN EFFECTIVE RANGE OF CANNON FIRE
AMOREIRA AQUEDUCT
TERRITORY
OCCUPIED FOR
DEFENCE WITH
AREAS WITHIN
EFFECTIVE RANGE
OF CANNON FIRE
(400m)
204
TERRITORY OCCUPIED
FOR DEFENCE WITH
NOTIONAL SECTIONS
FORT OF GRAA
205
FORTLET OF SO PEDRO
FERNANDINA TOWER AND 2ND ARAB WALL
AMOREIRA AQUEDUCT FORT OF SANTA LUZIA

CASTLE AND 1ST ARAB WALL
FORTLET OF SO DOMINGOS BULWARKED WALL FORTLET OF SO MAMEDE
FORT OF GRAA
FERNANDINA TOWER AND 2ND ARAB WALL

AMOREIRA AQUEDUCT
CASTLE AND 1ST ARAB WALL
FORTLET OF SO DOMINGOS
BULWARKED WALL
PLAN OF THE
BUILDINGS IN THE
ESPLANADE WITHIN
EFFECTIVE
FIRING RANGE OF
THE MAGISTRAL
LINES OF THE
HISTORIC CENTRE
206
EFFECTIVE RANGE OF THE MUSKETS (233.88m) NUMBER OF BUILDINGS AND PERCENTAGES OF AREA OCCUPIED
DITCH AND ESPLANADE WITHIN EFFECTIVE
3 1.63% (DITCH)
RANGE OF FIRE
80 4.52% (BETWEEN THE COVERED WAY AND THE LINE OF FIRE WITHIN EFFECTIVE MUSKET RANGE)
BUILT AREA
269 6.88% (BETWEEN THE LINES OF FIRE WITHIN EFFECTIVE MUSKET AND CANNON RANGE)
Volume II
2.b History and Development
3. Justification
Annex VII
T H E G A R R I S O N B O R D E R T O W N O F E LVA S A N D I T S F O R T I F I C AT I O N S
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Volume II
2.b HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT.............................................................................................. 207
2.b.1 THE FRONTIER ISSUE AND URBAN AND MILITARY DEVELOPMENT............................... 208
2.b.1.1 THE FORMATION OF THE FRONTIER BETWEEN PORTUGAL AND CASTILE ALONG
THE LINES OF THE RIVERS CAIA AND GUADIANA IN THE 13TH CENTURY..................... 208
2.b.1.2 THE BULWARKED FORTIFICATION OF ELVAS RESULTING FROM THE LONG
PERIOD OF WAR BETWEEN 1641 AND 1811.................................................................... 211
2.b.1.3 THE LOSS OF MILITARY IMPORTANCE AND THE OPENING OF FRONTIERS AS A
RESULT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TREATIES.............................................................. 214
2.b.1.4 THE CITY AND ITS MILITARY UNITS.................................................................................. 215
2.b.1.4.1 INFANTRY.......................................................................................................................... 216
2.b.1.4.2 ARTILLERY........................................................................................................................ 223
2.b.1.4.3 CAVALRY........................................................................................................................... 227
2.b.1.4.4 OTHER MILITARY UNITS.................................................................................................. 230
2.b.1.5 EVENTS IN WARTIME......................................................................................................... 231
2.b.2 THE STRATEGIC LOCATION AND POSITION OF THE CITY AND THE ARCHITECTURAL
DEVELOPMENT OF ITS FORTIFICATIONS........................................................................... 251
2.b.2.1 STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS CONCERNING THE LOCATION AND POSITION OF
ELVAS................................................................................................................................... 252
2.b.2.1.1 THE LOCATION................................................................................................................. 252
2.b.2.1.2 THE POSITION.................................................................................................................. 254
2.b.2.2 ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE FORTIFICATIONS........................................ 354
2.b.2.2.1 MEDIEVAL FORTIFICATIONS........................................................................................... 255
2.b.2.2.1.1 THE CASTLE................................................................................................................... 255
2.b.2.2.1.2 THE MEDIEVAL CITY WALLS......................................................................................... 256
2.b.2.2.2 THE BULWARKED FORTIFICATIONS.............................................................................. 258
2.b.2.2.2.1 THE FORTIFICATIONS IN THE HISTORIC CENTRE.................................................... 258
2.b.2.2.2.2 FORT OF SANTA LUZIA................................................................................................. 265
2.b.2.2.2.3 FORT OF LIPPE OR NOSSA SENHORA DA GRAA................................................... 263
2.b.2.2.2.4 FORTLETS..................................................................................................................... 265
2.b.2.2.2.5 SUMMARY OF ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT DURING PERIOD OF MILITARY
USE................................................................................................................................. 266
2.b.2.3 A CRITICAL SUMMARY OF 20TH-CENTURY INTERVENTIONS............................................. 283
2.b.2.3.1 URBAN EXPANSION AND THE FORTIFICATIONS............................................................. 284
2.b.2.3.2 CASTLE............................................................................................................................... 287
2.b.2.3.3 MEDIEVAL CITY WALLS..................................................................................................... 293
2.b.2.3.4 BULWARKED FORTIFICATIONS IN THE HISTORIC CENTRE........................................... 294
2.b.2.3.5 CAMPAIGNS IN THE FORTLETS........................................................................................ 296
2.b.2.3.6 FORT OF SANTA LUZIA...................................................................................................... 296
2.b.2.3.7 FORT OF GRAA................................................................................................................ 297
2.b.2.3.8 TECHNICAL DETAILS PRESCRIBED FOR THE PROJECTS............................................. 298
2.b.2.3.9 A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF 20TH-CENTURY INTERVENTIONS......................................... 300
2.b.2.3.9.1 DURING THE ESTADO NOVO (1933-74)....................................................................... 300
2.b.2.3.9.1.1 CAMPAIGNS IN THE CASTLE..................................................................................... 300
2.b.2.3.9.1.2 OTHER INTERVENTIONS............................................................................................306
2.b.2.3.9.2 CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF INTERVENTIONS SINCE 25 APRIL 1974............................. 307
2.b.2.3.9.2 SUMMARY....................................................................................................................... 308
2.b.2.4 SYSTEMS OF BULWARKED FORTIFICATION ADOPTED IN ELVAS................................. 324
2.b.2.4.1 THE TEACHING OF MILITARY ARCHITECTURE AND THE PORTUGUESE
TREATISES UP TO THE END OF THE 18TH CENTURY.................................................... 325
2.b.2.4.2 BULWARKED FORTIFICATIONS PRIOR TO THE RESTORATION.................................. 328
2.b.2.4.3 THE ADOPTION IN ELVAS OF THE DUTCH SCHOOL OF FORTIFICATION................... 331
2.b.2.4.3.1 THE FORMATION OF THE DUTCH SCHOOL OF FORTIFICATION AND ITS
INFLUENCE IN PORTUGAL............................................................................................ 331
2.b.2.4.3.2 COSMANDER, THE JESUITS AND THE FORTIFICATION COURSE IN ELVAS........... 334
2.b.2.4.3.2.1 COSMANDER AND HIS TIMES....................................................................................337
2.b.2.4.3.2.1.1 THE ITALIAN SYSTEM AND ITS DEVELOPMENT IN THE LOW COUNTRIES...... 337
2.b.2.4.3.2.1.2 THE SYSTEM OF FORTIFICATION AS TAUGHT BY COSMANDER...................... 340
2.b.2.4.3.2.1.3 COSMANDER AND THE TREATISES PUBLISHED UP TO 1640................................ 343
2.b.2.4.3.2.1.4 APPLICATION OF MAROLOIS'S FORTIFICATION TABLES IN THE HISTORIC
CENTRE OF ELVAS AS COMPARED WITH COSMANDER'S CHOICES................ 350
2.b.2.4.3.3 THE FORT OF SANTA LUZIA.......................................................................................... 353
2.b.2.4.4 THE SYSTEMS OF FORTIFICATION IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 17TH AND THE
18TH CENTURIES AND THE FORT OF GRAA................................................................. 353

3. JUSTIFICATION FOR INSCRIPTION......................................................................................... 382
SYNTHSIS ..................................................................................................................................... 383

3.a CRITERIA UNDER WHICH INSCRIPTION IS PROPOSED AND ITS JUSTIFICATION........... 385
3.a.1 COMPLEMENTARY VALUE OF TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE HERITAGE......................... 403
3.b PROPOSED JUSTIFICATION OF OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE................................. 411
3.c COMPARATIVE STUDY............................................................................................................. 413
3.d INTEGRITY AND AUTHENTICITY............................................................................................. 436
ANNEX VII........................................................................................................................................ 439
THE CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE OF ELVAS
Jorge Rodrigues and Mrio Pereira

207
Elvas is one of the rare cities about which an abundant historical literature exists. It has
been written ever since the 17th century, but has been particularly extensive since the first half
of the 20th. The histories of the city and its fortifications have been mixed together, and we will
henceforth concentrate on the city's relationship with the frontier, a pairing that is fundamental
to an understanding of the country's main battle site.
The history of Elvas is indeed indelibly marked by a sequence of events which have
each in its turn left a clear division between the city before and after, all of them directly or
indirectly connected with its frontier location, at the natural point of entry onto Portuguese
territory.
2.b.1 THE FRONTIER ISSUE AND URBAN AND MILITARY

DEVELOPMENT
2.b.1.1 THE FORMATION OF THE FRONTIER BETWEEN PORTUGAL

AND CASTILE ALONG THE LINES OF THE RIVERS CAIA AND
GUADIANA IN THE 13TH CENTURY
In the Islamic period the territory formed part of a continuous whole known as Al-Garb
al-Andalus, with Batalyaws (Badajoz) and Marida (Merida) as its main cities. There was no
need for Ialbax (Elvas) to defend itself against Batalyaws, nor did a no-man's land have to be
set up between them for defence, as happened later. Instead of forming natural barriers, the
river Caia, and above all the Guadiana, served to link two sides of a single territory.
Human occupation of the territory is attested in the first place by abundant prehistoric
remains, prominent among them being those of the Megalithic culture (4500-2500BC the
Late Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods)1 (Figs. 2.b.1.1 to 3). The Celts also left enduring
traces, specifically in the Segvia castrum, continuously occupied from the 7th/6th to the 2nd/1st
centuries BC2.
Texts written in antiquity attest to the presence of Helvetii3 and Celto-Iberians, but
excavations at the Segvia castrum surprised researchers by revealing evidence of ceramics
brought to the Iberian Peninsula in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC by Phoenicians and
Carthaginians. Amilcar Morgado writes of the existence of a castrum4 at Elvas on the site of
the present castle, a hypothesis tested and recently confirmed on excavations producing Iron
1
Periodisation in PEREIRA, Paulo, "Do megalitismo Idade do Ferro", Histria da Arte Portuguesa, directed by Paulo Pereira, vol. I, Circulo de Leitores,
(no place of publication stated), 1995, p. 51.
2
RODRIGUES, Jorge and PEREIRA, Mrio - Elvas, Editorial Presena, Lisbon, 1996, p. 7.
3
Helvetii: a Celtic tribe that lived in 2nd century BC in what is now Switzerland.
4
MORGADO, Amilcar F. Elvas, Praa de Guerra, Arquitectura Militar, Caderno Cultural no. 7, Cmara Municipal de Elvas, 1993, p. 11.
208
Age finds.
The city was conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, and was known as
Alpesa, Helbas, Turres Albae, Castra Elvia, Dippio5, or else Elvii, Alba or Elba6. They have
however left no monumental evidence of their presence in the built area, although Amilcar
Morgado writes that the Roman castellum was constructed of strong towers linked together by
walls, there still exist, slight traces of these walls7. Just one high relief carved in funerary stone
has been found, not in situ, in the city (Fig. 2.b.1.4). On the other hand, important remains
from this period abound in the surrounding area (Figs. 2.b.1.5 to 7).
There are some pieces in the Municipal Museum dating from the Visigothic period, their
provenance now unknown (Fig. 2.b.1.8).
Of the Muslims, who conquered the city in 374 AD, traces remain within the walled area
(Figs 2.a.1.2.1 to 15) and in place-names, and remains are found throughout the city (Figs.
2.b.1.9 and 10), which shows that the city expanded significantly. Recently, plentiful
archaeological remains have been found in the castle.
We may conclude that this period without frontiers was one of growing prosperity.
Elvas had not yet taken on its later role arising from its position at a natural point of transit
between territories belonging now to Spain and Portugal respectively - of Key to the Kingdom.
Archaeological findings lead us to believe that the region was crossed by trade routes along
which goods from the Mediterranean entered, as indicated above. The fertility of the land
contributed much to its development its olives had already been praised by the Roman
naturalist Pliny (23-79 AD)8 as naturally did the defensive advantages the site of Elvas
offered. Its setting is described for us by the Arab geographer Abou-Abd-Allah-Mohammed
ben-Mohammed al-drisi, in his work entitled Geography: Fortified place, set in the folds of a
mountain, surrounded by a cultivated plain, a place of dwellings and bazaars (...) famed for the
beauty of its women9.
Elvas was occupied by D. Sancho II in 1228 after a failed attempt in 122610. Indeed,
after the conquests of Caceres in 1227 by Alfonso IX of Leon and Merida and in 1228 by the
Portuguese Infante Pedro Sanches in the service of the king of Leon, the inhabitants of Elvas
abandoned the city. The same probably occurred in Juromenha. Before this, the Portuguese
made two attempts at conquest: in 116611, by armies not under the command of the king (D.
5
GAMA, Eurico Elvas / Rainha da Fronteira, Cmara Municipal de Elvas, Elvas, 1986, p. 30.
6
RODRIGUES, Jorge and PEREIRA, Mrio, op. cit., p. 8.
7
MORGADO, Amilcar F., op. cit., p. 12.
8
GAMA, Eurico, op. cit., p. 26.
9
Cited in RODRIGUES, Jorge and PEREIRA, Mrio, op. cit., p. 26.
10
VARELA, Cnego Aires Teatro das Antiguidades de Elvas, etc., ed. Antnio J. Torres de Carvalho, Elvas, 1915 (original text written between 1644 and
1645), pp. 53 and 55, relate that the battles for the conquest of Elvas began in 1226, with the final takeover occurring in 1228. MATOSO, Jos
Histria de Portugal, Directed by Jos Mattoso, vol. II, Circulo de Leitores, (no place of publication stated), 1993, pp. 121 and 123, relate that Elvas was
not conquered, but occupied, due to the flight of its inhabitants; on the other hand, the failed attempt in 1226 was due to the lifting of the siege of Badajoz
by King Alfonso IX of Leon in a joint action with the Portuguese monarch -, unable to resist the heat of that summer; with this retreat the Portuguese
king was left unaided and abandoned by his own, he retreated, groaning and suffering more than one can imagine; the conquest of Badajoz only took
place on the day of Pentecost in the year of 1229 or 1230, the same year that Alfonso IX died.
11
VARELA, Cnego Aires, op. cit., p. 48; King Afonso Henriques did not directly lead the offensive against the Moors in 1162 and 1267; it was Geraldo
"Without Fear" that between 1165 and 1167, and through Juromenha, who attacked the fortifications that surrounded Badajoz, in order to, and in alliance
with the king, to attack the city in 1169 (see MATTOSO, Jos, op. cit., p. 77).
209
Afonso Henriques), who held the castle briefly; then in 1200 it was besieged under the
command of D. Sancho I.
Elvas's first charter, granted by D. Sancho II, dates from May 1229 and was confirmed
by D. Afonso III in 1263. D. Manuel I reconfirmed it on 3 May 1507 and a new charter was
granted on 1 June 1512. The same king promoted Elvas to city status on 20 April 1513, and
Elvas became a bishopric on 9 July 157012.
Simply listing these historical and administrative facts attests to the growing
importance of Elvas for the king of Portugal, undoubtedly because of the role it played in
guarding the frontier from the 13th century onwards, aided by its rich agriculture. On this, Frei
Manuel Esperana wrote in 1656: there are fruits in plenty of all the kind that sustain and
delight human lives13. Another man of religion, Frei Antnio Brando provided evidence of the
city's wealth in 1632: This is one of the most illustrious cities in the kingdom of Portugal,
situated in a prominent position, defended by walls and sturdy towers, graced with large
buildings and inhabited by rich and noble people14.
The architectural heritage too that has survived to our times along with that which
survives only in memory as well as the great city developments, show us the progressive
enlargement of Christian Elvas (Figs 1. e.14). Thus, we can speak of its built heritage dating
from as early as the 13th century, consisting of: the early hermitage of St. John the Baptist or
So Joo of Corujeira (founded 1228); the church of Santa Maria de Alcova, built on the site
of the former mosque; the church of Salvador; the church of S. Pedro (founded in 1227 and
rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake); and the Convent of So Domingos (founded in 1267) (Fig
2.b.1.11) where the hermitage of the Senhora dos Mrtires formerly stood erected as a grave
for those Portuguese who died in the conquest of Elvas15. In the same century, D. Afonso III
established the Mouraria (Moorish quarter) in the former Almocvar quarter by a charter of 31
January 1270, subsequently confirmed by D. Afonso V on 29 July 144616. The Paos do
Concelho (Guildhall) was sited at the north end of Largo do Salvador, and the Jewish
inhabitants were confined to the area above this square.
The Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Bencasados, next to the now vanished arch at Rua
da Carreira, dates from the 14th century, as did the church of Nossa Senhora do Aougue, later
known as N. S. da Praa, on the site now occupied by the current S (Cathedral) (Fig
2.b.1.12). The imposing Fernandina wall was also built in that century, with its 22 towers
flanking eleven gates (Fig 2.a.1.2.16 to 19).
In the 15th century (1418) the Convent of S. Paulo was founded for the eremitic orders of
Serra d'Ossa. In 1422 the population of Elvas was 8,50017; in 1437 it had 14 inns and a
12
Bula Super Cunctas, issued by Pius V, 9 June 1570. The bishopric was abolished by the Bula Gravissima Christi Ecclesiam regendi et gubernandi munus,
issued by Leon XIII, 30 September 1881. GAMA, Eurico, op. cit., p. 54.
13
14
Idem, Ibidem, p. 31.
15
KEIL, Lus, Inventrio Artistico do Distrito de Portalegre, Academia Nacional de Belas Artes, Lisbon, 1943, p. 74.
16
RODRIGUES, Jorge and PEREIRA, Mrio, op. cit., p. 17.
17
210
hospice. Already in the 16th century, more precisely in 1537, Francisco Arruda gave a great
impulse to the construction of the Amoreira Aqueduct, an undertaking only completed in 1622.
It was in the 16th century that Elvas blossomed as an urban centre, its elevation to the
status of city and bishopric was accompanied by major building projects and by significant
urban development. Praa Real (today the Praa da Republica), where the principal church
already stood this represented a shift in the city centre away from the area of the market and
former mosque now became the site of Nossa Senhora de Assuno, replacing on its
northern side the churches referred to above. The building of this church began in 1517 to a
plan attributed to Francisco Arruda, and it served as the Cathedral from 1570-1881. The new
Guildhall (1538) was built on the same square18. The Misericrdia was built in 1540 and
dedicated to Santa Luzia. The Dominican Convent was founded in 1528 (Fig. 2.b.1.13)
today only the church remains and the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Conceio was
founded in 1526 for the Xabreganas or the Sisters of Saint Clair. The Church of S. Loureno or
All-Hallows, reconstructed in later centuries, was built, as was the Convent of So Francisco
(1518) and then reconstructed in 159119 on the site it now occupies because its original
location was unhealthy.
In the numeramento of 1527, Elvas had 1916 households (approximately 7664
inhabitants) making it the fifth most populated city in the kingdom after Santarm, which had
72 more households20, vora, Porto and Lisbon.
We may conclude that the establishment of the frontier and the consequent strategic
importance the site of Elvas required were the reasons the city developed so extensively both
as a fortification and an urban centre. But it is also true that Elvas underwent considerable
development in the earlier, Muslim period when with no frontier at the Rivers Caia and
Guadiana, Elvas formed part of an urban civilization of which the Christian North stood in awe.
2.b.1.2 THE BULWARKED FORTIFICATION OF ELVAS RESULTING

FROM THE LONG PERIOD OF WAR BETWEEN 1641 AND 1811
The artillery of the modern age and especially from the 17th century onwards, imposed
profound changes in systems of fortification. The Fernandina wall, built with impregnability in
mind, with walls perpendicular to the ground, was not sufficient to resist the foreseen attacks
from Spain after the Restoration of Portuguese independence of 1640. In its place a
bulwarked enclosing wall was built with the aim now of invulnerability; a strait jacket from
which Elvas was only freed in the second half of the 20th century.
18
The medieval Guildhall was located at the northern top of the Largo do Salvador, where a 17th century house now stands.
19
Keil, Luis, op. cit., p. 68.
20
Histria de Portugal, directed by Jos Mattoso, Crculo de Leitores, vol. III, (no place of publication stated), 1993, p. 203.
211
Outside the magistral line, a crownwork, ravelins, counterguards, glacis, open

encampment, the Fort of Santa Luzia, the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graa or La Lippe and
four more fortlets (So Mamede, So Pedro, Piedade - So Domingos and So Francisco),
formed a fortified perimeter about 10 km in circumference. In 1642, by a Warrant of 27
December, the Junta (Council) das Fronteiras was appointed and Cosmander given the task
of making Elvas one of the masterpieces of Europe21. The work was supervised by General
Rui Correia Lucas, and Gilot, Lassart and Nicolau de Langres worked alongside Cosmander.
The bucolic countryside disappeared, especially the olive groves. What remained or
disappeared depended on strategic military objectives. Lassart, commenting on a design by
Hieronimo Rozetti for the Fort of Santa Luzia, wrote:
The line of the Fort required the clearing away from the valley of the famous and productive olive
groves from which some people made their livelihoods. So this was done and we told the people
who lost by it that if we were ready to lay down our lives for freedom, we should not spare the farms
because a loss borne by so few might prevent the ruin of many22.
But outside the fortified perimeter, agriculture continued apace around Elvas, providing
a logistical contribution to the upkeep of the stronghold.
The land around Elvas is intensively cultivated and presents a vision almost of Paradise. There
are 370 plots yielding up fruit and vegetables, plenty of bread, olive oil and wine, together with
large areas of pasture and hunting and fishing in the nearby mountains and rivers23.
However, the strip of land approximately 18km long that separated Elvas from Badajoz
increasingly became a no man's land that was difficult to cross and none of the kings had any
interest in its improvement.
Within Elvas's walls, military establishments proliferated, turning it into and enormous
barrack. But it grew not only in terms of military fortifications and buildings with a military
function. The Amoreira Aqueduct, 7054m long, plus 450m leading to the Fonte da Vila in the
Largo da Misericrdia, subsequently moved to the present-day Largo 25 de Abril, was
completed in 1622. The Chapel of Santo Amaro (17th century) was built, as were: the Church
of Senhor Jesus da Piedade (completed in 1737) (Fig.2.b.1.14); the Chapel of Nossa Senhora
da Conceio (17th century); the new Church of Salvador (dedicated in 1792); the Jesuit
College (Fig 2.b.1.15) also known as So Tiago (founded in the 16th century, although building
work did not begin until the middle of the 17th); the Hospital Convent of So Joo de Deus
21
22
Idem, p. 48.
23
Fr. Agostinho de Santa Maria Santurio Mariano e Histria das Imagens Milagrosas de Nossa Senhora, etc., vol. VI, Lisbon, 1707, cited in GAMA,
Eurico, op. cit., p. 16.
212
(founded in 1645); the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Dores (rebuilt between 1790 and 1796);
the Church of the Terceiros, dedicated to So Francisco (built between 1701 and 1719) (Fig.
2.b.1.16); the Chapel of Senhor da Boa F (completed in 1789) and the Chapel of St. John the
Baptist or So Joo of Corujeira, rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries. As well as these new
buildings we should mention the enlargement, reconstruction or improvement of nearly all the
religious buildings and the construction of countless houses for the nobility
Despite the increasing architectural richness within the walls, the city did not expand
outwards, being constrained by the 16th century magistral line, which coincided largely with the
city wall that had defined the city limits since the 14th century. Nor could the built-up area
encroach downhill onto the encampment, vulnerable to cannon fire. Transformed into an
enormous barrack Elvas had between 15,000 and 20,000 inhabitants around 162024.
However, 200 years in 1820 its population was 10,00025 and, in 1864, 10,27126. In 1900 it was
13,981, falling to 12,413 in 1930 and reaching 14,615 in 194027. This happened while the
nearest cities in Alentejo grew more in population in the period between 1820-1900; for
example, Portalegre (from 6,140 to 11,820)28 and vora (from 9,050 to 1,620). The
explanation for this is simple. Elvas lost its military importance after the Peninsular War as
strategy and war technology developed, the size of its garrison reducing ineluctably down to
the present day. In 1797 the fortifications were already being described in these terms: ()
and as the work progressed, we uncovered the grossest errors that you could meet in
fortification work29.
In Baron von Wiederhold's 1798 description of the voyage of military reconnaissance
undertaken by Christian30, Prince of Waldeck, to Alentejo and the Algarve, it states that:
The weakest point, outside the fortress itself lies to the west, where a rise with a convent on top,
extends the length of the enormous Amoreira Aqueduct () the enemy can approach from behind
this rise with nothing to fear from either the Fort of Lippe or the Fort of Santa Luzia31.
On the subject of the enormous size of the stronghold Colonel Vincent noted in 1808
that:
Elvas is therefore for several reasons a stronghold essential for Portugal, but while a numerous
army is required to besiege it, at the same time it needs a strong garrison which poses problems
24
MARQUES, A. H. de Oliveira Histria de Portugal, vol. II, Palas Editores, Lisbon, 1986, p. 88.
25
26
27
Idem, Ibidem, passim.
28
29
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 67, Nmero 6, (1797), Relatrio dos Sargentos Mores Matias e Eusbio Azedo, dated 10
February 1797.
30
Engaged 10 March 1797 to assist the General Marshal D. Joo Carlos de Bragana, Duque of Lafes.
31
GUEDES, Livio da Costa "A viagem de Christian, Prncipe de Waldeck, ao Alentejo e ao Algarve descrita pelo Baro von Wiederhold 1798, in Boletim
do Arquivo Histrico Militar, vol. 60, Lisbon, 1992, p. 199.
213
for a small nation having to deploy substantial forces on its frontier; and no doubt it would be
preferable to have a stronghold of such importance further in, supplying the whole frontier on the
left bank of the Tagus32.
The Napoleonic campaigns brought with them a completely different form of warfare33:
a) Siege warfare gave way to open battle.
b) The principal target was the enemy army.
c) Armies were bigger and artillery much more mobile because of road building.
d) No isolated fortification, however many resources were concentrated in it, could
resist siege artillery fire.
e) Territory was now defended along more extended lines, attenuating means of
defence and combining fixed with field fortifications.
In the Portuguese report of 1857, the Elvas defensive system was considered
completely out of date:
The Elvas stronghold, built when methods of fortification were still in their early days, has () a
considerable number of faults of which some derive from the inadequate choice of site and others
from its design34.
With its progressive loss of strategic importance the city slumbered in its shell of
curtains and bulwarks. As we saw earlier, the population remained almost unchanged
between 1900-194035. And it did not grow beyond the fortification until the 1960s and '70s with
the construction of social housing in Boa-F to the north, and new houses and
neighbourhoods to the south.
2.b.1.3 THE LOSS OF MILITARY IMPORTANCE AND THE OPENING OF

FRONTIERS AS A RESULT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TREATIES
While the establishment of the frontier from the 13th century onwards made Elvas an
important part of the country's defensive strategy and so contributed to its development
despite the necessarily warlike nature of its architecture and the constraints on expansion, the
almost total loss of military importance in the present day had the opposite effect because the
military population stimulated the city's economy. One after another the military units left
32
VICENTE, Antnio Pedro Le Gnie Franais au Portugal sous l'Empire, Servio Histrico Militar, Lisbon, 1984, p. 232.
33
See LOBO, Francisco Sousa "O fim de uma era", Histria dar Fortificaes Portuguesas no Mundo, directed by Rafael Moreira, Alfa, Lisbon, 1989,
pp. 273ff.
34
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9' Seco, Caixa no. 76, Nmero 12, (1857), Forte da Graa, I4 Agosto 1875, Relatrio da Comisso Filial da
Comisso Permanente, signed by Jos Marcelino da Costa Monteiro (Commander?) and Francisco Evaristo Leoni, Lieutenant Colonel of Artillery.
35
See MARQUES, A. H. de Oliveira Histria de Portugal, vol. III, Palas Editores, Lisboa, 1986, p. 111 and GAMA, Eurico, op. cit., p. 56.
214
Elvas. This strategic downgrading became more marked after WWI, due in part to the
following:
- The end of trench warfare.
- The continuing development of military aviation.
- The development of effective mobile artillery, aided by the use of high precision
missiles.
- Focus on mobility and rapid response.
- Change in strategic targets, concentrating on economic and infrastructural
targets.
On the other hand, the abolition of frontiers and the consequent disappearance of
protective tariffs, removing all barriers to competition from the Spanish market. In Spain
everything from food to holidays can be freely bought today. People go to Spain to study or for
health reasons. Elvas suffered greatly from the impact of this but new development strategies
are been tried, with the tenacity that has always characterised its people. Among these are
the emphasis laid on cultural tourism encompassing the perfectly justified ambition to have
Elvas included on the World Heritage List.
In Elvas, where dramatic battles were fought, peace treaties were signed, were
parliament (cortes) met, banquets and royal marriages were held, were princesses were
exchanged36, people are now hoping for an enlightened response from the State, in the form of
extensive investments in the conservation and cultural and tourist development of its unique
heritage.
2.b.1.4 THE CITY AND ITS MILITARY UNITS
It is not an easy task today to list the military units stationed in Elvas with the rigour that
historiography always demands: the documents from which we work are often confused,
terse, contradictory, and even disclose the existence of parallel regiments with the same
name on either side of a civil war. From a detailed study of the documentation37 we may
tentatively advance the following inventory.
36
Peace Treaties: between D. Dinis and his son D. Afonso and between D. Fernando and D. Joo I of Castile. Cortes: of 1361. Banquets and royal marriages:
marriage of D. Beatriz to D. Joo I of Castile (handing over of the princess on 17 May 1383); marriage of the Infante D. Joo (father of D. Sebastio), to D.
Joana; marriage of D. Joo IV to D.Luisa of Gusmo; marriage of D. Jos to D. Maria Ana Vitria of Bourbon. Exchange and handover of princesses:
handing over of D. Isabel, daughter of D. Manuel I, to the Ambassadors and Charles V; exchange of D. Carolina Joaquina, who married D. Joo VI, for D.
Ana Maria Vitria, fiance of infante D. Gabriel Antnio; exchange of D. Maria Isabel, who married D. Fernando VII, for D. Maria Francisca of
Bragana, who married infante D. Carlos; exchange of D. Maria Ana Vitria of Bourbon for D. Maria Brbara, Infanta of Portugal, who married D.
Fernando, Prince of Asturias, on January of 1729.
37
SEPLVEDA, Cristvo Aires de Magalhes Histria da Cavalaria Portuguesa, Imprensa Nacional, Lisbon, 1892; Genealogia dos Corpos do
Exrcito, Direco do Servio Histrico Militar, Lisbon, 1991.
BAIO, Jos C. Notas para a histria da guarnio da Praa de Elvas, desde o tempo da campanha de 1762", series of articles published in the journal
Arquivo Transtagano, 1933-1938.
BOTELHO, Jos Justino Teixeira Novos subsdios para a Histria da Artilharia Portugusa, Publicaes da Comisso de Histria Militar, Lisbon,
1944.
Genealogia dos Corpos do Exrcito, 1st part, Arms, DSHM, Lisbon, 1991.
SOUSA, Anibal Paos Artilharia e Artilheiros de Elvas.
215
2.b.1.4.1 INFANTRY
The Elvas Tero (Infantry armed with muskets and pikes) (1642)
Founded by Decree of 20 May 1642.
The Royal Armed Tero (1657)

Founded by Decree of 15 August 1657 and stationed in Elvas the same year.
1st Olivena Infantry Regiment (1667)

Founded by Decree of 24 September 1762 in Olivena, it moved to Elvas in 1767.
Moved then to Estremoz (1780) and, as Infantry Regiment no. 3, to Braga in 1816. Disbanded
in 1829.
Castelo de Vide Infantry Regiment (1676)

Founded in 1642 as the Castelo de Vide Tero, it became the Castelo de Vide Infantry
Regiment by Decree of 24 November 1704, and stationed in that town. In 1762 it was divided
into two regiments and in 1776 reorganised again into one, stationed at Elvas. In 1806 it
returned to Castelo de Vide.
1st Elvas Infantry Regiment (1754) (Fig.2.b.1.17), later Infantry Regiment no.5
(1806)
Successor to the Elvas Tero of 1642, it was founded by Decree of 12 January 1754.
By Decree of 24 September 1762, the Regiment was divided into two: the Manuel Bastos e
Sousa Infantry Regiment and the Carlos Grey Infantry Regiment. When the Army was
reduced in size by the Decree of 10 May 1763, the two were reunified as the 1st Elvas Infantry
Regiment. By Decree of 26 May 1806 it was renamed Infantry Regiment no. 5. As a result of
the measures decreed on 22 and 23 December by Junot and the Spanish General Taranco
and Marques del Socorro, allies of the French, the Portuguese Army was reduced into the
force which survived as the Portuguese Legion, subsequently sent to France. The 4th and 5th
infantry regiments of the Legion were organised in a very irregular way with the remains of the
Alentejo regiments.
Once the Napoleonic troops had been expelled following the Sintra Convention (30
August 1808), the Infantry Regiment was once again set up in Elvas in accordance with the
decision of the Governor's of the Kingdom on 30 September. The Decree of 21 February 1810
named Estremoz as the permanent home of this regiment but it remained, wholly or partly, in
Elvas: a financial dispatch of 7 May 1817 informs us that it was still there on that date. The
reference to Estremoz is repeated in the Warrant of 21 February 1816 and the Order of the
216
Day of 21 October 1816. By the Decree of 15 April 1831 and Order of the Day of 27 April 1831
it reverted to its original name, 1st Elvas Infantry Regiment, before being re-christened Infantry
Regiment no. 5 on 19 February 1834. After D. Miguel's army reorganisation of the 28th of that
month, Elvas remained its permanent home until it was disbanded on 26 May 1834 after the
Convention of vora-Monte.
Actions of this regiment in the Peninsular and Liberal Wars:
Peninsular War
From 1808 to 1810
- Garrisoned in Elvas.
1811
Battle of Albuera 16 May, as part of the light brigade incorporated in the Army, with 983
men under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Francisco
Xavier da Silva Pereira. It lost 12 soldiers, had 27 wounded (2 officers and 25 men) and 15
missing, totalling 54 casualties.
- First siege of the stronghold of Badajoz, from 5 to 16 May.
- Second siege of the same stronghold, from 19 May to 17 June.
1812
- Third siege of the stronghold of Badajoz, 17 March to 6 April; after taking the
stronghold they garrisoned it for some time.
- From 1821 to 1834

- In 1821 it sailed to Brazil as part of an expedition, returning in mid-1822.
- In January 1823 the 1st Battalion of this regiment sailed again for Brazil to combat the
insurrection taking place there.
- In the civil war unleashed by the Porto revolution of 16 May 1828, a
Battalion of this unit formed part of the 2nd Division of the Field Army, under the command of
Lieutenant-General Visconde de Alhandra. In September a battalion of the 5th served in the
capital.
- From 1832 to 1834, with the designation of 1st Elvas Infantry Regiment,
it was part of the forces fighting on the side of D. Miguel (4th Brigade, 2nd Division of Field Army).
2nd Elvas Infantry Regiment (1754) (Fig. 2.b.1.18), later Infantry Regiment no. 17
Created by Decree of 12 January 1754, was divided, by Decree of 24
September 1762, into the 2nd Elvas Infantry Regiment and the Ricardo Waghan Infantry
217
Regiment. It was reunified by Decree of 10 May 1763 as the Elvas Infantry Regiment. By
Decree of 19 May 1806 it became known as Infantry Regiment no.17. When the French
invaded Portugal in 1807, the Army was downgraded and organised into a force known as the
Portuguese Legion that was sent to France in 1808. With the remains of the Alentejo Infantry
Regiments, it was formed into the 4th and 6th Infantry Regiments of the Legion. After the
French left it passed through Montemor-o-Novo in 1816 (Decree of 21 February, Order of the
Day of 21 October of 1816), although they remained stationed wholly or partly in Elvas. They
were disbanded by Decree of 5 August 1826 (Order of the Day of 6 of August), for refusing to
swear allegiance to the Constitutional Charter, and left for Spain in a state of rebellion. The
soldiers were allowed to return from exile by Decree of 28 June of 1828, during the regime of
D. Miguel. The regiment was reorganised again, in Elvas, by Decree of 9 July 1828 (Order of
the Day of 9 July), under the name of Infantry Regiment no. 17. Its name was changed into 2nd
Elvas Infantry Regiment by Decree of 15 April 1831 (Order of the Day of 27 April), and it was
merged with the 1st Elvas Infantry Regiment (Decree of 20 February 1834, Order of the Day of
23 February). It was disbanded after the Convention of vora-Monte.
Actions in which the Infantry Regiment no. 17 took part in the eninsular War, and
later, either with this designation or as the 2nd nfantry Regiment of Elvas, in the Liberal
Wars:
Peninsular War
- Until 1810 it took no part in the Peninsular War as it was stationed in the Elvas
garrison.
1811
- Took part in the first siege of the stronghold of Badajoz, 5 to 16 May.
- Assault on the Fort of St. Christopher, Badajoz, on 8 and 9 of June; on the latter
day the regiment distinguished itself under the command of Major MacGeechy, who died
in action.
- Second siege of the stronghold of Badajoz, 19 May to 17 June.
1812
- Third siege of Badajoz, 17 March to 6 April. The whole regiment with 676 men
under the command of Major Francisco Xavier da Silva Rebocho, took part in this siege,
without loss. After the stronghold was taken it remained in the garrison for some time.
- Engagement at Berlenga, 10 July.
- Formed part of the 2nd Brigade of the Light Division (English and Portuguese), with Light
Infantry 1 and 3, taking part under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Joo Rolt, in the
218
battles and engagements referred to bellow.
1813
- Battle of Vitria, 21 June, at which the whole regiment was present, with 802 men.
7 soldiers died and 21 wounded.
- 2nd assault on the stronghold of S. Sebastian, 31 August.
- Engagements on the heights of Vera, 7 October.
- Battle of Nivelle, 10 November, with 712 men; 2 dead and 10 wounded (2 officers
and 8 men).
- Battle of Nive, 9 December, with a force of 781, with a loss of 2 men.
1814
- Battle of Orthez, 27 February, with a force of 772 and no losses.
- Engagement at Tarbes, 20 March.
- Battle of Toulouse, I0 April.
- At the end of hostilities, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, on 30 May, they
returned to Elvas, on 18 August.
Liberal Wars
- On 1 August 1826, the unit revolted against the Liberal government, refusing to swear
allegiance to the Constitutional Charter, for which it was disbanded, by decree of 6 August,
and the soldiers were obliged to emigrate to Spain.
- From 1832 to1834, as the 2nd Elvas Infantry Regiment, it was among the forces
fighting against liberal troops (2nd Brigade, 3rd Division of Field Army).
- At the end of the civil war, it took part in several engagements, in which various
officers and men distinguished themselves, specifically: on the action of 25 July on the Lisbon
lines, and in the engagement at Pernes on 30 January 1834, where it suffered heavy losses.
Campo Maior Infantry Regiment (1767)

- Created by Decree of 24 November 1707, it was part of the Elvas garrison in 1767.
Serpa Infantry Regiment (1767)

Successors of the Serpa Regiment (founded by Royal Charter of 25 February 1662);
as Serpa Infantry Regiment (Decree of 24 November 1707), it was part of the Elvas garrison in
1767.
22nd Infantry Regiment

The two Serpa infantry regiments were merged in 1763 under the command of D.
219
Diogo Anderson. It was garrisoned at Elvas for many years. With the publication of the Decree
of 29 May 1806, which ordered regiments to be numbered, it was assigned the number 22 and
continued to have Serpa as its official HQ, though it remained in Elvas, to where it moved
definitely with the Army reorganisation of 30 September 1808. During the Peninsular War it
was garrisoned in the Abrantes stronghold (1810-1811) and then in Setbal. In 1812 it went to
garrison Badajoz. With the 1816 reorganisation its HQ moved to Leiria.
8th Infantry Regiment

During the civil war 1832-1834, the 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment of the liberal
army was ordered to organise the 15th Infantry Regiment. After the disbanding, by Decree of
28 July 1834, of the units that had fought for D. Miguel, there was a temporary reorganisation
of the new Army in which the 15th became the 8th Infantry Regiment. By Decree of 13 May
1835, Elvas was made its HQ, on 20 June it moved to Setbal.
20th Infantry Battalion (1840)

Based in Tomar, it was garrisoned in Elvas from 1840-1942.
4th Infantry Regiment (1842)

Created during the civil war by the liberals, by Decree of 17 January 1833, it
remained quartered in Abrantes. It was garrisoned in Elvas in 1842.
8th Light Infantry Battalion

The earlier 8th Light Infantry Battalion, which distinguished itself in the Peninsular
War and the civil struggle between liberals and absolutists, was disbanded after the defeat
of D. Miguel. The Battalion that replaced it with the same number, linked to Elvas, was
formed from the 30th Light Infantry Battalion, created in the 1837 reorganisation, with the
number 8 assigned to it as part of the new organisation of infantry units in the Decree of 28
November 1842. The new unit was transformed on 1 January 1843, by the acquisition of
60 corporals and privates from the disbanded 27 Battalion.
The 8th Light Infantry Battalion arrived in Elvas from Beja on 14 July 1861 to
reinforce the garrison and was quartered in the Castle Barracks. On 12 October 1862 it
occupied the So Paulo Barracks. By the Decrees of 21 December 1863 and 23 June
1864 Elvas was established as its permanent HQ. In 31 July 1867, the Battalion left its
quarters in So Paulo to make way for the 2nd Light Infantry, which had come to serve in
garrison, and moved to the 4th Infantry Barracks. When the 2nd Light Infantry left for Lisbon,
on 14 October, the 8th Light Infantry returned to their former barracks.
With the Army reorganisation decreed on 30 October 1884, this Battalion was
renamed the 8th Light Infantry Regiment. Because one wing of the barracks was falling
220
into ruin, the 1st Battalion moved to vora on 24 October 1886, taking the archive and the
General staff.
On 17 April 1887, the 1st Battalion returned to Elvas and the 2nd Battalion was
detailed on 25 July 1888, with 190 men, to vora to replace the 4th Infantry. In the same
year the 8th Light Infantry Regiment was stationed in Abrantes. In December a small
section of the 2nd Battalion was withdrawn from vora, and on the 26 the 1st Battalion left for
Abrantes. The 2nd Battalion remained part of the Elvas garrison. In 1890 this battalion
received orders to muster at the regimental HQ in Abrantes and left Elvas on 20 April.
When the Light Infantry Battalions were reinstated in the 1926 reorganisation, the 8th Light
Infantry Battalion was stationed in Elvas.
4th Infantry Regiment Figs. 2.b.1.19 and 20) / 4th Light Infantry Regiment
The 4th Infantry Regiment has its origins in the Battalion of Loyal Fusiliers of the Island
of Terceira. This battalion became the 4th Infantry Regiment of the Liberation Army by Decree
of 13 January 1833. In Lisbon on 26 July 1833, the 2nd Battalion of this regiment was
organised: the 1st Battalion was already in existence in the city of Angra do Herosmo. By the
Decree of 4 October this unit was split into two regiments: the 13th Infantry Regiment formed on
Terceira out of the 1st Battalion; and the 4th Infantry Regiment formed in Lisbon out of the 2nd
Battalion. With the end of the civil war and the provisional reorganisation of the Liberation
Army on 18 July 1834 this regiment kept the same number. Its 2nd Battalion came to Elvas from
Faro on 24 December and left in February 1835. By Decree of 13 March the Abrantes
stronghold was designated its HQ, but on 20 June it was transferred to barracks in Tomar. On
4 January 1837 the regiment left Estremoz for Elvas. By the army organisation decreed on
that day it became the 20th Infantry Battalion, remaining in barracks at Tomar, although its
permanent HQ was the stronghold of Elvas. By the of Decree of 31 July it was once again
named the 4th Infantry Regiment, and yet again 20th Infantry Battalion on 23 March 1838.
By the Army reorganisation of 26 October 1840, this Battalion was permanently
quartered in Elvas.
On the 28 November 1842 the Decree of 4 January 1837, was amended and the
Infantry reorganised into Regiments, and so the 20th Infantry Battalion became (on 1 January
1848) the 4th Infantry Regiment in August 1855 the 1st Battalion was detailed to Estremoz and
the 2nd to Madeira; the whole regiment returned to Elvas in November 1856.
In January 1858, the Regiment was sent to Estremoz, returning to Elvas in July. This
unit quartered the Barracks of Casaro since its arrival in Elvas, moved on 24 July 1895 to the
S. Paulo Barracks. By Decree of 7 September 1899 this unit became the 4th Light Infantry
Regiment, made up of the 10th and 11th Light Infantry Battalions.
221
Military actions in which it participated:
This unit played an active part in the politically and military events of the 1830s and
'40s. It opposed the Revolt of the Marshals (July 1837) and supporting the reinstatement of
the Constitutional Charter by Costa Cabral in 1841. It was active in the civil war of 1846-7
(Maria da Fonte and Patuleia), taking part in the Battle of Torres Vedras (22 December 1846)
and in the defeat of the Anadia armed band (15 February 1847).
The 1st Company of the 2nd Battalion of this unit was sent to serve in Mozambique, on 12
November 1896, and took part in the campaign the following year against the Namarrais and
the Vatuas, in the following engagements:
- Naguema (3 March).
- Ibrahimo (6 March).
- Mucutu-Numu (7 March).
- Macontena (21 July).
The unit suffered five fatalities, a number of wounded and several soldiers earned
decorations. It returned to Elvas 7 November 1797 and a plaque commemorating its
participations in these campaigns was erected on the main gate of its barracks.
4th Light Infantry Battalion (1901)

By the Army reorganisation of 7 September 1889, the 4th Infantry Regiment and the 2nd
Battalion of the 8th Light Infantry Regiment were disbanded and recombined 4th Light Infantry
Regiment. This Regiment consisted of three battalions the 10th and 11th formed from the
former 4th Infantry Regiment stationed at Elvas; and the 12th, in Abrantes, formed from the 2nd
Battalion of the disbanded 8th Light Infantry Regiment. This reorganization took place on
October 1899, but on 24 December 1901 the Light Infantry units were reorganised yet again,
with the disbandment of the regiments and the creation of independent battalions. The 4th
Light Infantry Regiment was split into two battalions numbered 1 and 4. The formation of new
units took effect on 11 January 1902, when the 4th Light Infantry Regiment was disbanded and
the 4th Light Infantry Battalion stationed in Elvas. It was disbanded by Decree of 25 May 1911,
when the 3rd Battalion of 22nd Infantry Regiment was formed out of its first four companies and
the 4th Infantry Machine Gunners from the remaining two. The former was quartered in the
So Paulo Barracks and the latter in the Equipment Storehouse Building (Trem) that no longer
exits on this site.
Elvas Infantry Regiment (1975)

It was created on 21 March 1975 as a continuation of the 8th Light Infantry Battalion.
The defunct 1st Light Infantry Battalion was incorporated into it on 1 May 1975 and named the
Portalegre Detachment of the Elvas Infantry Regiment, which on 1 January 1977 was
222
reorganised into the Portalegre Infantry Battalion. This battalion was disbanded on 30 April
1979, whereupon the Elvas Infantry Regiment became the loyal guardian of its heritage. On
14 July 1993, the Elvas Infantry Regiment was renamed the 8th Infantry Regiment by Order
No. 72/93 of the Minister of National Defence 30 June 1993, Dirio da Repblica 163, 2nd
Series, 14 July 1993.
During WWI soldiers from the Elvas Infantry Regiment were seconded to 17th Infantry
Regiment serving in Africa and France, were some were taken prisoner and sent to Germany
(Figs. 2.b.1.21 to 25).
2.b.1.4.2 ARTILLERY
Estremoz Artillery Regiment, later Elvas Artillery Regiment

It traces its origins to the former Alentejo Artillery section that was reorganised in
accordance with the Regulation of 20 February 1708 as a regiment quartered in Estremoz.
With the Army reform, decreed on 10 May 1763, this regiment was reduced to a battalion
with twelve companies, in order to garrison the provincial strongholds. The Warrant of 4
June 1760 established that of these companies nine would be artillery, there would be one
of bombardiers, one of sappers and miners, and one of engineers. In 1767 the permanent
barracks of the unit was moved to the Fort of La Lippe (the present-day Fort of Graa),
where it became part of the regiment in the city.
On 12 December 1791 it obtained, in common with all other artillery regiments, ten
companies, of which seven were artillery. In 1800 the Elvas stronghold became the corps'
HQ. By the terms of the Decree of 19 May 1806, the Estremoz Artillery Regiment became
the 3rd Artillery Regiment.
In the wake of the French invasion of 1807 and the order to downgrade the
Portuguese army, this unit was disbanded. Once the Napoleonic troops had been
expelled, the Junta created in Porto, by an Edict of 30 September 1808, began
reconstituting the Army into its pre-dissolution form. The reinstatement of the regiment
took place in Estremoz, and it re-occupied the Elvas stronghold.
By Decree of 20 October 1808, the unit obtained nine companies, one of
bombardiers, one of miners and seven artillery. With the Decree of 12 February 1816,
which provided for the setting up of engineering corps, this regiment retained only its
specialised troops.
With the signing of the Treaty of Paris on 30 May 1814, putting an end to the war with
France, the government issued an Order on 29 October with various provisions to reduce
the size of the Portuguese army, wherein in accordance with the Regulatory Plan of an
Artillery Regiment in Peacetime annexed to the Order this regiment retained its ten
223
companies.
By the further army reorganisation introduced by the Decree of 21 February 1816,
the unit's permanent barracks in Estremoz was retained but, despite this, the regiment did
not leave Elvas.
By Decree of 15 April 1831, it was renamed the Elvas Artillery Regiment, the name it
retained until it was disbanded after the Convention of vora-Monte on 26 May 1834.
Military actions in which it was involved:
The Roussillon and Catalonia Campaign

- A detachment of this corps left for Spain in 1793 as part of the Auxiliary Division,
returning in December 1795.
- On 15 May 1794 a force of 440 men from this regiment left for So Julio da Barra.
War of the Oranges

- In 1801, an artillery force of 589 from this corps went to Abrantes.
- In 1807, a detachment of 150 men reinforced the fortress garrison at Caparica.
Peninsular War
1808
- Engagement at vora (27 July).
1811
- Defence of Badajoz (21 January to 11 March).
- Defence of Campo Maior (12 to 22 March).
- Siege of the stronghold of Olivena (9 to 15 April).
- First siege of Badajoz (5 to 16 May).
- Second siege of Badajoz (19 May to 17 June).
1812
- Capture of Ciudad Rodrigo (13 of January).
- Third siege of Badajoz (17 March to 6 April).
- Battle of Castalla (13 March).
1813
- Siege of Tarragona (3 June).
On the expedition sent to Brazil in 1815
224
Formed by the Prince's Royal Volunteers' Division, later the El-Rei Volunteers, it took
part in the conquest of Montevideo and of the Eastern Strip, and included a contingent of
the 3rd Artillery, under the command of Second Lieutenant Jos Dias Serro.
The Liberal Wars

A force from this Regiment participated in the attack on the Island of Terceira, on 11
August 1829. It also took part in the actions of 22 and 23 August 1832, at the Siege of
Porto, in the naval engagement of 11 October 1832 and in the defence of the Douro estuary
on 7 December 1832 and on 17 March the following year; it also distinguished itself in the
Miguelists' attempt to recapture Lisbon in September 1833.
2nd Artillery Regiment, later Artillery Regiment no.2

With the army reorganisation of 18 July 1834, the 1st and 2nd Artillery regiments were
formed out of the three artillery battalions of the Liberation Army, The Decree of 13 March 1835
established Santarm as the permanent barracks of these two corps, but only the 1st Regiment
went there: the 2nd went to Lisbon. Elvas thus remained without any artillery unit, this function
being performed at the stronghold by six-month detachments of complete companies of the
2nd Artillery Regiment.
With the new reorganisation of artillery of 13 January 1837, the permanent barracks of
the regiment was moved to Elvas, and it was now to have 8 batteries there and another at So
Miguel in the Azores. This was only carried out in 1838 when six batteries were sent to Elvas
on 23 January from the Cruz dos Quatro Caminhos barracks in Lisbon, making, with the two
already stationed there, the eight stipulated. The 2nd Regiment retained its barracks in the
Castle, but only for a short time, because in this year the works on the former Convent of S.
Domingos were completed and it was occupied by the new unit.
By the Decree of 26 October 1840 the permanent barracks of the 2nd Artillery Regiment
remained in Elvas. On 20 December 1849 the army was again reorganised, and the regiment
acquired two more batteries. This structure remained in place until the publication of the
Decree of 28 December 1862, by which the artillery regiments were renumbered 1 to 3 and
were composed of eleven companies and a supplies squadron. On 21 December, a further
reorganisation produced Artillery Regiment no. 2, in garrison, composed of eleven
companies. It was to be moved to Belm, but did not in fact leave Elvas as the order was
rescinded by the law of 1 April 1864. By the Legal Charter of 23 June 1864, the army was
reorganised yet again and the regiment remained in its garrison, with its batteries reduced in
number to seven, remaining in Elvas.
With the new organisation of artillery put in place by the Decree of 13 December 1869,
the city of Porto was made the HQ of Artillery Regiment no. 2. This provision came into force
on 2 January 1870, but the Regiment did not leave Elvas.
225
By the reorganisation plan approved by the Decree of 26 April 1877, the garrison artillery
in peacetime comprised Artillery Regiment no. 2, formed of eight companies and two
mountain batteries, with its permanent HQ moved to Lisbon. Despite Elvas's best efforts to
hold on to its Artillery Regiment, it finally left for the Boa-Hora barracks at Belm on 24 May,
with only two companies remaining to garrison the stronghold, from the Fort of Graa and the
Algarve. From 28 September 1877 onwards, a single company was detailed to garrison.
By the Law of 3 May 1878, the organisation of artillery regiments was altered once more,
with the two mountain batteries of Artillery Regiment no. 2 now made up of twelve companies.
On 12 June, the regiment returned to Elvas. By the army reorganisation of 30 October 1884,
this unit was disbanded in accordance with the Order of 11 October.
Military actions in which it was involved:
Civil War of 1846-47

This unit formed part of the operational column south of the Tagus and joined the
engagement at Viana and the siege of vora, from 8 to 11 November 1846. It then joined the
Division of Marshal Saldanha.
Artillery Regiment no. 3 (1815)

The Estremoz Artillery Regiment became Artillery Regiment no. 3
(Edict of 30 September 1808); it was in Elvas in 1815.
Artillery Regiment no. 11 (1834)

It was created by Decree of 20 February 1834 and disbanded in the same year, following
the Convention of vora-Monte.
Artillery Regiment no. 2 (garrison) (1864)

Founded in 1864 (Decree of 23 July, Army Order of 30 July, 1st series), then transferred to
Porto, Lisbon and Torres Novas, where it was disbanded in 1884.
Artillery Regiment no. 5 (mounted) (1884)

Created by Order of 30 October 1884, it incorporated all the field units belonging to the
eight first companies of the defunct Artillery Regiment no. 2. By Decree of 7 September 1899,
this regiment, whose HQ remained at Elvas, was reconfigured with eight companies and
another in reserve.
This regiment was disbanded by the Decree of 29 November 1901, a process that began
on 16 December, when the 7th company left for Lisbon. On the 24th the 8th company did
likewise. On the 31st the 4th, 5th and 6th companies left for Porto, where they made up Garrison
226
Artillery Group no. 6. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd companies remained in Elvas to form the unit, which
was to replace the Regiment: Garrison Artillery Group no. 5.
Garrison Artillery Group no. 5

When Garrison Artillery regiments nos. 5 and 6 were disbanded by Decree of 29
November 1901, it was ordered that they be replaced by six artillery groups each consisting of
three batteries; group no. 5 was to have its HQ at the Elvas stronghold.
When the army was reorganised by the Decree of 25 May 1911, the six garrison artillery
groups were disbanded, and the active garrison artillery troops formed into a garrison
battalion made up of two active companies and one defensive artillery battery.
By Decree of 9 June, the Field Entrenchment at Lisbon was made the permanent HQ of
the Garrison Artillery Group, and by an Order of the 26 June the 1st and 2nd batteries of Garrison
Artillery Group no. 5 were ordered to constitute this, the 3rd battery of the group forming part of
the Garrison Artillery Battalion. The same Order provided that the unit's HQ should be at
Palmela, with a provisional stay at Vendas Novas. At the beginning of August, the 3rd battery
left for Ameixoeira and on the 30th the 1st and 2nd batteries left for Vendas Novas.
2.b.1.4.3 CAVALRY
Stronghold of Elvas Cavalry Regiment

Watercolours belonging to the Military History Archive in Lisbon show that there was a
Cavalry Regiment in Elvas in 1715. There is, however, no written record of it (Fig. 2.b.1.26).
Elvas Cavalry Regiment, later Cavalry Regiment no. 8

Created in 1764, its name was changed from Elvas Cavalry Regiment to Cavalry
Regiment no. 8 by virtue of the Decree of 19 June 1806. When the army was reduced in size
in 1808, following the French invasion, the remains of Cavalry Regiment no. 8 was
incorporated in Cavalry Regiment no. 3. When the army was reorganised after the French
were expelled, Cavalry Regiment no. 8 returned to Elvas. By Decree of 21 February 1816, the
HQ of this regiment moved to Nisa.
Cavalry Regiment no. 1; Victor Manuel Lancers (Figs. 2.b.1.27 to 29)

This unit was ordered to Lisbon for reorganisation by D. Pedro IV (Decree of 28 February
1834), with the men and horses of the Belm Dept. At the time of the provisional army
organisation that followed the Convention of vora-Monte, it was already in Elvas from where
it left for Vila Viosa on 28 September, leaving behind a force of only fifteen horse. The
Decree of 13 March 1835 made Vila Viosa its permanent HQ. By the reorganisation of 4
227
January 1837, this regiment was designated a lancers regiment and its HQ moved to
Estremoz. After the October 1846 movement, this corps was based in Elvas for some
time. By the Decree of 20 November 1862, it was renamed Cavalry Regiment no. 1, Victor
Manuel Lancers.
In 1874 it was ordered to move its barracks because of the large number of
strongholds in a state of insubordination, and left Elvas for the town of Estremoz on 18
August. In the reorganisation of 30 October 1884 it was reconfigured into 8 companies, 6
active and two reserve, forming three active and one reserve squadron.
When the army was reorganised by Decree of 25 May 1911, this corps was formed
into two groups of two squadrons and a battery of machine gunners. The Regimental HQ
remained in Elvas by Order of 8 July 1911.
The 1st Squadron of this Regiment left on 12 March 1895 for Mozambique, taking part
in actions under the command of Captain Mouzinho de Albuquerque in the engagements
at Magul and Coolela. When Mouzinho entered Chaimite and captured Gungunhana, he
was accompanied by some men of Cavalry Regiment no.1.
On 28 January 1876, about 30 soldiers returned to Elvas.
In 1901, a new force from this Regiment embarked for Mozambique, and in the
following year took part in the Baru campaign (2 August to 30 October 1902).
Cavalry Regiment no. 3, later Elvas Cavalry Regiment

Successor to the Santarem Dragoon Regiment, it was created by the Decree of 22
June 1730. It was the Dragoon and Olivena Regiment (1742), becoming Cavalry
Regiment no. 3 by Decree of 19 May 1806, transferring to Beja. By Decree of 21 February
1816, this regiment was assigned to Aveiro, but it in fact remained at Elvas, and was still
there in the following year. In 1831, by the Decree of 15 April, it adopted the name Elvas
Cavalry Regiment. Elvas Cavalry Regiment once more became Cavalry Regiment no. 3
by Decree of 20 February 1834, and was disbanded the same year, following the
Convention of vora-Monte.
Peninsular War
1810
- Fuentes de Cantos (15 September).
228
1811
- Talavera Ia Real (10 January).
- Ponte de Xvora (6 February).
- Badajoz (7 February).
- Santa Engrcia, Badajoz (19 February).
- First siege of Badajoz (5 a 16 May).
- Second siege of Badajoz (19 May to 17 June).
1812
- Third siege of Badajoz (17 March to 16 April).
- Villalva (3 July).
- Berlanga (10 July).
- Ribeira del Fresno (24 July).
- Zarza de Alanje (30 July).
Liberal Wars
- Took part in the operations around Lisbon, in September 1833.
Cavalry Regiment no. 3 (1834)

With the Miguelist victory, what remained of Cavalry Regiment no. 10 which on 9
July 1829 had been disbanded for supporting the liberal cause and which, by Decree of 3
April 1833, was organised with officers and men of the Guide Corps, and shortly
afterwards, by Decree of 15 January 1834, made up the second section of the General
Cavalry Reserve - was now formed into the new Cavalry Regiment no. 3. On 13 March
1835 this unit was stationed in Castelo Branco. By the reorganisation of 26 October 1840,
its HQ was moved to Elvas. On 15 October 1846 the unit left the stronghold to engage in
operations, leaving behind a reserve detachment. On 28 April 1848 this reserve remained
in the city under the command of a lieutenant. At the end of the 1846-47 civil war, the
regiment did not return to Elvas, but went to Vila Viosa, where it remained from August
1848 until 9 September 1873, when it returned to Elvas. On 9 September 1874 it returned
to Vila Viosa, as Cavalry Regiment no. 1 had replaced it in the Elvas stronghold.
- This unit took part in operations against Miguelist guerrillas operating in Alentejo
after the end of the civil war.
- During the Patuleia civil war, forces from this Regiment took part in engagements
229
against rebels loyal to the Junta (Council) of Porto in Alentejo, namely in the defence of
Estremoz, and others joined Marechal Saldanha and fought in the battle of Torres Vedras.
2.b.1.4.4 OTHER MILITARY UNITS
Ordnance units
The Captaincy-Major of Elvas had 13 Companies.
Veteran Corps and Companies of Retired Men

By Warrant of 30 December 1806, companies of veterans were created to garrison
military establishments. The Veteran Corps of the Province of Alentejo was made up of
three Companies: the 1st with its HQ in Elvas, the 2nd in Campo Maior and the 3rd in
Juromenha. In 1836, the Veteran Corps became known as the Veteran Corps of the 7th
Military Division, occupying the Castle barracks. The reorganisation of 1849 provided that
there would be, instead of a Veteran Corps for each Division, three battalions, each with
four companies. The 2nd battalion was assigned Elvas as its permanent HQ. The Decree
of 22 October 1868 disbanded the Battalions of Veterans and created new Companies of
Retired Men. Elvas received the 8th Company of Retired Men, which occupied the
Barracks of So Martinho and then those of the Redan of Cascalho.
Royalist Volunteer Corps

It was founded on 28 May 1828 and disbanded on 10 July 1832. It played an active
part in the Siege of Porto.
National Guard
It was set up on 13 May 1835. It had two companies, with a total of 140 men, but
disbanded in October 1840.
Elvas National Battalion

Created pursuant to the Decree of 13 December 1840, which organised units of this
kind in Elvas, Vila Franca de Xira and Aveiro. It consisted of men of between 18 and 40,
with preference given to property owners, artists and traders. The National Battalions
were abolished by Decree of 12 June 1841.
Company of Defenders of the Queen and the Charter

It was set up in 1846, by opponents of the rebel governing Junta installed at
Portalegre, and linked to the Porto Junta.
230
Guide Corps
The Decree of 30 November 1846, ordered that the Fiscal Guards on foot and on
horse, and the heads of the Fiscal Posts of the lesser Customs dependent on the Circuit
Directories, including Elvas, form a provisional Mobile Corps, to be known as the Fiscal
Guide Corps. In Elvas a Guide Corps was formed.
2.b.1.5 EVENTS IN WARTIME
From the military history of the Elvas fortifications we can single out the following
events38 together with others that took place in the region and affected the city's
history:
a) Period of Reconquest
- 1166, failed attempt at conquest by the Portuguese armies.
- 1200, siege by D. Sancho I.
- 1226, siege by D. Sancho II.
- 1227, conquest of Caceres by Alfonso IX of Leon.
- 1228, conquest of Merida by the Portuguese infante D. Pedro Sanches, in the
service of the king of Leon.
-
1228, occupation of Elvas, by D. Sancho II, after it was abandoned by its
inhabitants; the same thing happened at Juromenha.
- 1229 or 1230, conquest of Badajoz by Alfonso IX of Leon.
b) War between Portugal and Castile, in the reign of D. Afonso IV

- (1325 -1327), siege and attack by D. Alfonso XI of Castile.
- 1334, two-day siege by D. Alfonso XI of Castile.
- 1337, attack by D. Alfonso XI of Castile.
c) Fernandina Wars (1381 - 1383)

- 1381, attack by Infante D. Joo of Portugal, son of D. Pedro I and of D. Ins de
Castro, with a Castilian force; the siege was abandoned on 6 August.
- 1383 (24 May), Gil Fernandes, the Good, destroyed by night a cavalry force that
was waiting in ambush in the area around Elvas, taking the standard that the standard-
bearer (Alferes) was carrying; this exploit gave rise to an annual procession that survived
until the 18th century.
38
Information culled from the works of Eurico Gama, Amlcar Morgado and Carlos Selvagem referred to above.
231
- d) War of Independence (1384 - 1387)

- I385, attack by D. Juan of Castile.
-
e) Loss of Independence Iberian Union
- 1580 (27 May), occupation of Elvas, without a fight (through betrayal), by D. Sancho of
Avila.
- f) War of the Restoration (1641 - 1668)

- 1641, engagement at Elvas.
- 1644, attack by the Marquis of Torrecusa.
- 1658-59, siege by D. Lus de Haro, with heroic resistance, and Battle of the Lines of
Elvas on 14 January1659 (Figs. 2.a.1.2.22 and 2.b.1.30 to 34).
- 1661 (3 March), engagement at the Poo do Concelho, on the road to Badajoz.
g) War of the Spanish Succession (1704 - 1712)

- 1706, attack by the Franco-Spanish army.
- 1709, Battle of the Caia.
- 1711 (June), siege of Elvas by the Spanish.
- 1712 (20 September), attack by the Marquis of Bay.
h) Fantastic War or War of the Pacte de Famille (1762 - 1763)

- 1762, military operations in Marvo, Campo Maior and Ouguela.
i) War of the Oranges (1801)

- 1801 (May), siege until the end of the war, by Manuel Godoy.
j) Peninsular War (1807 - 1811)

- 1807, entry of the French army.
- 1808 (3 June), the French division under the command of General Loison, entered
Elvas after capturing vora.
- 1808 (14 August), the French evacuated Elvas, concentrating all their forces at the Fort
of Graa.
- 1808, attack by the Anglo-Portuguese army.
- 1811 (9 February), engagement at the bridge at Xvora.
I) Liberal Wars (1832 - 1834)

- 1834 (May), the Spanish liberal forces entered Elvas under the command of General D.
232
Jos Ramn Rodil.
m) Civil War of Maria da Fonte and Patuleia (1846 - 1847)

- 1847 (May), the Spanish brigade entered Elvas under the command of D. Fernando de
Norzagaray.
233
Fig. 2.b.1.1 - Dolmen of Coutada (Barbacena, Elvas)
Fig. 2.b.1.2 - Engraved schist plaque found in a dolmen (MME) Fig. 2.b.1.3 - Votive axe found in a dolmen (MME)
28
234
Fig. 2.b.1.4 - Roman funerary stone in high relief of putto lying on top of lion's
skin; found in the bulwark of So Joo de Deus and the ravelin/
counterguard that protects the adjacent curtain and cistern (MME)
Fig. 2.b.1.6 - Roman bronze basin from Santo Antnio da Terrugem

(MME)
Fig. 2.b.1.5 - Roman altar (Igreja da Herdade da Alentisca do Caia)

(MME)
235
Fig. 2.b.1.7 - Roman glass bottle from Cerrado dos Fanqueiros Fig. 2.b.1.8 .- Visigothic pilaster (MME)
(MME)
Fig. 2.b.1.9 - Arab lamp (MME) Fig. 2.b.1.10 - Arab epigraph found in Rua Joo de Olivena, in Elvas
(MME)
236
Fig. 2.b.1.11 - Church of the Convent of So Domingos
Fig. 2.b.1.12 - Cathedral of Elvas
237
Fig. 2.b.1.13 - Church of the Convent of the Dominican Sisters
Fig. 2.b.1.14 - Church of Senhor Jesus da Piedade Fig. 2.b.1.15 - Jesuit College
238
Fig. 2.b.1.16 - Church of the Ordem Terceira de So Francisco
239
Fig. 2.b.1.17 - 1st Elvas Infantry Regiment (1754) (AHML)
240
Fig. 2.b.1.18 - 2nd Elvas Infantry Regiment (1754) (AHML)
241
Fig. 2.b.1.19 - Officers of the 4th Infantry Regiment, leaving for Mozambique (Lisbon, 1898) (MM)
Fig. 2.b.1.20 - Sergeants of the 4th Infantry Regiment, leaving for Mozambique (Lisbon, 1898) (MM)
242
Fig. 2.b.1.21 - Some officers of Infantry Regiment no. 17 (South of Angola, 1915) (MM)
Fig. 2.b.1.22 - Officers of the 2nd Battalion of Infantry Regiment no. 17 (France. Erquinghem, 1917) (MM)
243
Fig. 2.b.1.23 - Officers of the 2nd Battalion of Infantry Regiment no. 17 (Germany, Breesen Mecklanburg concentration camp,
1918) (MM)
Fig. 2.b.1.24 - Recreation room of the Portuguese officers (Germany, Breesen Mecklanburg concentration camp, 1918) (MM)
244
Fig. 2.b.1.25 - Captain of Infantry Regiment no. 17 (Germany, Breesen Mecklanburg concentration camp, 1918) (MM)
245
Fig. 2.b.1.26 - Elvas Cavalry Regiment (1715) (AHML)
246
Fig. 2.b.1.27 - Corps of Officers from Cavalry Regiment no. 1 (Elvas, late 19th century) (MM)
Fig. 2.b.1.28 - Corps of Sergeants from Cavalry Regiment no. 1 (Elvas, late 19th century) (MM)
Fig. 2.b.1.29 - Corps of Officers from the First Regiment of Lancers (early 20th century) (MM)
247
Fig. 2.b.1.30 - Print of the Battle of the Lines of Elvas donated by D. Joo VI (King of Portugal: 1656-1667). National Library in Lisbon, undated
248
Figs. 2.b.1.31 - Print of the Battle of the Lines of Elvas donated by D. Joo VI (King of Portugal: 1656-1667). National Library in Lisbon, undated.
249
Fig. 2.b.1.32 - Elvas. Military parade in Praa da Repblica (Republic Square). Commemoration of the Battle of the Lines of Elvas
(20th century)
Fig. 2.b.1.33 - Elvas. Military parade in Praa da Repblica (Republic

Square). Commemoration of the Battle of the Lines of
Elvas (2004)
Fig. 2.b.1.34 - Elvas. Military procession. Commemoration

of the Battle of the Lines of Elvas (2004)
250
2.b.2 THE STRATEGIC LOCATION AND

POSITION OF THE CITY AND THE
ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT
OF ITS FORTIFICATIONS
251
2.b.2 THE STRATEGIC LOCATION AND POSITION OF THE CITY AND

THE ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF ITS
FORTIFICATIONS
2.b.2.1 STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS CONCERNING THE

LOCATION AND POSITION OF ELVAS
2.b.2.1.1 THE LOCATION
Elvas is situated in the north of Alentejo, barely 11km from the frontier (Fig. 1.e.1),
defined, in this area, by the river Caia. From the frontier to the first Spanish settlement,
Badajoz, it is just 7km, including a crossing of the river Guadiana. Elvas is thus the last
Portuguese city before the frontier, on the main route connecting Madrid and Lisbon.
The frontier at the Caia is also a natural point of entry for invading armies, and therefore
also a convenient point of retreat under pressure. Hence, an invading army could not afford to
leave points of resistance on its route to and from the Portuguese capital. Elvas had to be
neutralised before the advance on Lisbon could proceed, and be made a base for
reinforcements and supplies and, if necessary, for the return. Elvas was always the key to the
kingdom: Chave, defenna e escudo / Sou do Reyno Luzitano / Freyo sou do Castelhano /
Elvas sou e digo tudo'. Key, defence and shield, I'm the king of Portugal's. I halt the Spanish
advance. I'm Elvas and I command1.
Historically, the natural points of entry to the country for invading armies were, in order
of most use: Upper Beira (through Almeida), Upper Alentejo (through Elvas), the Chaves Gap,
Minho (through Valena), Lower Beira (through Zebreira) and the NE of Portugal2. These
entry points were penetrated by large invading forces and so can be characterised as major
axes of penetration, connected to axes of approach to the enemy's main targets3. But if we
consider the totality of the enemy encroachments on Portuguese territory, then the north of
Alentejo was perhaps the region most afflicted since, in wartime, there were constant
incursions on both sides, facilitated by the orographical profile of the territory.
From Elvas as far as Badajoz, altitudes reduce, and from the enormous lookout point
that Elvas presents, Badajoz can clearly be seen on its plain. Between the two cities there is
no significant relief, but otherwise Elvas is surrounded by mountains, some of which, over time
and in the light of earlier conflicts, were fortified4: So Mamede (820m to the SE), Santa Luzia
(410m to the SE), So Pedro (535m to the S), Nossa Senhora da Piedade (1275m to the SW),
So Domingos (695m to the W), So Francisco (500m to the W) and Nossa Senhora da Graa
1
Quatrain by Antnio Serro de Castro, cited in GAMA, Eurico, op. cit., p. 13.
2
NUNES, Antnio Lopes Pires: - Dicionrio Temtico de Arquitectura Militar e Arte de Fortificar, Estado Maior do Exercito, Lisbon, 1991, p. 92.
3
4
See Print of the battlefield of the Lines of Elvas, I4 January 1659, kept in the Municipal Library of Elvas, print by the Military Engineer Pierre de Sainte
Colombe (Fig. 2.a1.2.22).
252
(1063m to the N)5/6. Of these mountains, the most important in terms of altitude and hence
strategic location were Santa Luzia, at 328m, and Nossa Senhora da Graa, at 404m. We
cannot resist quoting Canon Aires Varela, referring to the importance of these mountains and
stating at what range the different artillery pieces could reach them:
The mountain of Santa Luzia is half a mile from this city, because of the valley that runs between, but
in a straight line is a musket shot away. The knoll of Siso, is a harquebus shot distant; the Casaro,
a musket shot away. (...) The hill of Nossa Senhora de Graa is opposite the Castle and is very high
and rugged; between them is a graceful valley, so they are almost two miles distant, but half that in a
straight line. The Forca knoll, now called the S. Joo, and that of S. Pedro, are a harquebus shot
from the city; if the enemy were to capture any of these points, they could breach the walls, and
cause great damage to the city, but the strongest defence it has are the large and "intricate" olive
groves that surround it, at least half a league distant, which prevent the enemy approaching, with its
weapons and carriages, without serious risk if steps are taken to prevent them7.
Aid to the Elvas stronghold could come in the main from the following fortifications:
- Campo Maior (17km to the north), a front line fortification, one of the largest in the
country, with a large logistic capability, able to take reinforcements from nearby Ouguela,
Arronches and Monforte. This fortress defends the flank of Elvas as well as roads to
Portalegre and opens the way to an invasion of Spain and to operations against the border
strongholds. It would be extremely important for the enemy to capture Campo Maior, which
would provide a strong point while it had still to capture Elvas . 8
- Estremoz (40km to the west), on the road to Lisbon, strategically a very important
fortification, with a large powder-magazine that blew up in 1698, and was later rebuilt as a
war warehouse and powder-magazine from 1736; in 1801 it became a general HQ but was
replaced in this function by Portalegre in the same year; its garrison could receive
reinforcements from Borba and Vila Viosa sent to the aid of Elvas.
To the south, the fortification of Juromenha could not come to the aid of Elvas,
because of its limited capacity and its strategic function of detention and protection of the
river passage, in the direction of Olivena, as well as of the north-south road. And
Olivena was too completely given over to its tactical function of occupying a territory
situated beyond that natural frontier, the Guadiana.
5
Distances measured in aerophotogrametric plans, scales 1:2000 and 1:5000, D. G. S. U.,Elvas Municipal Council, 1976, and Military Chart of Portugal
no. 414, Army Cartographic Department, Series M888, Page 414, Edition 3 - S.C.E.P. - 1970.
6
Besides these mountains, the following also had strategic importance: Mimosa, Paraso, Siso, Forca, Douradinha or of Gordos, Mouro, Boa F, Pobres
and Pombos. Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 67, Nmero 16, (1811), Memoirs of the Field Marshal Antnio Marcelino de
Vitria.
7
VARELA, Cnego Aires Sucessos que houve nas fronteiras de Elvas , Olivena, Campo Maior Ouguela o primeiro ano da Recuperao de Portugal,
que comeou em o 1 de Dezembro de 1640 e fez fim em ltimo de Novembro de 1641, ed. Antnio Jos Torres de Carvalho, Tipografia Progresso, Elvas,
1901, pp. 2 and 3. This work was completed on 15 March 1642.
8
GUEDES, Lvio da Costa, article cited, p. 203.
253
2.b.2.1.2 THE POSITION
The castle was built at the highest point of the mountain on which the city was first built,
Costa de Vila-Fria, at an altitude of 345.7m (Fig. 1.e.2). Geologically speaking, it is built on
basic and ultrabasic rocks. The limestone to the N (Fort of Graa) and S (Fort of Santa Luzia),
a very short distance away, did not interest medieval builders, who preferred granites,
deposits of which occur 3km to the E9.
The surrounding land to the W, N and E slopes steeply, making conquest from these
directions difficult (Fig. 2.b.2.1). Suffice to say that the modern road that passes near the
mountain in these directions has an average elevation of about 260m.
The land to the SW, S and SE is different: Elvas is sited on a prominence shaped like
an amphitheatre, giving it an attractive aspect10. It was across this amphitheatre that the town
grew, necessitating successive lines of defensive walls, until the imposing 17th century
magistral line finally surrounded it completely, and continual improvements were made
throughout the two centuries following.
Water, an essential defensive factor in resisting sieges, was not available at source, but
was drawn from numerous wells and stored in cisterns: This city has no source of water other
than that drawn from wells, but this lack is overcome by an aqueduct bringing water from
Amoreiras, which then feeds four small and six large fountains () The city is thus supplied
with water from 106 cisterns including that of So Francisco ()11/12.
2.b.2.2 ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE FORTIFICATIONS
Military architecture can, in general, be considered a direct consequence of the arts of

war and not an expression of changing aesthetic tastes. Fitting its development into the
stylistic categories of the history of art is a task that no one has accomplished coherently, and
numerous insoluble problems arise. Even for the period from the 10th to the 16th centuries, the
distinction between romanesque, gothic and renaissance only makes sense in describing
seigneurial and residential defensive architecture, and not structures whose purpose is
military and strategic in the strict sense, as is generally the case in the Iberian Peninsula. With
the appearance of bulwarked architecture in the 16th century arising from the growing
effectiveness of ballistic artillery, it thus becomes completely absurd to speak about
9
See Geological Map of the Northeastern Alentejano, according to F. Gonalves, in TEIXEIRA, Carlos
Geologia de Portugal, vol. I, Fundao Calouste Gulbenkian, Lisbon, 1981, p. 48.
10
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 73, No. 11 (1875): Relatrio sobre a defesa da Praa de Elvas feito pelo seu actual governador,
o General de Brigada Francisco Xavier Lopes, 1875.
11
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 73, No. 11 (1875): Relatrio sobre a defesa da Praa de Elvas feito pelo seu actual governador,
o General de Brigada Francisco Xavier Lopes, 1875.
12
The Cistern's Fountain has an inscription that attributes the work to Nicolau de Langres, dating it to 1650. The Aqueduct and the Misericrdia Fountain
were inaugurated in 1622 (GAMA, Eurico, op. cit.,pp. 23 to 24).
254
fortifications belonging to this or that style. Such a methodology, lacking scientific rigour,
arises from the clearly unacceptable presumption that everything produced in a given period
belongs to the dominant artistic style, or else belongs to a temporal rather than artistic
category which is effectively no change from the former division of the history of art into time
periods. This does not mean that the fortifications do not have any decorative parts or
features, which can be fitted into well-defined stylistic categories, but this fact does not of itself
allow us to generalise the style of these elements to the entire structure of the fortifications.
Ancillary features cannot be allowed to impose the characterisation of a fortification as
belonging to a given military type, or to a given school of fortification, etc. Thus, we shall
adhere to the general division between Medieval, Transitional and Bulwarked Fortification,
with the Medieval periodisations and typologies advocated for the first two of these by Antnio
Lopes Pires Nunes13, and we shall characterise, stylistically, the architectural aspects that
exhibit such elements, without confusing the parts with the whole.
2.b.2.2.1 MEDIEVAL FORTIFICATIONS
2.b.2.2.1.1 THE CASTLE
From the periods predating Portuguese rule nothing remains of the castle as an
14
architectural unit . Stones, larger than those normally used in its construction, coarsely
dressed and displaying a patina of great age, are found as re-used material in the base of the
NE wall. These represent the only visible clues to any activity predating Portuguese rule (Fig.
2.b.2.2). However, in recent archaeological excavations in the courtyard, traces of Islamic
15
occupation have been identified .
It is also difficult to find clear evidence from the Reconquest period (in Portugal, up to
1249), but D. Sancho II definitely carried out work on the fortifications, which moreover were
not repair works. The heavy aspect of the Homage Tower, in which the only openings are
loopholes or lighting apertures, as well as battlements surmounting it, of primitive
construction, are redolent of this period.
The gothic arches of the Homage Tower may date from the 13th century, specifically the
period of D. Dinis, currently being reconstructed. But this tower was relatively low compared
to its fellows and had no windows, in contrast to what was common at the time. On the other
hand, it was more of a large turret flanking the gate, rather than the Homage Tower. For this
reason, it does not exhibit the architectural dignity which the word 'tower' generally connotes.
13
NUNES, Antnio Lopes Pires Dicionrio Tematico de Arquitectura Militar e Arte de Fortficar, Estado Maior do Exrcito, Direco do Servio
Histrico Militar, Lisbon 1991, pp. 20, 145, 151 and 199.
14
Perhaps the cistern in the courtyard is from this period; we were unable to inspect it.
15
Information provided by the archaeologist responsible for the excavations, Dra Ana Carvalho Dias, of IPPAR.
255
It is also the case that the room at the level of the wall-walk has a vault with arches slightly
gothic in form, but are best described as rounded. It is not strictly a gothic vault. As for the
architectural element that gives us the clearest indication of work carried out in the reign of D.
Dinis the machicolations over the entrance gate -, these are in fact a pastiche from the
1940s, to which we shall return below.
The simple loopholes that guard the stairs giving access from the courtyard to the wall-
walk probably date from the end of the 14th century and from the 15th, (Fig. 2.b.2.3); the large
battlements of the SE and NE walls probably date from the 15th century.
The polygonal loophole turret which flanks the S corner of the castle, with two levels of
simple loopholes and large battlements probably dates from the early 16th century. Note that
Duarte de Armas stated that it had not been completed: this polygonal loophole turret is not
finished (Fig. 2.b.2.4). To the same period (15th and 16th century) we can also date the
construction of the early alcaidaria (military governor's house), as evidenced by the two rear
windows, one in the form of a truncated angular arch, the other an ogeed arch with eight
centres, very characteristic of the Manueline period (Figs. 2.a.1.1.6). The plan of the castle by
Duarte de Armas (Fig. 2.b.2.5), shows a set of buildings in the courtyard, of which all that
survives are archaelogical traces of earth floors and wall footings. The area where most
change appears to have occurred is the NE, where the alcaidaria stands. But it is shown
clearly in Duarte de Armas's drawings: in the plan, rooms with wooden floors are referred to;
and the panoramic view from the N shows two roofs and three high chimneys that could only
have belonged to the alcaidaria (Fig. 2.a. 1.2 .18), before it was redesigned in later centuries.
Note also that the NW barbican, the NE turret and the barbican in front of the entrance gate,
drawn by Duarte de Armas, do not figure on the 1938 plan by Captain Gonalves (Fig. 2.b.2.6).
The town gate has shifted towards the middle of the wall and the wall leading SE from the
polygonal loophole turret has disappeared. Curiously, the town wall that begins in the NE was
not drawn by Duarte de Armas. The hemispheric vault, which has a smoke-extracting lantern
and covers the polygonal loophole turret, can be dated to the 17th century, as also can the
entrance gate.
To conclude, we can say that what remains of the castle presents its medieval Christian
form, with transitional elements such as the polygonal loophole turret necessitated by ballistic
developments. Inside there remain the footings of buildings that served many generations
and purposes, as well as a Manueline-period alcaidaria subsequently redesigned and
reconstructed during the Estado Novo.
2.b.2.2.1.2 THE MEDIEVAL CITY WALLS
Although the Islamic constructions in the castle disappeared when they were
256
transformed, this is not the case with the first city wall of undoubtedly Muslim origin as
evidenced by the surviving horseshoe arches next to the Tempre Gate and another of the
same design already incorporated into the Miradeiro Arch (Figs. 2.a.1.2.3 and 6).
The second wall was also of Muslim origin, later brought back into use in the Christian
era. Aires Varela describes what may have been the capture of Elvas, referring to this city wall
as receiving on its gates the names of the heroes who breached them16. The tower of the
Encarnao Gate may also have been constructed by the Muslims: such a dating is at least
arguable on stylistic grounds, judging from comparisons of this fortification with others in the
Peninsula17.
The third city wall was begun, according to some, around 1340, in the reign of D. Afonso
IV, and completed in 1369, in the reign of D. Fernando18, the year when the so- called
Fernandina Wars (1369-1383)19 began. However, recent research has provided other
chronological pointers, and it is now known that work was already being carried out in 1378 on
the new wall and the repair of the old20.
It was an impressive fortification 22 towers and 11 gates, still standing when Duarte de
Armas drew it (Figs. 2.a.1.2.18 and 19). It began next to the Hospital Gate, E of the castle, and
ran as far as Tempre (or Temprem) Gate, where it joined the second Muslim wall. This
fortification, almost entirely demolished to reuse its material in the construction of the
bulwarked fortification of the historic centre, ran, more or less to the gorge of the modern city
fortification; the traces already referred to survive.
As for the eleven gates of this wall, the following either still exist or have been recorded,
working our way clockwise from the Hospital gate to the E of the castle21.
- The Hospital Gate (demolished), between Santa Brbara buwark and the half bulwark
of So Joo da Corujeira.
- The Bath or Old Gate, probably the one incorporated into the wall protected by the
right orillion of the Old Gate bulwark, although it appears to us to be a wicket gate.
- Badajoz Gate (demolished), between the Old Gate bulwark and the Casaro bulwark.
16
VARELA, Cnego Aires (1915), Chapter XIV, pp. 53 to 55. According to the author's narrative, the siege took place between 1226 and 1228 and Elvas was
conquered: we refuted this opinion at the beginning of the document. According to this author, the Christian forces were comprised of troops belonging to
the Hospital Prior (Prior do Hospital), stationed to the E; by troops belonging to the Master of the Templars, camped to the N; by troops belonging to the
Bishop of vora, deployed to the W; and to the S by the court troops with D. Sancho II.
17
ESTEBAN, Jorge Jimnez El Castillo Medieval, DM, n.d., 1097, pp. 52 and 53; VILLENA, Leonardo Sobre la evolucion tecnica del castillo
espaol, Castillos de Espaa, no. 23, from the Associacin Espaola de los Amigos dos Castillos, (1959?), pp.49 to 63.
18
10 PIRES, A. Toms As Ruas d'Elvas, ed. Antnio Jos Torres de Carvalho, Elvas, 1924, p. 112 (Footnote).
19
The war was started by D. Femando, who allied himself to the defeated party of D. Pedro I of Castile against the invader Henrique de Trastmara, invading
Galicia in 1369. The conflict ended in 1382, with the Treaty of Elvas, putting an end to the third Portuguese-Castilian war, and in 1383, with the peace
treaty signed in Elvas between D. Fernando and D. Joo I of Castile. The Fernandina Wars went through three phases: (1369-1371), (1373) and (1381-
1383). During this entire period of wars there were border raids and skirmishes in Elvas. The squire Gil Femandes distinguished himself in Elvas, on his
own, before the arrival of Gonalo Mendes de Vasconcelos, the appointed governor for that castle, Gil Ferndando waged war at the border. In the last
period of the wars, Elvas (in 1381) was besieged by the Castilian army commanded by the Portuguese infante D. Joo. The siege was raised with the
arrival of the English army in Lisbon, allied to D. Fernando. See SELVAGEM, Carlos, op. cit., pp. 130ff.
20
Documented references to the fortification works in Elvas, during this period: in 1361 they were still digging; in 1376, the Master of Works was Estvo
Peres, who led the work on the new wall; from 1378, there are references to the new wall and repairs to the old one; during the Crisis of 1383-1385, there
was a ''barrier" that protected the gate of the castle and it proved to be a great obstacle during the revolt of the populace against their alcaide (governor),
who had taken the side of the Castilians.
21
According to ALMADA, Vitorino de "Efemrides de Elvas", lbum Alentejano, Volume III, Distrito de Portalegre, Lisbon, n.d., pp. 705-714.
257
- Martyr's Gate (demolished), between the half bulwark of So Domingos and the
bulwark of the Place of Arms or of the Parade.
- Olivena or Royal Gate (demolished), between the Place of Arms bulwark and the
Olivena bulwark.
- So Pedro Gate (probably in the area where there is still a postern gate with the same
name), between the Olivena bulwark and that of So Joo de Deus.
- vora Gate (demolished), next to the tower that was incorporated by the bulwark of
So Joo de Deus.
- So Francisco Gate (probably in the area where there is still a postern gate with the
same name), between the bulwark of So Joo de Deus and the redan of Cascalho.
- New or Corner Gate (probably in the same area as the present day Corner Gate/
inner gate), between the redan of Cascalho and the bulwark of Nossa Senhora da Conceio.
- So Martinho Gate (probably in the area where there is still a postern gate with the
same name), between half bulwark of Trem or of Cesto da Gvea and the Prncipe half
bulwark.
Amlcar F. Morgado refers also to the following gates22:
- Temprem Gate (demolished), next to Templo Gate, in the first Muslim wall.
- Enforcados Gate - Gate of the Hanged - (demolished), next to the present day
Corner Gate.
In 1511/12, D. Manuel I ordered some towers to be built on the walls - we do not know
where - and also the repair of two others that had been damaged in the Fernandina wall23.
2.b.2.2.2 THE BULWARKED FORTIFICATIONS
2.b.2.2.2.1 THE FORTIFICATIONS IN THE HISTORIC CENTRE
In December 1641, the Count of Vimioso, D. Afonso de Portugal, was appointed

Captain-General of Alentejo Province, choosing Elvas as his Place of Arms. Immediately
eight of the eleven gates were sealed, leaving only three: vora Gate, to the SW, Olivena
Gate, to the S, and Badajoz Gate24 to the W. Repairs began on the Fernandina walls, and the
22
MORGADO, Amlcar F., op. cit., p. 15.
23
ALMADA, Vitorino de "Efemrides de Elvas", lbum Alentejano, Volume III, Distrito de Portalegre, Lisbon, n. d., pp. 705-714.
24
AZEVEDO, Lus Marinho de Comentrios () na Guerra de Alentejo, Oficina de Loureno de Anveres, Lisbon, 1644, p. 6. It is interesting that this gate
will later be closed. Could this be an error by the author? Varela writes (VARELA, 1901: 54 e 55) that the gate that was closed was the Bath gate and that it
was during the time of the Governor Dom Joo da Costa.
25
Matias de Albuquerque was born in Brazil, in 1595. His lifelong career was dedicated to arms. He was Military Governor of Bahia. He came to Portugal in
1625, returning shortly after to participate, and distinguish himself, in the war against the Dutch. Immediately upon his return to Portugal, he was taken
prisoner. He was a victim of intrigues, spending five years in prison in the Castle of So Jorge in Lisbon. Liberated at the time of the 1640 Revolution, he
was sent to Alentejo. Having knowledge of Mathematics and fortifications, he fortified Olivena and completed the fortifications of Elvas and Campo
Maior. Once again he was a victim of intrigues, being accused of conspiring against D. Joo IV, once again he was imprisoned and was released soon after
upon being proven innocent. Matias de Albuquerque returned to Alentejo, distinguishing himself in the Battle of Montijo (1644), and receiving as a result
the title of 1st Count of Alegrete. After the defeat he suffered in Telena, he was once more victim of intrigues. He resigned and shortly afterwards died on 9
June 1647. (see Dicionrio de Histria de Portugal, directed by Joel Serro, vol. I, Iniciativas Editoriais, (no place of publication stated), 1979,p. 78).
258
fortifications were modernised under the direction of General Matias de Albuquerque (1595-
1647)25 (Fig. 2.b.2.7):
- the battlements of the walls and barbicans were transformed into parapets;
- the banquettes of the barbicans were added;
- a false wall was constructed to contain the ruins of the barbican if it were destroyed by
the enemy;
- three ravelins were built in front of the gates that remained open;
- a ditch was dug along the length of the barbican;
- pallisades were erected at the entry to the gates;
- wooden trestles were built so the infantry could defend itself against cavalry attack;
- heavy artillery was placed on wooden platforms at strategic points;
- forts were planned on the knolls of Santa Luzia, Siso26, Casaro, So Pedro and
So Joo, though they were not built at this time27.
After the Count of Vimioso was replaced by General D. Joo da Costa, the construction
of a redoubt was begun in 1641, on Santa Luzia hill, for 300 men, sentry boxes were built, the
pallisades by the gates were replaced by iron grilles, the drawbridge of Olivena Gate was
built and the Bath (also known as Badajoz) Gate was sealed, so that only the vora and
Olivena Gates remained open28.
These fortifications a kind of concession between medieval and bulwarked forms, were
speedly brought up to date in a project by the Dutch Jesuit Jan Ciermans (Cosmander)29 (Fig.
2.b.2.8), who with his collaborators Lieutenant-General of Artillery Rui Correia Lucas and the
French engineer Jean Gilot30 formed the Junta in 1642. At this time (1642-1658) the Engineer-
General of the Kingdom was the Frenchman Charles Lassart31. Cosmander served Portugal
until 1647, with the rank of Colonel, but in that year he was captured and (or) went over to the
enemy, dying in the attack on Olivena of 18 June 1648. Apart from the engineers mentioned
above, the following also worked in Elvas: the French engineer Nicolau de Langres32, who was
26
We do not believe it was ever fortified, it would have been located between the Crown work and the Fort of Santa Luzia
27
governador, o General de Brigada Francisco Xavier Lopes. See also, VARELA (1901), pp. 9 and 10.
28
VARELA, Cnego Aires (1901), pp. 43-46 and 54-55. Contrast with what is written by AZEVEDO (1644), pp. 54 and 55, about the gates that were kept
open, in the previous footnote.
29
Invited by D. Joo IV to work in Portugal, he formed a Junta, in 1642 (19 December), with Lieutenant-General of Artillery Rui Correia Lucas and with the
French engineer Jean Gilot, to inspect the border strongholds. At this time the Engineer-General of the Kingdom was the Frenchman Charles Lassart,
precisely from that year until 1658. He worked in Alentejo and the Stronghold of Elvas is one of his works. He also worked in the fortifications of vora,
Estremoz, Olivena, Campo Maior and Castelo de Vide (see NUNES, Antnio Lopes Pires, op. cit. (1991), pp. 80 and 81 and VITERBO, Sousa,
Dicionrio Histrico e Documental dos Arquitectos, Engenheiros e Construtores Portugueses, Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda, vol. I, Lisbon,
1988,pp. 231ff.).
30
Jean Gilot was a French military engineer hired by the Count of Alegrete (Matias de Albuquerque) to serve in Portugal during the War of the Restoration.
He died in 1657. He was in charge of the fortification of Olivena. In 1646 he asked for leave to return to his homeland, alleging the death of his mother
and also that the work in Olivena had been halted; this leave was not granted although he asked for it a second time. According to Azevedo Fortes, the
Dutch method of fortification was being followed (see VITERBO, Sousa Dicionrio Histrico e Documental dos Arquitectos, Engenheiros e
Construtores Portugueses, Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda, vol. I, Lisbon, 1988, pp. 423-424).
31
Charles Lassart was a French engineer who worked on the Portuguese fortifications from September 1641. He was appointed Engineer-General of the
Kingdom on 23/3/1642, a post he held until 1658.
32
Nicolau de Langres was a prestigious French engineer who served Portugal from 1644. Because of Cosmander's treason in 1647, and after Jean Gilot's
death in 1657, and also with Charles Lassart's return to France, in 1658, Langres was appointed Engineer-General of the Kingdom in 1659. He betrayed
Portugal the following year. He died in 1662, on the Spanish side, while attacking Vila Viosa. Langres started by serving in Alentejo, collaborating with
Cosmander; he worked on the fortifications of vora, Elvas, Estremoz, Campo Maior, Castelo de Vide, Juromenha and Moura [see NUNES, Antnio
Lopes Pires, op. cit. (1991), p. 130 and VITERBO, Sousa, op. cit., vol. II, pp. 62-63].
259
put in charge of the crownwork; father Pedro Fernandes33 as assistant to Cosmander; and
Pedro Girles Saint-Paul34. Recent research has turned up the names of engineers Joo
Balhesteiros and Diogo Paeza who were working in Elvas in 164235.
We can analyse the progress of the construction of the fortifications from books by
Nicolau de Langres (undated, but produced between 1644 and 1660, the years he was active
in Portugal), Joo Nunes Tinoco (dated 1663, reproducing drawings by Cosmander, Gilot,
Langres, Sainte Colombe and others36 and by Joo Toms Correia, a military engineer with the
rank of Colonel of Artillery who lived in the 17th and 18th centuries37. Following the order of the
plates reproduced by Gasto de Mello de Mattos38, Plate XIV by Langres (Fig. 2.b.2.10), show
the fortifications of the historic centre with only the following differences from their present-day
layout:
- a bulwark is shown in the place of the current Trem half bulwark;
- the ravelin of the So Vicente Gate is not shown;
- neither is the E counterguard of the Old Gate bulwark;
- the simple ravelin (or lunette, or parade entrenchment) in front of the curtain joining
the Casaro bulwark to the half bulwark of So Domingos had not yet been built;
- neither had the simple ravelin in front of the postern gate in the curtain joining the half
bulwark of So Domingos to the bulwark of the Place of Arms (or Parade).
In Plate LIV by Langres (Fig. 2.b.2.12),the differences are the same with the exception
of the present-day half bulwark of Trem, where a redan is shown and of the lunette or parade
entrenchment in front of the curtain joining the Casaro bulwark to the half bulwark of So
Domingos.
In Plate LXIX by Tinoco (Fig. 2.b.2.13), the plan is as in LIV, with three differences: the
ravelin of So Vicente Gate is shown as is the simple ravelin in front of the postern gate in the
curtain joining the half bulwark of So Domingos to the Cavaleiro bulwark.
In Plate LXX by Correia (Fig. 2.b.2.15), dated 1699, the ravelin of So Vicente Gate and
simple ravelin to the N of the crownwork gorge are not shown (whereas they are in LXIX this
must be due to a surveying error or hurried copying). The lunette or parade entrenchment in
front of the curtain joining the Casaro bulwark to the half bulwark of So Domingos had not
yet been constructed; neither had the simple ravelin in front of the postern gate in the curtain
joining the half bulwark of So Domingos to the Cavaleiro bulwark, and nor had the
33
Pedro Femandes a scholar and quarter-stipend priest in the Cathedral of Elvas; with knowledge of mathematics and fortifications, collaborated with
Cosmander, started receiving a salary in 1646 (see VITERBO, Sousa - Dicionrio Histrico e Documental dos Arquitectos, Engenheiros e Construtores
Portugueses, vol. I, Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda, Lisbon, 1988, pp. 346-347).
34
Pedro Girles Saint-Paul was a French engineer who worked in Portugal from 1641, together with Lassart. He is the author of the drawing of the
fortifications of Almeida, the construction of which he directed. Girles Saint-Paul reached the rank of Lieutenant-General of Artillery of Beira and, in
1651, he became an honorary member of the Order of Avis. In 1648 he worked in Elvas [NUNES, Antnio Lopes Pires (1991), op. cit., pp. 187-188].
35
ANTT, DGC, Stack 3, no. 36, year 1642 (information given by Natalia Daz Bagulho)
36
VITERBO, Sousa Dicionrio Histrico e Documental dos Arquitectos, Engenheiros e Construtores Portugueses, vol. III, Imprensa Nacional - Casa da
Moeda, Lisbon, 1988, p. 114.
37
VITERBO, Sousa Dicionrio Histrico e Documental dos Arquitectos, Engenheiros e Construtores Portugueses, vol. III, Imprensa Nacional Casa
da Moeda, Lisbon, 1988, p. 224.
38
MATTOS, Gasto de Mello de Mattos Nicolau de Langres e a sua Obra em Portugal, Comisso de Histria Militar, Lisbon, 1941.
260
counterguard or ravelin of the curtain were the Fort's Cistern is located.

Turning to the 1755 plan by Miguel Luiz Jacob (Fig. 2.b.2.16), we may note the
following differences from the present day:
- the counterguard E of the Old Gate bulwark did not yet exist;
- the ravelin (or lunette or parade entrenchment) in front of the curtain joining the
Casaro bulwark to the half bulwark of So Domingos had not yet been constructed;
- neither had the simple ravelin in front of the postern gate in the curtain joining the half
bulwark of So Domingos to the bulwark of the Place of Arms (or Parade).
It is evident that the construction of the Arsenal (Trem) gave the half bulwark of Trem its
present form, changing it from the early redan (the form in which it appears in most of the
drawings).
In plans from 1802 and 1806 (Figs. 2.b.2.17 and 18), the fortifications of the historic
centre are shown as they are today; the same therefore also goes for the 1833 plan (Fig.
2.b.2.19).
We may conclude that the bulwarked fortifications of the historic centre acquired more
or less their present form from the 17th century construction work. Turning a redan into a half
bulwark and adding some outworks did not change its fundamental characteristics.
The defensive armaments39 of the Elvas stronghold comprised in 187440, eight wrought-
iron bombards (pedreiros), fourteen 254 mm howitzers, fourteen wide-calibre morters,
thirteen 15-calibre and eight 12-calibre groove-barrelled guns, ten 15-calibre six 11-calibre
and twenty-nine 10-calibre smooth-barrelled guns totalling 112 firearms. An 8-calibre battery,
half a mountain battery of the same calibre and six machine-gun emplacements were still
needed.
The garrison's defensive requirement also comprised41: 6484 infantrymen, 498
artillerymen, 176 bombardiers, 208 engineers, 30 artisans, 304 cavalrymen, 370
storekeepers, medical orderlies, servants and supply guards, totalling 8070 men and officers.
288 horses and 124 mules were also needed.
2.b.2.2.2.2 FORT OF SANTA LUZIA
The following contributed to the layout of this fort (Figs. 1.e.9 and 2.b.2.9), which
aroused controversy among experts to whom the task was entrusted42:
39
Defensive armament as opposed to security armament. The former is necessary in times of war, the
latter for peace time.
40
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa 73, Nmero 9 (1874), Relatrio formulado pela comisso nomeada pelo ministrio da guerra em
18 de Junho de 1874 para determinar o armamento e aprovisionamento de viveres e material de Guerra para a praa de Elvas e forte de Nossa Senhora
da Graa.
41
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa 73, Nmero 9 (1874), Relatrio formulado pela
comisso nomeada pelo ministrio da guerra em 18 de Junho de 1874 para determinar o armamento e aprovisionamento de viveres e material de Guerra
para a praa de Elvas e forte de Nossa Senhora da Graa.
42
RODRIGUES, Jorge and PEREIRA, Mrio, op. cit., pp. 47 and 48; MORGADO, Amlcar F., op. cit., pp. 25-30.
261
- Martin Afonso de Melo, who built a redoubt for 300 soldiers, in 1641, to a design of
Matias de Albuquerque, leaving the church of Santa Luzia in the middle.
- Sebastian Frias43, who modified the previous design, still in 1641, giving it a star-
shaped form.
- Hieronimo Rozetti44, who submitted the new layout in 1642.
- Lassart, who was opposed to the Italian school layout, advocating the French.
- Joo Ballesteros and Cosmander, who in 1642, with Lassart and Rozetti, formed a
commission appointed by the king and subject to the Council of War, to study the best layout
for the fort.
- Rui Correia Lucas, who imparted a new dynamism to the work, from 1643.
- Cosmander, with the assistance of Jean Gilot, who ultimately imposed the final layout.
We can analyse the development of the construction of this fort through the drawings
previously used by Nicolau de Langres, Joo Tinoco Nunes Correia and John Thomas. Plate
XIV by Langres (Fig. 2.b.2.10), showed the fort with a crownwork and an enlarged link to the
fortifications of the historic centre via the hill of So Pedro. Plate XVI, by Langres (Fig.
2.b.2.11), is the current layout. Plate LIV, also by Langres (Fig. 2.b.2.12), showed the fort with
the same layout as Plate XIV. Plate LXIX, by Tinoco (Fig. 2.b.2.13), presents the current
configuration of the fort, but the connection of the fortifications to the historic centre is via a
covered way wider than the present-day one and containing a "new fountain". Finally, Plate
LXX, by J. T. Correia, 1699 (Fig. 2.b.2.15), presents us with the fort in its current configuration
but with a covered way narrower than in the previous plate, but still wider than the present-day
one. From these graphical documents, we can conclude the following:
- It is doubtful that the fort ever had a crownwork, still less one of the dimensions
shown, because it does not appear in Nicolau de Langres's own drawing (Fig. 2.b.2.11); also
in 1699 (the only date found on any of the drawings under examination), the crownwork is no
longer shown. It should be noted, however, that in the drawing referring to the Battle of the
Lines of Elvas, by Pierre Sainte Colombe45 (Fig. 2.a.1.2.24), held, probably in 1661, the
crownwork is shown.
- As to the covered way, we can conclude that it underwent change over time, as the
1699 plan cannot be considered a project, but a survey of what already existed. Also, the plan
by Sainte Colombe mentioned above shows the much-enlarged link between the fort and the
city, with the same style as Langres's drawing. It is shown as it stands today on the 1806 plan
43
Sebastio Pereira de Frias was born in Pernes. We know he was an architect or military engineer in the 17th century. He was known to have participated in
the fortification of Outo, Setbal (Fort of So Filipe), Sesimbra (So Teodsio, 1652), Palmela, Caminha and Vila Nova de Valena. He was in Alentejo
(1643-44) during the War of the Restoration. (see PEDREIRINHO, Jos Manuel Dicionrio dos Arquitectos, E. Afrontamento, Porto, 1994, pp.114-
115).
44
Hieronimo Rozetti was probably of Italian origin. He was hired in France to serve in the War of the Restoration. In a letter dated 1 September 1641, he was
appointed by D. Joo IV, Chief-Sergeant of the Tero do Mestre de Campo D. Luiz de Portugal, to serve in Alentejo. (see VITERBO, Sousa
Dicionrio Histrico e Documental dos Arquitectos, Engenheiros e Construtores Portugueses, vol. II Imprensa Nacional - Casa da Moeda, Lisbon, 1988,
pp.418-419).
45
Pierre de Sainte Colombe was a military engineer of French nationality who came to work in Portugal in
1648. He worked mainly in Alentejo, Lisbon and the Algarve. He was appointed Engineer-General of the Kingdom circa 1660. He would eventually go
over to the Spainish, supplying them with the plans of the fortifications of Portugal NUNES, Antnio Lopes Pires (1991), op. cit., p. 187.
262
(Fig. 2.b.2.18).
Completed in 1648, this fort was garrisoned by a company of infantry and a small force
of artillery46. In 1874 the garrison when on a war footing housed 370 infantrymen, 166 artillery,
52 miners and 20 warehouse attendants and guards, totalling 608 men. Their defence
weapons were for, 8 shell-firing cannon, 4 groove-barrelled 12-calibre guns and 25 smooth-
barrelled guns: four 11-calibre, seven 10-calibre, eight 9-calibre and six 7-calibre47.
As to the part played by the fort in wartime, it figured in all conflicts for which records
were kept from the War of Restoration on. The first governor was Captain of Infantry Godinho
Manuel Castelo Branco, appointed in 1642. Separate governorship of the fort, which became
a simple battery for the city, was discontinued in 180548.
2.b.2.2.2.3 LIPPE FORT OR FORT OF NOSSA SENHORA DA GRAA49
This was built to a design by the Count of Lippe50 (Fig. 2.b.2.20) and the work was
performed under the direction, firstly, of the French engineer Etienne, and then of colonel of
the Estremoz artillery, Guillaume Louis Valler (Fig. 2.b.2.21), who introduced some changes.
The order to build the fort was entrusted, first, to Engineer Major Robert de Bassenond,
between April and June 1763: Plan for three different projects on the land of Monte da Graa51.
Work began in 1763. As for the date it was concluded, the historiography mentions the year
1792. However, there are documents that show the fort was not yet completed in 1797:
With the diligence one may expect from men with a habit of relaxation, work is being carried out
using stone, lime, sand and earth as we have these materials. However, work has stopped on
platforms, repairs and other jobs requiring wood. (...) I had judged, from the information I was
given, that the Fort of Graa only needed platforms, repairs and a few sundries, but I found it in
ruins, with only the magistral galleries; work had not begun on some of the branches and on
others the work instructions had not been understood (...) The Second Governor of the Fort, Jos
da Encarnao Delgado, who should know better than anyone the project that Lieutenant
General Vallr put into practice, tells anyone who asks that he knows nothing about it. The
Governor, I believe, who is very honored (...) but I assure Your Excellency that he is not able to
direct the fire from a simple battery. (...)There is no one at all (...) who can speak knowledgeablly
about the projects. (...) It would be very helpful if Your Excellency were to instruct the wife of
46
47
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa 73, Nmero 9 (1874), Relatrio formulado pela comisso nomeada pelo ministrio da guerra, em
18 de Junho de 1874, para determinar o armamento e aprovisionamento de viveres e material de guerra para a praa de Elvas e forte de Nossa Senhora
da Graa.
48
49
Originally called Fort of Lippe, it was then renamed as Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graa during the reign of D. Maria I.
50
Frederico Guilherme Ernesto, Count of Shaumburg-Lippe, or Schaumburgo-Lipa (1724-1777), of German origin, was born in London and began his
military career in England, performing military functions throughout Europe. He reorganised the Portuguese army from 1762, having been engaged by
the Marquis of Pombal. He commanded the Anglo-Portuguese troops in the Seven Years' War and in the Fantastic War (1762), against Spain.
51
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 59, Nmero A-6, (1763), Relao das diferentes ordens que eu recebi () depois do primeiro
de Abril at vinte e cinco de Junho (1763).
263
Lieutenant-General Vallr to hand over all the papers that she has in her possession concerning
the Fort of Graa, because only then could we acquire real knowledge of its construction and how
to deploy Artillery for its defence, which is a very doubtful proposition in this stronghold (...) as one
of the more remarkable features of this stronghold are the countless pieces of ammunition of
different calibres that do not fit any weapon.52
In 1767 it already possessed a garrison of 262 soldiers and 12 pieces of artillery53.

The need to construct the fort arose from the tactical importance of that prominence,
from which the Spanish artillery bombarded the whole valley that separates it from the city
during the siege of Elvas, 1658-1659 (Figs. 2.a.1.2.24 and 2.b.1.30). After the Spanish
withdrew, the redoubt situated there was used by the Portuguese army as prison quarters54,
and appears thus on 17th century plans, (Figs. 2.b.2.12, 13 and 14). The fort appears in its
present form on the general plans of 1802 and 1806 referred to above (Figs. 2.b.2.17 and 18)
and in a survey of 1825, in plan and with some good quality profile drawings (Figs. 2.b.2.22
and 23).
Enormous sacrifices were demanded of the inhabitants of the whole region, to the
detriment of agricultural work. In 1763, 6000 men and 4000 animals participated in the works,
and from the houses and shops built on the Quinta do Vedor, to the W of the fort, arose the
current settlement of that name55. A total of 767,000 ris56 was spent on the works.
As it was considered a stronghold of the first rank, it had a special governor57. On a war
footing, its garrison consisted of 1792 men, 1120 infantry, including 30 officers and 16 junior
staff members; 498 artillery, including 15 officers and 6 buglers; 104 engineers, including 2
officers and 2 buglers; 70 warehousemen, nurses and store guards58. Defensive armaments
included 136 guns and 12 mortars, of which smooth-barrelled arms totalled forty-two 7-
calibre, eighteen 9-calibre, fourteen 10-calibre, thirty-eight 11-calibre and four 15-calibre.
Grooved-barrelled arms numbered thirteen 12-calibre and eight 15-calibre, as well as the 12
mortars59.
As for the fort's military objectives, the following was written in 187460: First, hit the
enemy's approach works and the batteries they will have to set up on the Serra da Malefa61;
52
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 67, Nmero 6, (1797), Excerpts of letters from Lieutenant General Francisco Noronha (20
January and 6 February 1797).
53
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 67, Nmero 7, (1767), Mapa da fora da guarnio do Forte de La Lippe em 11 de Dezembro
de 1767. Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 74, Nmero 8, (1767), Mapa das peas de artilharia e mais petrechos pertencentes
a(?) que esto no Forte de La Lippe.
54
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa 73, Nmero 11 (1875), Relatrio sobre a defesa
da Praa de Elvas feito pelo seu actual governador, o General de Brigada Francisco Xavier Lopes.
55
MORGADO, Amilcar F., op. cit., p.32.
56
57
Idem
58
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa 73, Nmero 9 (1874), Relatrio formulado pela comisso nomeada pelo ministrio da guerra, em
18 de Junho de 1874, para deteminar o armamento e aprovisionamento de vveres e material de guerra para a praa de Eivas e forte de Nossa Senhora da
Graa.
59
Idem
60
Idem
61
At a distance of 1200m. See Airquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa 73, Nmero 11 (1875), Relatrio sobre a defesa da Praa de Elvas
feito pelo seu actual governador, o General de Brigada Francisco Xavier Lopes.
264
second, give effective protection to the Elvas stronghold; third, hit the railway station and
even some part of the line itself.
In 1856 a prison company was created, to be replaced 38 years later by a disciplinary
dept, which operated until 1 July 1989, the date on which the fort was decommissioned62.
2.b.2.2.2.4 FORTLETS
During the French Invasions, the Duke of Wellington (Fig. 2.b.2.24), in order to
reinforce the field entrenchment, ordered everything outside the fortifications to be razed, with
only the forts of So Mamede, So Pedro, Piedade and So Francisco arising out of all this
ruin and devastation. They were not used at that time and today are completely
abandoned63. In 1797 Lieutenant General Francisco de Noronha already sensed the need
to construct the fortlets of So Mamede and So Pedro64. There were however several
difficulties in carrying out the works (let us not forget that the Fort of Graa had not yet been
completed). Examples included the desertion of militias and the flight of Portuguese labour to
Badajoz, where the pay was better: (...) two pesetas per day, entice of many workers (...)65.
On the 1802 plan referred to above (Fig. 2.b.2.17), there is no trace of any redoubt or
fortlet. On the 1806 plan (Fig. 2.b.2.18), the redoubts of So Mamede and So Pedro are
marked, in the form of an open structure, in the gorge, with two faces and two small flanks. In a
document dated 1815, the fortlets are described as having an irregular pentagonal plan, with
the exception of that of Piedade66, which was hexagonal and irregular. In general, those that
have survived down to our own day (So Mamede, So Pedro and So Domingos or Piedade)
are in those forms. We may say, basically, that they have a ditch, faces and flanks, with
embrasures, look out towards Spain, and their gorges are turned towards friendly positions
(Figs. 2.b.2.25 to 28).
Some of these strategic sites had fortifications of a different design, specifically those
of So Francisco and So Pedro, in the 17th century (Figs. 2.b.2.12 and 13). Apparently, in the
1806 plan (Fig. 2.b.2.18), the Fortlet of So Pedro already had its present-day form, from
which we can date it to between 1802 and 1806.
62
MORGADO, Amlcar F., op. cit., p. 37.
63
governador, o General de Brigada Francisco Xavier Lopes
64
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 67, Nmero 6, (1797) Letter from Lieutenant General Francisco de Noronha, dated 18
February 1797.
65
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 67, Nmero 6, (1797) Letter from Lieutenant General Francisco de Noronha, dated 13
February 1797.
66
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 33 (1815), Informao do estado em que se acha a Praa de Elvas em o ms de Maio de 1815,
relativamente s obras de fortificao, edifcios militares e outros objectos.
67
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 67, Nmero 34, (1815), Conferncia do dia
19 de Dezembro de 1815, signed by Jos Maria das Neves Costa, Major and Secretary of the National Commission of Fortifications.
265
2.b.2.2.2.5 SUMMARY OF ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT DURING

PERIOD OF MILITARY USE
In summary, it was in the 17th century that the city's bulwarked fortifications were
constructed, as well as the Fort of Santa Luzia, with adaptations over the course of the next
two centuries. The Fort of Graa is an 18th century construction, and it was in the 19th century,
with the Peninsular War, that work was undertaken, on the Elvas field entrenchment, in nearby
vantage points, some of which already existed in different forms, or were planned, in the 17th
century (So Francisco and So Pedro).
Around 1815, it was argued that the castle should be wholly transformed into a
bulwarked citadel. The National Commission of Fortifications did not agree to this for reasons
of purely military logic. But it agreed to the demolition of a turret that was endangering a
storehouse abutting the wall67, probably to the NE. Eight years later a barbed battery was set
up in the castle, it is thought in the N tower, sunken, or in the NW turret, also sunken and with a
barbet68:
It was at this time that a barbed battery was set up, known in this stronghold as the castle battery;
because it is based on a portion of the enclosure, or height, on which the castle was built, and also
because part of a very old enclosure wall of the castle is what secures the land at the level of the battery69.
We may conclude that we have before us an extraordinary complex of

fortifications ranging from the ancestral castle, with its urban walls, down to the most modern
of bulwarked forts of 18th century Europe, the Fort of Graa, a masterpiece of fortification,
incorporating all the skill and art available at the time70.
68
In 1849, the construction of barbettes (or barbets) in the flanking angles of the bulwarks was proposed as well as the demolition of the sentry boxes that
stood there, in order to increase the firing range and prevent the sentry boxes from orientating the approach trenches (approach works) of the enemy. It is
known, that soldiers zigzagged their way towards the capital lines of the bulwarks and the ravelins. See Relatrio da inspeco feita Praa de Elvas,
Elvas Garrison, 21 July 1849, signed by Antnio Jos Boquete (Artillery Major), Jos Manos de Faria (Engineering Officer) and Nuno Augusto de Brito
Taborda (Engineering Lieutenant), document from the private library of Professor Antnio Ventura (Portalegre).
69
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 68, Nmero 8, (1823), Informao sobre a Muralha da Bateria do Castle na Praa de Elvas,
Joaquim Jos de Aimeida e Freitas, Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Engineering Corps.
70
GUEDES, Lvio da Costa "A viagem de Christian, Prncipe de Waldeck, ao Alentejo e ao Algarve descrita pelo Baro von Wiederhold (1798), in
Boletim do Arquivo Histrico Militar, vol. 60, Lisbon, 1992, p. 200.
266
2.b.2.3 A CRITICAL SUMMARY OF 20TH

CENTURY INTERVENTIONS
283
2.b.2.3 A CRITICAL SUMMARY OF 20TH CENTURY INTERVENTIONS
2.b.2.3.1 URBAN EXPANSION AND THE FORTIFICATIONS
As with other fortifications in the district, the spaces surrounding these fortifications
have always been disputed among the local population, who could gain good quality land for
cultivation that was "just by the gate". In 1872 there was a sale by public auction, to the bidder,
of pasturage in the ditches and glacis of this stronghold (...)1. It suited the stronghold for this
land to be kept clear, and what better than to allow the herds to occupy it, not least as this also
yielded some income.
But while the use of the ditches and glacis for pasturing was useful from all points of
view, the creeping misappropriation of land within the stronghold's domain was an abuse
tolerated in peacetime:
(...) abuses of cultivation, both ancient and modern, on the natural glacis of the stronghold
between the Prncipe (or Castle) half-bulwark and the bulwark of Conceio, that is, on the high,
raised sloping ground that gives shape and a mountainous appearance to that part of the city near
the Ribeiro do Cetto (...) are occurring to the detriment of the proper defence of the stronghold (...)
this slope near the Cetto is so defensively important that it has left the fortification at its weakest at
that part of the enclosure ()2.
As for the construction of new dwellings, there is a record of problems encountered

when a judge by the name of Pereira, began unlicensed building of houses on his property
near the church of Senhora da Piedade in 18143. If there were problems of this kind so far from
the magistral line, what could it have been like next to it!?
The first step towards freeing the city came in 1911: by article 315 of the Decree of 15
May 1911, the Elvas stronghold was reduced from the first to second security category. The
problem was not resolved, however, as the system of domain was still in place, but the claims
made on military land for urban development gained momentum.
The city was nearing collapse for want of the space necessary for urban expansion.
Elvas could not remain, as it had always been, an immense barracks, as even from a strategic
viewpoint a permanent fortification could no longer retain these characteristics. In 1919-20,
the Municipal Council proposed the declassification of the stronghold with a view to lifting the
burdensome restrictions on urban development which it endured4. But the 2nd Department of
the 1st Division of the General Staff maintained the stronghold as a class 2 fortification,
1
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 73, Nmero 3, (1872), Document signed by Lieutenant Colonel Major of the Fort, Rodrigo
Maria da Maia Lermont.
2
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 70, Nmero 7, (1832), Letter no. 143 to Filipe Nero Gorjo of the Royal Engineering Corps
Barrack.
3
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 67, Nmero 29, (1814), (several letters).
4
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 73, Nmero 29, (1919/20), (from various correspondence).
284
maintaining ipso facto all the easements pertaining to military strongholds5. There was a trial
of strength between civil and military interests that was not to be resolved in the short term.
The Technical Commission of the Fortifications gave the following replies to various
applications from the town hall:
- That the Elvas Municipal Council be permitted to build, on the bulwark land
known as the Place of Arms, a theatre ().
- That it be permitted to demolish the fence erected in 1917 to prevent the public
from using the passage between the British Cemetery and Elvas Castle.
- That the land adjacent to the fountain at the cistern be returned to the Council
().
- That the request for the abolition of all restrictions currently preventing
construction of new buildings in the zone of military domain be rejected ().
- That there is no impediment to contracting with Elvas Municipal Council for the
sale of military building no. 16, situated on the Largo Marqus de Pombal,
(formerly Largo de S. Domingos) ().
- That it be permitted to cut the curtain wall between the bulwarks of the Olivena
Gate and the Military Hospital bulwark.
- (...) the Ministry of War always has the right to order a halt to construction,
without compensation, whenever defensive circumstances make this advisable6.
We find from the documentation examined that there was again in 1924 a rejection of a
request for declassification of the stronghold7. In 1925, the Council sought authorisation to
erect dwellings on the Rossio do Calvrio, which would have implied the declassification of the
fortifications8. In a game of cat and mouse, the General Staff continued to maintain
classification and to make concessions on a case-by-case basis by special decrees.
Several disagreements involving the DGEMN, the Elvas military government, the
Municipal Council, the Gil Fernandes Preparatory School and private owners were recorded in
the DREMS archive: a ban on building next to the castle, next to the medieval walls and next to
the curtains of the bulwarked fortification9; a negative response to the "Belvedere of the Castle
Parade10 - conflict with Military Installations11/12; a protest by the DGEMN (vora) against the
5
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3" Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 73, Nmero 29, (1919/20), Reply concerning the declassification of the Stonghold of Elvas.
6
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 73, Nmero 29 (1919/1920), Technical Commission of the Fortifications / Reply.
7
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 73, Nmero 30, (1924), Reply from the Technical Commission of the Fortifications.
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 73, Nmero 31, (1925/26), copy of the Response from the 1st Department of the General Staff of
8
the Army.
9
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, Correspondence no. 175 of the 3rd Section, dated 24/8/1939 and Correspondence no. 595,
dated 30/8/1968 of the Southern Section and Correspondence no. 85, dated 5/21/1955 of the 3rd Section of the TechnIcal Department.
10
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, Correspondence no. 203 of the 3rd Section, dated 12/9/1939.
11
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Administrative Proceeding (Walls of Elvas, S.12.07.02/011, Portalegre, NR.2); letter no. 504, 5 May 1958, addressed to the
Chief Architect of the Technical Department, Rui Couto protests against the Military EngIneering Administration that intended to rebuilt the roof of the
Guardhouse of the Olivena Gate with beams made of reinforced concrete.
12
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, Correspondence no. 41 of the 3rd Section, dated 18/3/1940 and Correspondence no. 489, dated
25/11/1950.
285
installation of three sheds that serve as classrooms and that give such an unpleasant aspect
to the walls13, a problem with the siting of a bank, the Caixa Geral de Depsitos14, and the new
market in 1968, centered on whether it should be inside or outside the walls15; the problem of
installation of television antennas in the tower and walls of the fortifications16.
In relation to the use of the castle facilities for purposes regarded at the time as suitable,
an example is the authorisation granted by the Finance Ministry, provisionally () to the
Regional Branch of the [Youth Organisation] Mocidade Portuguesa, in Elvas, to use former
military building no. 48, the castle ()17. Baltazar da Silva Castro, then Director of National
Monuments, replied that the castle was undergoing repairs and that the Municipal Council
wanted to put a tourist office and castle guard there18! For its part, the 3rd Section (vora)
informs us that the Mocidade Portuguesa wished to install a gymnasium in the castle, together
with offices, secondary school classrooms, the director's office, a refectory and kitchen and
sanitary facilities including showers, and that consent was given19. Later, the Director of the
Public Revenue came to the conclusion that there was not sufficient space for the
requirements of the Mocidade Portuguesa, and so the building was retained by the Municipal
Council, although the castle came to be considered symbolic seat of the Mocidade20.
The Military Government of Elvas requested provisional use of the castle in 1952 to set
up a reception hall21 and obtained a favourable reply from the Director-General of Higher
Education and Fine Arts and from the vora section of the DGEMN.
In 1972, the deputy Silva Mendes spoke in the National Assembly against the state of
neglect into which [fortifications] had been allowed to fall in recent years22. Shortly afterwards,
the Municipal Council echoed this complaint23; the reply from the Director of Services at vora
was as follows:
It is clear that in certain places, the type of occupation be it military or civilian - is not the most
suitable or appropriate, as the occupation of bulwarks and ditches by buildings and fences
completely obscure their nature and function, and it can also be seen that the state of cleanliness
24
of these places and of the walls, with some vegetation, themselves leaves much to be desired.
13
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Administrative Proceeding (Walls of Elvas, S.12.07.02/011, Portalegre, NR.2); letter no. 161.
14
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Administrative Proceeding (Walls of Elvas, S.12.07.02/011, Portalegre, NR.2); letter no. 116, 7 July 1943.
15
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Administrative Proceeding (Walls of Elvas, S.12.07.02/011, Portalegre, NR.2); letter no. 428, dated 1/7/1968 vora;
reference to the newspaper Linhas de Elvas, no. 914, Year XVIII, 1968.
16
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Administrative Proceeding (Walls of Elvas, S.12.07.02/011, Portalegre, NR.2); letter no. 397, dated 20 June 1968, Rui Couto
protests to the Chief Director of the Department of National Monuments, against the fact that a large number of television antennas are being installed in
the towers and walls of the fortifications.
17
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, Administrative Order no. 2101, dated 31/7/1943, Ministry of Finance.
18
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, Administrative Order no. 244, dated 4/2/1943.
19
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, Correspondence no. 405, 3rd Section, dated 28/2/1943.
20
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, Correspondence no. 362, from the Director of the Public Revenue, dated 18/3/1944.
21
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, Administrative Order no. 7398, from the Department of the Directorate of National Buildings,
dated 4/2/1943.
22
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Administrative Proceeding (Walls of Elvas, S.12.07.02/011, Portalegre, NR.2); letter no. 101 from the Directorate for the
Monuments for the South, and also, a letter from the Minister of Public Works, dated 31/1/1972 addressed to the DGEMN.
23
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Administrative Proceeding (Walls of Elvas, S.12.07.02/011, Portalegre, NR.2); letter no.478, dated 10/2/1972.
24
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Administrative Proceeding (Walls of Elvas, S.12.07.02/011, Portalegre, NR.2); letter no. 629, dated 10/3/1972.
286
The protests had their effect: in their wake, the Ministry of Public Works immediately
made 150,000 escudos available for conservation and restoration work25.
In 1973, the Elvas Municipal Council wished to use the castle to install a Military
Museum26. It is interesting that in a letter the District Director of Finances of Portalegre gives
his approval to the Council's plan, and describes the monument in these terms: as a
monument, it is a blend of construction from different eras, without much in the way of defining
characteristics27. This definition is symptomatic of the way a monument was assessed in
heritage terms, being considered of relatively low interest because it had been transformed
over time. This was in 1973, just a year and a month before the end of the Estado Novo! The
director of Monuments for the South also gave its approval to the Council's plan28. Later, a
small museological group set up there; traces of it are to be found today in the Military Museum
of Fort of Santa Luzia.
As stated above, urban development outside the curtain wall only took place in the
1960s and 1970s, with the construction of social housing at Boa-F to the N, and with the
construction of new houses and neighbourhoods to the S (at So Pedro, next to the fortlet of
the same name, this was not completed until circa 1985). Before this, certain buildings were
erected sporadically, such as the Pousada (a 1939 luxury hotel project by Miguel Giacobety
Rosa), opened in 1942, and the first of its kind in Portugal; and to provide better connections
between the inside and outside of the walls, construction of a viaduct (between the bulwark of
So Joo de Deus and the redan of the Cascalho), was started in 1949, and completed in the
following decade.
2.b.2.3.2 CASTLE
In 1940 the DGEMN undertook a major campaign of work on the monument that, by
1948, left it in the state which it presents today. The documentation in the DREMS file is
limited to the administrative process and photographs: the first works location plan dates from
1954. But Monumentos Boletim no. 54, of December 1948, is entirely dedicated to this
campaign. It is tersely written, however, though it has the only known drawings (made after
the works were carried out). Thus, because of the lack of properly detailed memoranda, a
comparison of contractors' proposals with other documents assumes importance, so that the
various stages of works can be identified.
25
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Administrative Proceeding (Walls of Elvas, S.12.07.02/011, Portalegre, NR.2); Order of 15/3/1972, Adminstrative Order no.
550, dated 16/3/1972.
26
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, Letter from the Elvas Municipal Council, dated 19/3/1973.
27
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, letter dated from 24/3/1973, addressed to the Director General of the Public Revenue.
28
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, letter no. 365 dated 14/5/1973.
287
First Campaign (1940) - Works carried out by the Elvas building concern, Joo
Antnio Ferreira, by private treaty, up to a value of 30,000 escudos.
The tasks to be undertaken included29:
- Demolition of walls, including the removal of building rubble.
- The construction of walls made with water-based mortar.
- Strapping of walls with reinforced concrete.
The works were begun on 2 May 1940.
Second Campaign (1940-41) - Works carried out by the Elvas building concern,
Joo Antnio Ferreira, by private treaty, up to a sum of 20,000 escudos30.
The tasks to be undertaken included:
- Continuation of work on the main gate, including the construction of wall-walks with
corbels and battlements.
- Demolition of several recent constructions ().
- General repair of battlements and wall-walks ().
- Repair of stairs ().
- Paving in flagstones of a room in the Homage Tower.
- Repainting and cleaning ().
- Construction of a new gate in chestnut wood ().
- Removal of waste31.
Third Campaign (1941) - Works carried out by the builder Joo Antnio Ferreira,
by privately negotiated contract, up to a sum of 50,000 escudos.
Among the tasks mentioned in the various proposals32 are the following:
- Demolition work33.
- Granite veneer over the entrance corbels.
- Construction of mortared masonry walls.
- Removal of waste.
Fourth Campaign (1941) - Works carried out by the building concern of Joo
Antnio Ferreira, by privately negotiated contract, up to a sum of 15,000 escudos.
The following tasks are mentioned:
- Construction and setting of the roof frame (...)
29
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, proposal of Joo Antnio Ferreira, dated 8/6/1940, approved by DGEMN, Administrative
Order no. 1193, dated 15/06/1940.
30
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, DGEMN, Administrative Order no. 2731, dated 21/12/1940.
31
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, listing, undated, of the works to be completed by Joo Antnio Ferreira, approved by the
DGEMN, Administrative Order no. 2846, dated 21/12/1940.
32
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no.8 Castle of Elvas, DGEMN Administrative Order no. 901, dated 31/3/1941, approving Joo Antnio Ferreira's
proposal, dated 25/31/1941.
33
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, Correspondence no. 405, 3rd Section, dated 18/1/1941, asking the Director of National
Monuments permission to demolish the storage lean-to by the Homage Tower, and also asking him to take measures to retrieve all the wires of the Military
Radio Post installed on the walls.
288
- Covering roof with romanesque tiles in channels and with old tile in layers (...)
- Walls of mortared masonry (...)
- Removal of waste (...)34
Fifth Campaign (1942) - Works carried out by the building concern of Joo
Antnio Ferreira, by privately negotiated contract up to a sum of 20,000 escudos.
The following tasks are mentioned:
- Covering roof (...)
- Dismantling and rebuilding the wall that is threatening the ruin.
- Removal of waste35.
Sixth Campaign (1943) - Works carried out by the building concern of Joo
Antnio Ferreira, by privately negotiated contract, up to a sum of 20,000 escudos.
The following tasks are mentioned in the proposal36:
- Reconstruction and consolidation of walls.
- Strapping with reinforced concrete.
- Inserting prepared dressed stone in steps, wedges, etc.
- Repair of plaster.
- Demolition work.
- Construction of stone facings.
- Paving with stone slabs.
- Removal of waste.
Seventh Campaign (1944) - Works carried out by the building concern of Jos de
Sousa Camarinha, of Lisbon, by privately negotiated contract, up to a sum of 20,000
escudos.
The proposal37 included reconstruction and consolidation work, strapping with
reinforced concrete, plastering and laying of dressed stones and facings in slabs.
Eighth Campaign (1945) - Works carried out by the building concern of Jos de
Sousa Camarinha, by privately negotiated contract, up to a sum of 20,000 escudos.
This season of work was a continuation of the tasks commenced in the previous year38.
34
Arquivo da DGEMN/DSID, Castle of Elvas, Dossier no. S 120702005,1940/1740/IPPC, proposal of Joo Antnio Ferreira 29/12/1941, approved by
Administrative Order no. 5564, dated 31/12/1941.
35
Arquivo da DGEMN/DSID, Castle of Elvas, Dossier no. S 120702005,1940/1740/IPPC, proposal of Joo Antnio Ferreira 8/8/1942, approved by
36
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no.8 Castle of Elvas, DGEMN, Administrative Order no. 2591, dated 20/9/1943, approving Joo Antnio
Ferreira's proposal, dated 24/8/1943.
37
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, proposal dated 6/11/1944, approved by DGEMN, Administrative Order no. 3869, dated
3/11/1944.
38
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no.8 Castle of Elvas, proposal of Joo Antnio Ferreira, dated 16/4/1945, approved by DGEMN, Administrative
Order no. 1034, dated 30/4/1945.
289
Ninth Campaign (1946) - Construction of gates by the builder Jos de Sousa

Camarinha, up to a sum of 14,000 escudos39, by private treaty.
Tenth Campaign (1946) - Works carried out by the building concern of Raul
Marques da Graa, by privately negotiated contract, up to a sum of 46,000 escudos.
Raul Marques da Graa's proposal included:
- Thickening the wall above the gate and completing the stone loophole in the Homage
Tower (...).
- Making the paving on the wall-walks more regular (...).
- Restoring the covering over the stairway with loopholes including the arch (...).
- Cleaning and caulking the wall-walk cistern (...).
- Lower and complete the gothic arch of the ground-floor dwelling.
- Construct the vault above the stairway also including the roof (...).
- Construct a stairway for the guardhouse kitchen (...).
- Repointing work (...)40.
Eleventh Campaign (1947) - Works carried out by the building concern of Raul
Marques da Costa, by private treaty, up to a sum of 45,000 escudos.
The following tasks were undertaken in this campaign:
- Construction of dressed marble banister, similar to the existing one, for the alcova
(medieval muslim fortress) stairs (...).
- Setting of gates and entrances to the castle (...).
- Covering and erecting a frame for the Homage Tower41.
During this period the drawings for the Boletim Monumentos were being prepared by
the DGEMN, and were executed by the Technical Agent for Engineering Francisco
Madureira42, who was resident in Lisbon. This proposal anticipated the use of plans drawn up
previously, that is, back in 1940, which indicated that the campaign was methodologically
flawed.
Twelfth Campaign (1947) - Works carried out by the building concern of Raul
Marques da Graa, by private treaty, up to a sum of 35,000 escudos.
The following tasks were included in the proposal:
39
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, proposal (undated) of Jos de Sousa Camarinha, approved by DGEMN, Administrative
Order no. 9313, Order of 1/11/1946.
40
Arquivo da DGEMN/DSID, Castle of Elvas, Dossier no. S 120702005,1940/1740/IPPC, proposal of Raul Marques da Graa 30/10/1946, approved by
41
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, proposal of Raul Marques da Graa, dated
18/6/1947, approved by DGEMN, Administrative Order no. 5367, Order of 19/6/1947.
42
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, proposal of Francisco Madureira, dated 26/5/1947, up to a sum of 20,000 escudos, approved
by DGEMN, Administrative Order no. 1846, dated 30/5/1947.
290
- Repointing work in the Homage Tower.

- Demolition of two lean-tos built against the Homage Tower and the NW wall. These
two buildings were powder-magazines: the so-called Entretorres powder-magazine
and the Battery powder-magazine43. They became the legal responsibility of DGEMN
before being demolished.
- Construction of the roof frame above the stair leading to the wall-walk (...).
- Construction of a roof-plate of reinforced concrete in the Homage Tower (...)44.
Thirteenth Campaign (1947)45 - Works carried out by the building concern of Raul
The proposal includes the following tasks, with a promise to complete them by 31
December 1947:
- Restoration of facings.
- Construction of battlements on the wall and round towers on the sides joining the
upper to the lower wall-walk.
- Construction of the cupola of the stairwell46.
- Construction of toilets.
Fourteenth Campaign (1948) - Works carried out by the building concern of Raul
The proposal refers to the following work:
- Consolidation of masonry.
- Construction of dressed stone steps on the stairway of the north faade.
- Reconstruction of plaster and construction of the remaining battlements (...).
- Consolidation of the wall-walk and the polygonal loophole turret (...).
- Lower the paving in the ground floor and adding new paving in regional tile (...).
- Rendering of the balcony pillars (...)47.
At this time, the Director of Services for the National Monuments asked for
information48on the conclusion of the works, thinking of publication in the Boletim
Monumentos.
43
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, handover of military building no. 9 of the Stronghold of Elvas to DGEMN, on 1/8/1947.
44
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, proposal of Raul Marques da Graa, dated 18/9/1947, approved by DGEMN, Administrative
Order no. 4011, on 24/9/1947.
45
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, this proposal is undated but was received by the 3rd Section (vora) on 15/12/1947.
46
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, proposal (undated) of Raul Marques da Graa, approved by DGEMN, Administrative Order
no. 5826, dated 27/12/1947.
47
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, proposal (undated) of Raul Marques da Graa, approved by DGEMN, Administrative Order
no. 1497, dated 6/5/1948.
48
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, DGEMN Administrative Order no. 1485, dated 6/5/1948.
291
Fifteenth Campaign (1948) - Works carried out by the building concern of Raul
The proposal included:
- Lowering the surface of the tower and the kitchen, including levelling, paving and
removal of earth (...).
- Construction of a septic ditch (...).
- Renovation of the ground-floor surface, in its existing form, stripping the various walls
and replastering (...).
- Construction of the mouth of the cistern, renovating the walls of the entrance hall and
the fitting of a dressed stone lintel (...).
- Construction of the stair leading to the tower, rendering of columns and balcony wall,
installing a wooden chest (...).
- Stripping of nitrous plaster and replacing it with various types of prepared stone (...)49.
According to a letter from Raul Marques da Graa, this season of works ended on 16
October 194850, although there followed an Administrative Order51 extending the time limit. As
to the money invested, we have a report dated 197252, with a summary of money spent in each
of the years up to 1948, revealing very little discrepancy with the sums mentioned in the
various proposals: 1940 (50,000 escudos), 1941 (50,000 escudos), 1943 (20,000 escudos),
1944 (20,000 escudos), 1945 (20,000 escudos), 1946 (46,000 escudos), 1947 (100,000
escudos), 1948 (35,000 escudos).
Also, the work detailed in the Boletim summarises that listed in the proposals of
contractors, but it is too brief, not yielding enough to examination on its own. We must also
exercise caution with the terminology used, which can be misleading. For example, under
headings VIII and XI, by the word reconstruction is meant stylised reconstruction, since there
was no documentary evidence to show the forms of buildings which pre-existed those
standing in the 1940s. The report of the works in the Boletim is as follows:
I - Demolition of ruined annexes, together with different buildings without character standing in the
Place of Arms.
II Part restoration of the alcova (medieval muslim fortress).
III - Demolition of two barracks built outside and adjoining the N wall.
IV - Consolidation of various wall panels.
V - Dismantling and reconstruction of one of the towers adjoining the Castle entrance gate.
VI - Reconstruction of the principal gateway of the alcova (medieval muslim fortress),
with its guardhouse in dressed stone.
49
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, proposal of Raul Marques da Graa, dated 15/7/1948, approved by DGEMN, Administrative
Order no. 2822, dated 22/7/1948.
50
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, letter from Raul Marques da Graa, dated
17/10/1948, Tomar.
51
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, DGEMN Administrative Order no. 4361, dated 21/10/1947.
52
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Case no. S120702/011, Estado de conservao das muralhas de Elvas, 1972.
292
VII - Reconstruction of the cupola of the spiral staircase.

VIII - Reconstruction of the cover of the Homage Tower.
IX - Restoration of the loopholes in the first-floor room of the same tower.
X - Water-protective coating of the vault of the hexagonal tower.
XI - Reconstruction of the wall-walk and of the merlons above the castle entrance gate.
XII - General restoration of the remaining wall-walks, merlons and battlements.
XIII -Clearing debris from the gallery leading to the sally-port and replacement of the grating
by a suitable gate.
XIV - Repointing all the facings of the walls and towers.
XV - Complete unblocking of the cisterns.
XVI - Flattening and smoothing the paving in the Place of Arms.
After 25 April 1974, several campaigns of consolidation and repair were recorded53, viz.
in 1976 (consolidation and repair of the castle walls), in 1979-80 (recovery of castle buildings
and of the electrical installations in the Homage Tower) and in 1991 (electrification). In recent
years, IPPAR has carried out excavations on the courtyard, and the rehabilitation of the
governor's house incorporating a ground-floor bar (Fig. 2.a.1.1.7), with a shop (Fig. 2.a.1.8)
and multimedia centre on the upper floor.
2.b.2.3.3 MEDIEVAL URBAN WALLS
The following campaigns are recorded in the DREMS archives:
First Campaign (1959) - Repairs to the tower of Rua da Cadeia, to a value of

19,200 escudos54.
The restoration of the tower was begun in this campaign, we infer on the first floor.
Second Campaign (1960) Repairs to the tower of Rua da Cadeia, to a value of

19,190 escudos55.
The works begun the previous year were continued, with alterations to the faade to
allow for an entrance.
A third campaign, in 1965, with a budget of 83,20056 escudos and consisting of

restoration work on the second and third floors of the tower of Rua da Cadeia, must not have
materialised, as essential elements (such as a competition, communications officers, etc.)
53
See inventory file on www.monumentos.pt
54
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Works Permit, Monument no. S120702/011, Correspondence no. 910, dated 3.06.59.
55
56
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Works Permit, Monument no. S120702/011.
293
were missing.
After 25 April 1974, seven interventions, called recovery operations, were recorded57 in
1979 and 1980, on the Fernandina Tower, and conservation operations, on the stretch of wall
NW of the Bishop's Arch; in 1983 walls were consolidated, whereabouts not specified; in 1986
wall panels were consolidated on Rua S da Bandeira and next to the Bishop's Arch; in 1994
conservation work was carried out on the stretch of Fernandina wall in Rua das Escadinhas,
and on the sentry box belonging to the 'Terceiros Gate'; in 1996 a breach in the Fernandina
wall was repaired (common ground used by the Sociedade da Banda 14 de Janeiro); in the
period 1998-2002, wall panels and copings were repaired, whereabouts not specified.
2.b.2.3.4. BULWARKED FORTIFICATIONS IN THE HISTORIC CENTRE
First Campaign (1958) - Repair works, to a value of 29,900 escudos58.

In this campaign a vault of the Guardhouse at the Gate of Olivena was reconstructed.
Second Campaign (1962) - Repair works, to a value of 38,400 escudos59.

Owing to the collapse of a bulwark forming part of the premises of the installations of
the First Regiment of Lancers, reconstruction work to a height of 3 metres was undertaken.
Third Campaign (1962) - Consolidation of a stretch of wall, to a value of 27,000

escudos60.
Still in the same year, on the premises of the First Regiment of Lancers, probably in the
area of the living-quarters, work began on the consolidation of a curtain at four points where it
had collapsed.
Fourth Campaign (1963) Continuation of consolidation work, to a value of

197,700 escudos61.
Continuation of work on the reconstruction of curtains in the area of the living-quarters
of the First Regiment of Lancers.
57
58
59
60
61
294
Fifth Campaign (1964) Conservation work, to a value of 198,550 escudos62.

Conservation work was carried out on curtains to the S, where it joins the National
Highway EN4 leading to the River Caia.
Sixth Campaign (1965) - Conservation work, to a value of 149,620 escudos63.

Continuation of previous work, including the construction of sentry boxes where they
had fallen into ruin.
Seventh Campaign (1966) - Conservation work, to a value of 100,000 escudos64.

Repair and tidying-up work in the area near the Corner Gate.
Eighth Campaign (1967) - Conservation work and restoration, to a value of

19,959 escudos65.
Continuation of the work in the area near the Corner and at the Castle entrance (...).
Demolition of the unsightly glass barrier at the chapel entrance and construction of a discreet
porch.
Ninth Campaign (1971) - Recovery of sections of the enclosing wall, to a value of

50,000 escudos66.
This was not the medieval enclosing wall but the bulwarked fortification next to the
premises of the First Regiment of Lancers. Conservation work was carried out on curtains
and sentry boxes in Rua das Muralhas looking out over the neighbouring countryside were
reconstructed.
Tenth Campaign (1972) - Conservation and restoration work, to a value of

150,000 escudos67.
Waterproofing work was carried out in the area of the Gates of So Vicente.
By 25 April 1974, work had been done to almost the whole length of the bulwarked
fortification (Fig. 2.b.2.3.1).
In the period after 25 April 1974, several campaigns were recorded68, namely: in 1976-
77, (consolidation of curtains and reconstruction of a sentry box in the Light Infantry barracks);
in 1983, (consolidation of walls); in 1994, (conservation work on the sentry box belonging to
62
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Works Permit, no. S120702/011, Correspondence no. 646, dated 21.08.64.
63
64
65
66
67
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Works Permit, no. S120702/011, Proposal no. 386, dated 29.05.72.
68
295
the "Gate of Terceiros"); and in 2000 (removal of vegetation, filling breaches with stone
identical to that already in place, and using lime and sand mortar, and repointing with lime and
sand mortar; repair in places of plasterwork and of falls in the tunnels of the Gates of So
Vicente and Olivena); some of these interventions returned to areas where work had already
been carried out. Recently (in 2002), the City Council organised work on the curtains next to
the Pontoon Storage Warehouse, clearing away vegetation from the walls and ditches,
consolidating masonry, reconstructing latrines and sentry boxes and installing lighting.
2.b.2.3.5 CAMPAIGNS IN THE FORTLETS
A single campaign on the Fortlet of So Pedro, before 25 April 1974, in 1967 -

Conservation work69.
In this campaign the lean-tos built against the curtains were demolished, the ditch was
cleared, the cover of the powder-magazine was water-proofed and plastering work carried
out. This campaign also included the work on the Corner Gate, in the historic centre, to a total
value of 20,000 escudos.
After 25 April 1974 campaigns took place70 in 1980, 1982 and 1984 (consolidation
work). The City Council and IPPAR have both carried out recent work (in 2001, information
from Elvas City Council) on all the fortlets, cleaning, consolidating and removing obstructions
from the structures.
2. b.2.3.6 FORT OF SANTA LUZIA
First Campaign (1961) - Conservation work, to a value of 38,461 escudos71.

Repair works were carried out on the curtains, reconstruction and restoration of sentry
boxes and restoration of the casa central (Governor's House) was begun with the
reconstruction of the terrace roofs.
Second Campaign (1962) - Conservation work, to a value of 49,962 escudos72.

The work begun the previous year continued, and reconstruction of three more sentry
69
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Works Permit, no. S120702/011- Portalegre / Walls of Elvas, Dossier no.2, Correspondence no. 370, dated 23.06.67.
70
71
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Works Permit, no. S120702/011.
72
296
boxes was planned, including its dressed stone brackets, of a wall and floor inside the church,
which were spoiling the line, and recovery of curtains.
Third Campaign (1963) Continuation of restoration work, to the value of 49,994

escudos73.
Replastering was carried out in the Governor's House, in the church and other
buildings. Walled-up windows in the Governor's House were reopened and doorways, which
were spoiling the line of the building, were closed off. Repairs to curtains and reconstruction
of the entrance gate of the fort were also planned.
Fourth Campaign (1964) - Conservation work, to a value of 49,022 escudos74.

Work continued with the reinforcement of plasterwork, iron grating placed over two
window balconies in the Governor's House and the four sentry boxes of the Central Corps
were reconstructed.
Fifth Campaign (1965) - Conservation work and restoration, to a value of 50,000

escudos75.
Refurbishment of the fort continued with the reinforcement of plasterwork, repair of
curtains and the construction of a sentry box which needed rebuilding.
There were three campaigns after 25 April 1974: in 1985, described as recovery works,
to a value of 1,000,000 escudos; in 1986, with the same description, to a value of 1,500,000
escudos; in 1998-99 (information from Elvas City Council), a large-scale City Council
campaign aimed at the restoration and rehabilitation of the fort for tourist and cultural
(museological) activities, which rescued it from its ruined state and gave it its present
appearance.
2.b.2.3.7 FORT OF GRAA
First Campaign (1960) - Conservation of the Tower of Graa, to a value of 72,115

escudos76.
Urgent consolidation and conservation work was carried out to the Governor's House.
73
74
75
76
297
Second Campaign (1971) - Restoration of the entrance first phase, to a value of

5,824 escudos77.
Soundings were made to locate the former foundations and the original pillars
supporting the bridge leading to the upper part of the Castle.
Third Campaign (1972) Restoration work, to a value of 100,000 escudos78.

In this campaign the bridge across the ditch was renovated, and vaults built between
the original pillars, removing part of the iron guards it had before, as these were considered
unsightly, and replacing them with de masonry low wall clad with local granite. This whole
campaign was carried out with reference to other entryways to walls, in both Elvas and
Estremoz and in accordance with the findings from soundings.
In the period after 25 April 1974, in the 1970s and 1980s, there were two campaigns79:
the first in 1978, with the Recovery of the Governor's House, put out to tender at 300,000
escudos; the second in 1981, for which there is insufficient documentation archived to permit a
description of the campaign. Very recently (in 2003, information from Elvas City Council), at
the City Council's initiative conservation and restoration work was carried out on the
Governor's House, in the central redoubt and in the officers' quarters above the bulwarks. The
ditches were also cleaned out, the surface drainage system relaid, and a detailed
topographical and architectural survey carried out of the whole complex of buildings.
2.b.2.3.8 TECHNICAL DETAILS PRESCRIBED FOR THE PROJECTS
In the reconstruction of the stone masonry in the facings, stone matching what was
already there was used, together with mortar of cement and sand in a ratio of 1:4. For
repointing, the mortar was made up of the same elements, but in a ratio of 1:6 (1953 campaign
probably in the so-called Fernandina tower).
In the 1958 campaign in the Guardhouse at the Gates of Olivena, the collapsed vault
was completely reconstructed: reconstruction of vaults and arches in brick masonry and one
and a half bricks thick80 40cm thick, using cement and sand mortar in a ratio of 1:3, including
arch frames and scaffolding, filled with sand and cyclopean concrete, with necessary
adjustments in the side walls, according to timely indications to be given by the works
supervisor. Normal concrete in a ratio of 1:2:4. 300 kg of cement, 400 litres of sand and 800
litres of crushed stone in flags and lintels81. The new plastering was done with an application
77
78
79
80
This means that the thickness of the wall is a brick length plus a brick width. If it were meia vez, the thickness of the wall would be a brick width. If it were
uma vez, the thickness of the wall would be a brick length. See SEGURADO, Joo Emiio dos Santos - Alvenaria, Cantaria e Beto, (Updated), Livraria
Bertrand, Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro, undated, pp. 70ff.
81
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Works Permit - Portalegre / Walls of Elvas, Dossier no.2, S.12.07.02/011, 1958 Campaign.
298
of primer, followed by the plastering proper and, finally, on a finish of fine sand, three layers of
whitewash applied with a sponge. To plaster the vaults, a mixed mortar in a ratio of 1:1:6 was
used. Still in the same campaign, the floor of the extrados of the vaults was surfaced with brick
on top of a bituminous waterproofing layer.
On the outer walls, tallow and lime alum was added to the whitewash to improve the
waterproofing and colour consistency.
In the reconstruction of a floor of the Fernandina Tower in 1959, a slab of local dressed
stone was laid, after preparing the ground, using a ballast of low-grade concrete in a ratio of
200 kg/m3.
In the same tower, but in the following year (1960), local granite was used, like that
already in use, 20cm thick with cement mortar in a ratio of 1:3 to reconstruct facings. The
gates of this tower were made of exotic wood conserved with three coats of boiled oil.
The reconstruction of masonry in the curtains of the bulwarked fortification - for
example in 1962, next to the then Lancers' barracks was carried out with hard stone cement
and sand mortar in a ratio of 1:3.
In the same area, but in the following year (1963), a stretch of curtain was consolidated
with reinforced concrete joined together with straps. Dressed stone was used for the corners
and in the reconstruction of sentry boxes new brackets were built of dressed granite.
Still in this campaign, lintels and lock straps were built of reinforced concrete in a ratio of
1:2:4 (for 300 kg of cement). The walls were coated with compacted brick of a local type,
sealed with cement mortar in a ratio of 1:3.
As to wages, at this time the best-paid workers were the stonemasons and carpenters
(40 escudos per day), followed by bricklayers (36 escudos) and then bricklayers' mates and
general labourers (25 escudos and 20 escudos respectively). A year later (1964), we note that
both tile-setters and electricians also made the highest daily wage (40 escudos). Painters
earned 36 escudos.
Comparing the composition of mortars for different purposes, in 1964, plastering was
done with 1:1:6, bricks were set with 1:3 (cement), repointing was done with 1:4 (cement), the
sentry boxes were plastered with 1:1:6 and their brick masonry was of 1:1:6.
In the 1965 campaign (in the area of the living quarters), the corners are said to have
been constructed with mortar in a ratio of 1:3 (cement), masonry in a ratio of 1:4 (cement),
plastering done with mortar in a ratio of 1:1:6, before three layers of whitewash were applied.
In 1965, the terrace of the Fernandina Tower was waterproofed as had been the
Guardhouse of Gate of Olivena previously: compacted brick with three coats of heated
asphalt applied to it; plated wood was used for the gate and whitewash was applied with
sponges.
In 1966, in the area of the living quarters, a cement mortar in a ratio of 1:4 was used in
masonry, while for the plastering a stronger mortar - 1:3 (cement) was employed.
299
In the campaign of 1967, we are told, taipa (earth with sand, gravel, straw and lime)
masonry was inserted into the walls next to the castle82. Unfortunately, there are no drawings
that would allow us to tell where this took place. It was probably on curtains of the bulwarked
fortification and not on the medieval walls. In the same campaign corners were consolidated
with cramps of reinforced concrete made up of 300 kg of cement, 400 litres of sand and 800
litres of crushed stone per cubic metre. The under tiles used in this work were, of a regional
type, for coverings, and of a Roman type, entirely mortared, in channels.
We may conclude that no important technical alterations took place in Elvas, in
comparison with those made in other fortifications: the masonry, whether stone or brick, was
made with sand and cement mortar in a ratio of 1:3; for plastering, mixed mortar in a ratio of
1:1:6 was used; in the whitewashing of outside facings tallow and lime alum was added83;
repointing was done with a cement mortar, albeit less strong (1:4); some constructions were
cramped with reinforced concrete in a ratio of 1:2:4; the waterproofing of terraces and
extrados of vaults was in compacted brick treated with bituminous products applied hot; as for
the wood used on the gates, it was either exotic or plated, and was preserved with three coats
of boiled oil and oil paint.
2.b.2.3.9 A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF 20TH CENTURY INTERVENTIONS
2.b.2.3.9.1 DURING THE ESTADO NOVO (1933-74)
2.b.2.3.9.1.1 CAMPAIGN IN THE CASTLE
The first document containing important information to allow us to assess the

campaigns carried out in the castle between 1940 and 194884 is a Specification respectfully
presented to the Executive Committee of the Council for National Monuments, written by
Antnio Thomaz Pires85. The author, correspondent of the Council for National Monuments in
1907, obtained from captain of engineers Rodolfo Guimares in that year, a report on work
that needed to be carried out on the castle, together with his costs estimate, assessed at
300,000 reis86. This works report included:
- Demolition of the ruins of a house built against the outside facings of the wall.
- Removal of waste from the interior of the castle.
82
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Correspondence no. 222, dated 18/4/1967.
83
Tallow and lime alum (double salt of alumina and potassium sulphate, also known as alum), allow the whitewash to adhere better and give it more
resistance to chemical weathering. See SEGURADO, Joo Emlio dos Santos - Acabamentos das Construes, Livraria Bertrand and Livraria Francisco
Alves, 3rd edition, Lisbon and Belo Horizonte, undated, p. 284.
84
In December 1948 DGEMN pubished the Boletim Monumentos no.54, dedicated specifically to the campaigns carried out at the castle up to that date.
85
PIRES, A. Thomaz Estudos e Notas Elvenses, IX O Castle of Elvas, Memria Apresentada Ex Comisso Executiva do Conselho dos Monumentos
Nacionais, ed. Antnio Jos Torres de Carvalho, Tipografia Stereotypia Progresso, Elvas, 1907.
86
Idem, ibidem, pp. 20ff.
300
- Uncovering the Roman arch (that is, entirely) at the floor level giving access to the
square vaulted room that served as a prison.
- Repairs to the ramp leading to the sally-port, with the planned construction of a brick
vault.
- Resetting of walls.
- Reinforcement of the wall-walk next to the alcaidaria (governor's house).
- Clearance and repair of the spiral staircase overlooking the kitchen garden to the NE.
- Repair to the roof of the polygonal loophole turret.
- Repair to steps.
- Clearance of nine blocked battlements, situated on the covered way.
- Demolition of the remains of a house built on top of the Homage Tower and clearing
battlements of obstructions.
- Construction of the protective wall on part of the wall-walk.
- Consolidation and reconstruction of the turret to the S of the entrance gate.
We may conclude from this report that the castle, like so many others at this time, was
in a ruinous state, owing to its being unoccupied and to constructions which it had from time to
time proved necessary to erect against it, both outside and inside. However, neither major
demolition works to its interior, nor major reconstruction or renovation were planned.
We do not know what work was carried out between the date of the Specification (1907)
and the start of the DGEMN campaign (1940). But it is likely that the way it looks today is a
result of the campaign carried out between 1940 and 1948. As already mentioned, Boletim
Monumentos no. 54 was dedicated to this campaign, and is an invaluable source from which
to assess it. However, it is not a document to accept uncritically, as it is pleading its own
cause.
The philosophy behind the campaigns is explicitly stated in the chapter entitled Before
the Restoration87. There was no lack of criticism of naturalistic Ruskinian positions:
() there were even some who delighted in admiring it as a work of art: the ruin as pattern for what
they (monuments) should look like. A ruin of this kind was for them indeed pleasing to the eye,
almost a mark of nobility; () it was hard to find anyone who did not regret the restoration of
existing monuments as a waste or a mistake88.
Criticising those who did nothing to support the conservation of monuments, it

reproached rightly, and on a sound historical basis, to our way of thinking
those who arrogated the right to improvise, within and outside the enclosure walls, and for their
own benefit, certain parasitic constructions, that is, made without respect for form out of materials,
87
Boletim Monumentos no. 54, DGEMN, Castle of Elvas, December 1948, pp. 17ff.
88
Idem, p. 18.
301
shamelessly ransacked - and formerly violently mutilated from the body of the weeping
colossus. Was this done on purpose or out of willful ignorance? () it is not in fact sufficient to
invoke the predations of time or some seismic phenomenon to explain some of the damage and
landslips that have afflicted the fortifications proper, and to an even greater extent certain inner
fortifications which, being more accessible and less resistant, underwent even worse89.
These undeniable facts were used to justify the first actions undertaken, that is,
demolitions. Comparing the two uncertain plans in the Boletim of before and after the works,
the demolitions can be clearly located (Figs. 2.b.2.3.2 and 3). We have a photograph of the
buildings, backing onto to the outside facings, demolished to the NW (Fig. 2.b.2.3.4) and we
know that they were powder-magazines / armouries. It is clear to us that some of the
demolitions were wrongly carried out, because the architectural and functional
transformations that any monument undergoes over time should themselves be conserved,
as they are the source of its historic and sometimes artistic value, and help with its
interpretation in a diachronic sense. On the other hand, the building as seen in the
photograph referred to was apparently no ruin.
We might say the same of the demolition of all the buildings in the courtyard, with the
exception of the alcaidaria (Figs. 2.b.2.3.5 to 10). Everything was razed down to the level of
the base of the walls, and the ground level flooring survived. As is known, there were always
buildings in the castle courtyards - they appeared in plans drawn by Duarte de Armas and of
the most diverse kinds, an integral part of the castle arrangement: armouries, powder-
magazines, stables, garrison barracks, oven, offices, food stores, etc. Although these
buildings had no aesthetic merit, they are of historic value and could have been rehabilitated
by using the space to create museums, educational services, etc. But we are dealing here in
generalities, without being able to rigorously assess the various situations, since the
documents do not clarify the process for us. However, we can posit that the philosophy of the
campaign from the demolitions referred to above was to eliminate that was supposedly not
medieval, with the aim of writing out of its history all the transformations it underwent over the
succeeding centuries.
Returning to the Boletim, in the chapter entitled Before the Restoration, the
(anonymous) of the texts offered a justification for the campaign of more extensive works
carried out on the alcaidaria:
() work of particular importance for the re-establishment of the internal layout of the monument
can finally begin: reconstitution of the former alcova (medieval muslim fortress) a building
famous for its history, and of which little remains, and in an unsafe state, of the various walls amid
extensive, almost petrified waste. () The reconstruction of this building which was, in effect, a
89
Idem, p. 19.
302
reconstitution was very successfully carried out, guided by living tradition and the surviving
remains90.
By way of specification, the Boletim is here clearly defending restoration in the good old
th
19 century style (reconstruction, reconstitution, guided by tradition and the surviving
remains). It is not reconstruction by anastylosis, since what was left of this building would not
have allowed it (Figs. 2.b.2.3.6 and 10). They would thus have had to imagine what had been,
guided by tradition and a few remains. The result of this imaginative "reconstitution (Fig.
2.b.2.3.11) is the building we have today; note, for example, that the "so medieval" buttress
supporting the entrance vault does not appear on the plan of the one already existing (Fig.
2.b.2.3.2). Reconstructions are occasionally perfectly acceptable. An example of this is the
completion of the door frame of the ground floor entrance of the alcaidaria, a gothic arch,
lacking the three topmost stones (Fig. 2.b.2.3.12). But on the upper floor, which determined
the criteria for construction, (in fact, reconstitution) using a vast pool of debris91. There indeed
rose out of this a building that could as a whole be taken as authentic (an error induced by the
authenticity of the original parts, such as the windows at the rear in combination with the
intentional pastiche in the new parts), documenting a stage in the history of architectural
restoration in Portugal that was divorced from the European standard of the time.
An example of the above is the paradigmatic campaign on the entrance gate. Before
(Fig. 2.b.2.3.13) there had been baroque ornamentation worked in mortar above the
doorway, which included a panel of tiles depicting a narrative scene, together with a stone
coat of arms of D. Joo II. The wall ended in a brick parapet, clearly a modern adaptation, to
facilitate the shooting of small arms. Then (Fig. 2.b.2.3.14), a machicolated gallery without
the actual openings that facilitated the use of small arms was contrived (and still survives) -
but without the openings for that purpose - supporting a wall with four battlements the form of
which would have been impossible to guess. The Boletim devoted extensive space to an
ardent defence of this campaign, which in itself is revealing of the concern to justify it publicly.
The text is long, but we chose to transcribe it because we feel it is emblematic of the principles
that guided the Estado Novo in this area:
In the narrow section of wall where the Castle entrance gate is situated, at an uncertain date, a
panel of tiles was placed above the coat of arms of D. Joo II, which had been there since the last
quarter of the fifteenth century. The incongruity of these two decorative elements in such an
inappropriate place was further aggravated by another, no less ostentatious and on a larger scale.
Indeed, at the top of the wall, and covering it along almost its entire length, a strange and gaudily
ornate architectural feature arched up, its design somewhat similar to that of the frames used in
churches on feast days to fasten the valances or curtains adorning the altars and the internal
90
Idem, pp. 19 and 20.
91
Idem, p. 20.
303
porticos. This frame, overloaded moreover with several ornamental figurative items without any
clear meaning, rose up in the centre to loftily dominate the sheltering wall of the wall-walk that runs
between the two towers a wall that has suffered mutilation and loss of character, perhaps the
effect of that very work. Thus, the Castle gate, in spite of the medieval roughness of its threshold
and its broad Romanesque arch, in fact looked like the entrance to one of those rustic temples of
old that the cautious reformers of the eighteenth century so debased, throughout the land, in their
attempts to embellish or improve them. Who could have performed this work - who, in the face of
all evidence, so contemptuously ignored the proud strength and the traditions of this old
monument? And while it is known that the famous Jesuit engineer Cosmander made and carried
out plans, on the orders of D. Joo IV, for certain fortification work, more or less useful for the
defence of the stronghold, one can hardly believe that he bore any responsibility for such an
inappropriate initiative. It is clear, however, that the idea of entrusting the defence of the Castle to
heaven, through the "Sacred Family" (depicted in the tiled panels referred to above), must date
from the same century -- the golden age of Portuguese azulejo (tilework). Completed certainly
after the War of the Restoration, that foolish aesthetic and historical disrespect did not, apparently,
imprint the merest trace of its origin on the memories of the time. The perpetrator, who perhaps
died proud of his vainglorious feat, remained forever unknown. Today, on the broad and powerful
arch of the gate, you can see, again as once before, only the real shield of the "Perfect Prince",
and on top, along the wall, the corbelling that supports the strong parapet surmounted by the wall-
walk. On all the other wall-walks of the Castle - because they were all unfortunately ruined -
similar work of reconstruction had to be undertaken92.
This is clearly a stylistic, and completely fanciful, restoration contrary to the provisions
of the Charter of Athens (1931), which was written at the beginning of the decade before the
campaign. The same can also be said of the construction of narrow battlements on the
section of SW wall where before there had been broad ones (Figs. 2.b.2.3.5 and 7).
Other, albeit less controversial, interventions were carried out. The turret alongside the
entrance gate was almost entirely rebuilt (Figs. 2.b.2.3.15 and 16). The scale of this
reconstruction would have justified making the rebuilt part distinguishable today from the
original (if only by placing a ceramic seam at the join). This, reprovably, did not happen,
showing once again a disregard for the spirit of the Charter of Athens (1931).
The NE wall also underwent major intervention, as did the buildings to the N of the new
alcaidaria and structures built against it. By comparing Figs. 2. b.2.3.17, 18 and 19, we find
that these structures abutting the alcaidaria were demolished, and not rebuilt, probably to
highlight the architectural unity of the alcaidaria.
Also demolished were the installations set back in the rear of the alcaidaria, supported
by a large arcade which was spared demolition. Also no favours were done to this extension
92
Idem, pp. 21 and 22.
304
of the former building by the age that was romantically attributed to it, since it cut through the
wall-walk of the medieval walls. This section of wall (NE) was completely rebuilt, eliminating
the open space giving access from the courtyard of the castle to the large kitchen garden to the
NE. New battlements arose, narrower than those to the E, in the same orientation, but at a
much lower level, and a dome, the reason and choice of form of which were not explained, was
built on the spiral staircase in the N sector. Here also, the intervention should have been
rendered identifiable.
Work was undertaken on the Homage Tower to provide a tiled roof and restore its floor
and the arrow loops of the room level with the wall-walk. Roofing is always important, unless
the terraces are waterproofed. In fact, it is there that rainwater starts the process of
disintegrating building material, so it is essential not to allow water to infiltrate. The covering
that was raised - a roof framed with wooden trusses - is perfectly acceptable, because it is
simple, aesthetically neutral, and does not claim to be a historical reconstruction. Moreover, if
we examine this issue visually in the book of Duarte de Armas, we see that the towers were
sometimes roofed with tiles. But this did not stop the covering giving rise to controversy, 18
years later! An interesting and representative anonymous article appeared in the O Sculo
newspaper of 9 April 1966, under the title: "The roof on the Homage Tower is out of keeping
with the Castle of Elvas." The author, after classifying the castle as Romano-Arab states that:
(...) Several years ago it was subjected to treatment that was an affront to its architectural layout.
This was purely and simply the placing of a house on the terrace of the Homage Tower, the tiled
roof of which is visible to the world (...) this is out of keeping with a tower where it would be natural
to find balconies and galleries. (...) It would have been of undeniable interest to leave its terrace
uncovered (...). If we wish to avoid these excuses to deride us that everyone in this city regrets, it
would be well that the authorities take steps to remove this "adornment" of a roof, which on that
sad day was added to the Homage Tower.
The Director of Services of the National Monuments disputed the article in an internal
document93, arguing that
(...) there were no balconies or galleries in that tower: on the contrary all the elements that led us to
build the roof were in place, and this had always been envisaged as a solution in this case. It is
common knowledge that two solutions were considered for covering the towers: either tiled roofs
or terraces. This tower never had a terrace, the upper room being covered by a tiled roof allowing
free passage all round, for the deployment of defenders.
The Director-General wished to assess the situation by documentary means, and asked
93
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, Letter no. 2830, dated 20/5/1966.
305
the South Section for photographs of the elements that led to the construction of the roof94.
Rui Couto replied that he did not possess any elements that might shed light on the covering of
the principal tower95, thereby showing just how lacking was the documentation of the work
processes already referred to, namely, surveys recording what already existed. Or else he
overlooked the existence of a photograph (Fig. 2.b.2.3.20) from which it would have been
difficult to justify building the roof on the basis of pre-existing elements. As far as we can tell,
the controversy went no further and the roof was kept. As mentioned above, this article is
characteristic also of the way public opinion assessed these campaigns: they were not at all
perturbed by the fact that the corbelling above the entrance gate had been dreamed up, but as
for the tiled roof that prevented infiltrations, now that was an affront to heritage!
The work done on the loopholes in the in Homage Tower was not, in fact, restoration,
but a reconstruction, or else a construction based on external models. Who knows? The
specifications and the photographs always omit the detail and stylistic reconstruction was
here carried out and defended theoretically. Given the formal, architectural importance of
these loopholes, it was also justified here that the new materials used were indistinguishable
from the old.
As to other less controversial works, we must mention the cleaning of cisterns, the
clearance of a passage through the sally-port and the treatment with water repellent of the
cover of the polygonal loophole turret. In this last case, the author of the Boletim reveals that
he had not realised that the large, powerful and beautiful vaults96 were a 17th century addition
to a foundational construction, as it was called primitive work97. It is just as well he did not
realise this! If he had, the DGEMN would, to be consistent with its philosophy, have
demolished this " spurious addition" too! In a few lines, and in the words of those responsible
are the results of the campaign:
(...) we may call this, without bombast or taking liberties with words, a semi-resurrection (...) We
have finally been able to re-establish, without any noticeable infidelity, the features, character, the
historic face, in short of this great disfigured monument (...) a complete restoration, of body and of
spirit - not just an uncertain and inexpressive imitation of the original work 98.
2.b.2.3.9.1.2 OTHER INTERVENTIONS
The countless interventions that led to reconstruction of walls and of sentry boxes in
bulwarked fortifications do not deserve negative criticism, except to say that in case of large-
94
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, Administrative Order no. 1371, dated 24/5/1966.
95
Arquivo da DREMS, vora, Dossier no. 8 Castle of Elvas, no. 493, dated 20/6/1966.
96
Idem, p. 23.
97
Idem, p. 23.
98
Idem, p. 24.
306
scale reconstructions and those of considerable formal importance, the new materials must
be distinguishable from those existing or properly marked off. We agree with Paulo Pereira's
assertion that the substitution of parts (only in some very significant buildings) can be
defended, with rehabilitation of buildings (usually cathedrals of various sizes, convents or
palaces) whose status of eternal fabric is deemed essential99. However, replacement of this
kind should be noted, whenever the conditions mentioned above apply. Here too, as in other
interventions studied, care was not taken in some instances to enable the rebuilt parts to be
identified.
The campaign on the Corner Gate, which replaced a glazed structure outside the 17th
century chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceio (Our Lady of Conception), by a masonry
porch, although for reasons of aesthetic order, does not seem to us to have any kind of
prejudicial effect on the religious building abutting the gate and still less on the military
buildings (Figs. 2.b.2.3.21 and 2.a.1.2.31).
But work performed on the Fort of Graa, in the years of 1971-72, seems to us to
warrant correction: the remodelling of the bridge over the first ditch, which joined the interior
and exterior gates of the fort. Instead of keeping the existing bridge, which not being original,
was authentic, the form the intervention took was on exclusively aesthetic grounds, resulting
in an entirely bogus construction, copied from hypothetical 17th or 18th century models which
had been sought in the fortifications of Elvas and of Estremoz. The methodology used
involved the affectation of taking soundings in the foundations to work out the shapes of the
hypothetical original pillars so as to revive them. The iron guards were considered unsightly
and so partly replaced by masonry walls coped with local granite. The construction is thus a
pastiche, an imitation of something that never stood there (Figs. 2.b.2.3.22, 23, 24 and
2.a.3.15). As already mentioned, the motivation was aesthetic, the perpetrators not for a
single moment taking into account that everything that exists in a military fortification has an
explanation: if those masonry walls had existed when the fort was in use, they would also have
protected assailants as they crossed the ditch, sheltering them from enfilading fire! It was
therefore a stylistic reconstruction of (and dubious, even in stylistic terms) that went against
the principles of the Charter of Venice, although it was a single intervention that did not impair
the authenticity of the monument.
2.b.2.3.9.2 CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF INTERVENTIONS SINCE 25 APRIL 1974
The campaigns carried out over the past 30 years have been guided by a philosophy
completely different from that of the tardy stylistic reconstruction of the Estado Novo. The
99
PEREIRA, Paulo "Reutilizao de imveis classificados", Cadernos SPPC, no. 3, Que utilizaes para o patrimnio construdo?, Sociedade para a
Preservao do Patrimnio Construdo, vora, 1996, pp. 18.
307
prevailing intention is basically conservative, including the clearances of the ditches of the
fortlets, the general cleaning of the fortifications, consolidation and occasional restoration,
conservation of the Governor's House, in the Fort of Graa and reconstruction of the roofs of
officers' houses on the bulwarks of the same fort.
The major campaign in the Fort of Santa Luzia also followed the principle of
conservation and of minimum intervention: a car park was built outside it; the covered way
was rehabilitated allowing the fort once more to be walked round, the buildings of the second
ditch were rehabilitated for the installation of the Military Museum and of the necessary
facilities for receiving tourists (Figs. 2.b.2.3.25, 26, 27 and 28), and the walls dividing the
second floor of the Governor's House into four parts were removed to make room for a bar.
The latest campaign of any importance was that carried out in the castle by IPPAR, to
which we have already referred. Soundings and excavations in the courtyard shed some light
on the pre-Christian period, and the finds are currently on exhibition in the alcaidaria; the
rehabilitation of the ground floor of this building into a bar retained the existing formal values
(Figs. 2.b.2.3.29 and 30), though the choice of flooring might have been more discreet;
rehabilitation of the upper floor removed the wall that divided up that space (Figs. 2.b.2.3.31
and 2.a.1.1.8); and the kitchen was wiped clean of the Estado Novo constructions (the oven,
the fireplace, the worktops including the stone bench for pitchers all went) (Fig. 2.b.2.3.32), in
the latter case, we may hope that new functions will justify and that the recent closure of the
bar does not set a precedent - the elimination of that estadonovista pastiche that documents,
in a somewhat pathetic way, the concepts of restoration that preceded ours.
2.b.2.3.9.3 SUMMARY
The fortifications of Elvas taken as a whole are unquestionably authentic, with the
exception of the castle, where the interventions of the 1940s left us with the results - which
have in parts been well identified by the current state of research - of that period's well-
documented and belated taste for the historically and architecturally false. The sheer size of
the fortifications of Elvas also dictated its durability, and the persistence of the military function
to the present day - at least in part of its built heritage - promoted its gradual rehabilitation in a
spirit of respect for its formal values, its materials and techniques of construction.
308
Fig. 2.b.2.3.1 - Fortifications of the Historic Centre. Location and dates of the campaigns during the Estado Novo (1933-1974)
309
Fig. 2.b.2.3.2 - Castle of Elvas. Plan of the ground floor before the campaigns of 1940-48 (In Boletim Monumentos no. 54, DGEMN, 1948)
Fig. 2.b.2.3.3 - Castle of Elvas. Plan of the ground floor after the campaigns of 1940-48 (In Boletim Monumentos no. 54, DGEMN, 1948)
310
Fig. 2.b.2.3.4 - Castle of Elvas. One of the buildings abutting the NW wall, before demolition was carried out in the campaigns of 1940-48 (photo DGEMN)
Fig. 2.b.2.3.5 - Castle of Elvas. Buildings in the courtyard, before demolition was carried out in the campaigns of 1940-48 (photo DGEMN)
311
Fig. 2.b.2.3.7 - Castle of Elvas. Buildings in the courtyard, during demolition work in the campaigns of 1940-48 (photo DGEMN)
312
313
Fig. 2.b.2.3.11 - Castle of Elvas. Alcaidaria after the campaigns of 1940-48 (photo DGEMN)
Fig. 2.b.2.3.12 - CCastle of Elvas. Alcaidaria. Doorway ground floor room, before the campaigns of 1940-48 (photo DGEMN)
314
Fig. 2.b.2.3.13 - Castle of Elvas. Entrance gate (town gate) before the campaigns of 1940-48 (photo DGEMN)
Fig. 2.b.2.3.14 - Castle of Elvas. Entrance gate (town gate) after the campaigns of 1940-48 (photo DGEMN)
315
Fig. 2.b.2.3.15 - Castle of Elvas. Turret alongside the entrance, during the campaigns of 1940-48 (photo DGEMN)
Fig. 2.b.2.3.16 - Castle of Elvas. Turret alongside the entrance, after the campaigns of 1940-48 (photo DGEMN)
316
Fig. 2.b.2.3.17 - Castle of Elvas. NE section of the wall, seen from the exterior, before the campaigns of 1940-48 (photo DGEMN)
Fig. 2.b.2.3.18 - Castle of Elvas, NE section of the wall, seen from the exterior, after the campaigns of 1940-48 (photo DGEMN)
Fig. 2.b.2.3.19 - Castle of Elvas. Buildings to the N of the alcaidaria, before the demolition work carried out during the campaigns of 1940-48
(photo DGEMN)
317
Fig. 2.b.2.3.20 - Castle of Elvas. Terrace of the Homage Tower, before the campaigns of 1940-48 (photo DGEMN)
Fig. 2.b.2.3.21 - Bulwarked fortifications of the historic centre. Fig. 2.b.2.3.22 - Fort of Graa. Bridge across the first ditch, before
Corner Gate before the campaigns of 1966/1977 the campaigns of 1971-72 (photo DGEMN)
(photo DGEMN)
318
Fig. 2.b.2.3.23 - Fort of Graa. Drawing of the bridge across the first ditch, before the campaigns (drawing DGEMN)
Fig. 2.b.2.3.24 - Fort of Graa. Drawing of the bridge across the first ditch. Plan realised in the campaigns of 1971-72 (drawing DGEMN)
319
Fig. 2.b.2.3.25 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Building in the S wing of the second ditch before its rehabilitation as the Military Museum (1998)
Fig. 2.b.2.3.26 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Building in the S wing of the second ditch after its rehabilitation as the Military Museum
320
Fig. 2.b.2.3.27 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Building in the S wing of the second ditch before its rehabilitation as a storeroom for the Military Museum
Fig. 2.b.2.3.28 - Fort of Santa Luzia. Building in the S wing of the second ditch after its rehabilitation as a storeroom for the Military Museum
321
Fig. 2.b.2.3.29 - Castle. Alcaidaria. Ground floor before the recent rehabilitation
Fig. 2.b.2.3.30 - Castle. Alcaidaria. Ground floor after the recent rehabilitation
322
Fig. 2.b.2.3.31 - Castle. Alcaidaria. Upper floor before the recent rehabilitation
Fig. 2.b.2.3.32 - Castle. Alcaidaria. Kitchen fireplace completely removed in the recent rehabilitation
323
2.b.2.4 SYSTEMS OF BULWARKED

FORTIFICATION ADOPTED IN ELVAS
324
2.b.2.4.1 THE TEACHING OF MILITARY ARCHITECTURE AND THE

PORTUGUESE TREATISES UP TO THE END OF THE 18TH
CENTURY
From the period before the Restoration, in the realm of military architecture, reference
should be made to Tratado de Arquitectura, an anonymous manuscript, apparently by more
than one author, and never completed, attributed to Antnio Rodrigues (c. 1525-1590) and
dated to c.1576-79. This architect, who succeeded Miguel Arruda in the position of master of
the royal works (1564-1590) and Afonso lvares in that of master of the fortifications (1575), is
considered, by Rafael Moreira, to be the last Portuguese military architect of a humanist
persuasion1. He closely followed Italian theoretical production, specifically that of Pietro
Cataneo2, and appears to have been a didactically minded character, which would probably
have served him in the classes he gave. Indeed, Antnio Rodrigues supervised the
Architecture Class set up in 1572 on Pedro Nunes's initiative in the Pao da Ribeira. Under
Philippine rule, at the suggestion of Juan Herrera (1530-1597), the class closed down and was
transferred to Madrid (in 1583). But in 1594 (by Order of 14 September) the Architecture
Class was once more set up in the Pao da Ribeira, and was also known as the Class of
Technical Drawing, of which territory Filipe Terzi (or Trcio) of Bologna was the first regent
(1520-1597), appointed by D. Sebastio in 1577.
After the Restoration, the first treatise on military architecture published in Portugal,
dates from 1680 and was the work of Lus Serro Pimentel (1613-1678), Lieutenant General,
Cosmographer-in-Chief and Engineer-in-Chief of the Kingdom. This was the Methodo
Lvsitanico de Desenhar as Fortificaoens das Praas Regulares & Irregulares3. It was also a
treatise of an essentially educational nature which was not unaware of earlier and
contemporary European theorists. Indeed it showed a knowledge and advanced criticism of
some of these. It paid particular attention to Blaise Franois, Count of Pagan (1604-1665),
and included an Appendiz I, Pagan Resvmido. In the Prologo of this appendix, he declared
that of all the Methods of design that I have seen, none has appeared to me as easy as that of
the Cde de Pagan; however, he makes some objections straight away: () it must be very
expensive to produce; () I think there are great disadvantages, mainly in the figures taken
from various sides, () and as a result my Lusitanian Method - set out in the 1st Operat. Part
and the excellence of which is detailed in the PP. on the comparisons with the Methods of other
Authors, to be found in the second Descriptive Part, as will be seen when checked against
these - will be better known and its greater ease for general use guaranteed4.
In the Proemio, he defends his right to call his work Methodo Lvsitanico, Claiming that,
1
MOREIRA, Rafael "A arquitectura militar" in Histria da Arte em Portugal. O Maneirismo, Alfa, Lisbon, 1986, p. 149.
2
CATANEO, Pietro I Quattro Primi Libri di Architecttura, Venice, 1554.
3
Opportunely reissued, in facsimile, in 1993, by the Department of Arms Engineering of the Army.
4
PIMENTEL, Lus Serro Mtodo Lusitnico (...), Direco da Arma de Engenharia do Exrcito, Lisbon,
325
not only was it the first to be written on the subject in Portuguese, but comparison with the
works of other authors showed () the superiority of what we are teaching, above all as
regards designs of fortifications (...) of the Outer polygons from within. Without being able to
go into a minutely detailed comparative study - not found either in the work of Lus Serro
Pimentel - we may say by way of simplification that the author undertakes to present and
design regular-shaped strongholds with up to 20 sides, and irregular ones that are made as
nearly regular as possible, as can be seen in nearly all of his designs, and that he opts for right-
angled flanked angles and for second flanks. This choice is part of the Italo-Dutch tradition,
and did not feature in the French tradition, of which the first system, that of Errad, advocates
acute flank angles and no second flanks. As if to emphasise its educational intent, Pimentel
also supplies two more appendices in addition to the one already referred to: Practical
Rectilinear5 Trigonometry and Compendium of some problems of practical Geometry, &
speculative Theorems6.
It is worth transcribing the position Lus Serro Pimentel takes concerning the
characterisation of this branch of enquiry choosing to regard military architecture as a
science and not an art - and setting it in the context of the burgeoning rise of military
engineering from the second half of the 16th century:
So military architecture is a Science,~ which teaches how to fortify all kinds of Strongholds, & to
defend them against invasion by enemies. This definition, or description is by Adam Fritach, & by
Mathias Dogen, as he calls it Art with less reason than Science; as also Tensini, who says however
that perhaps it should rather be termed a Science than an Art. The Count of Pagan calls it a
Science7.
Gian Battista Bellucci8 was, on this subject, the most intolerant of the authors,
considering architects incompetent at planning fortifications. The circular and square models
of the ideal city of classical tradition - of the preference of Vitruvius (1st century; circular), Alberti
(1404-1472; square), Filarete (c. 1400 - c.1469; circular with two intersecting squares) and
Durer (1471-1528; circular and square)9 -, make way for polygonal bulwarked forms
(Cataneo), formally imperfect in terms of classical idealism but validated by actual experience
of war. There was, in fact, a progressive loss of symbolic values so dear to "humanist"
architects who lost ground to "specialist", engineers as artillery became dominant during the
15th century and came to dictate the rules of military architecture. Similarly with treatises, in
Italy from the second half of the 16th century a period in which about twenty were published10-,
5
6
7
PIMENTEL, Luis Serro, op. cit., "Svmmaria Noticia, da Architectvra Militar e Seus Encmios".
8
BELLUCCI, Gian Battista Nuova Invenzione di Fabbricare Fortezza di Varie Forme, Venice, 1598.
9
ROSENAU, Helen A Cidade Ideal. Evoluo Arquitectnica na Europa, Presena, Lisbon, 1988.
10
See HALE, J. R. Renaissance Fortification. Art or Engineering?, London, 1977, note by CARVAJAL, Angel Isac M. La Ciudad Hispnica Durante
los Siglos Xlll al XVI, Editorial de Ia Universidad Complutense, Madrid, 1985, p. 51.
326
and with the exception de Vincenzo Scamozzi (Dell'idea dell'architettura universale, Venice,
1615), the treatise by Pietro Cataneo is the last one not to regard military architecture as
autonomous11. The subject that military architecture has to tackle leads us to set aside any
idea of form that does not arise out of a precise and technologically verifiable solution to
particular problems on the ground12.
As for the teaching of military architecture in the restored country, we should mention
the Fortification and Military Architecture Course, created by Decree of 13 July 1647, under
the initiative of D. Teodsio, son of D. Joo IV. The Course, which began life at the Pao da
Ribeira, was put under the charge of Lus Serro Pimentel who was made Engineering-in-
-Chief of the Kingdom in 1673, and who was already running the Artillery Course was later
renamed Military Academy keeping this name until it was abolished in 177913. In this year by
Order of 5 August 1779 the Royal Marine Academy was created to oversee the training of
military engineers14. Meanwhile in 1772 the chair of Civil and Military Architectural Design15
was created in the Mathematics Faculty of the Universidade de Coimbra. In 1790, in the last
reform of the 18th century, the Royal Academy of Fortification, Artillery and Design was
created. Another Course in Fortification, to which we shall return, was created by D. Teodsio
at the Jesuit College in Elvas in 1651.
The second Portuguese treatise to appear was by Manoel de Azevedo Fortes (1660-
1749); the two volumes of O Engenheiro Portugus were published in 1728 and in 172916.
Its author studied engineering in Portugal, France and Italy, and in 1698 was made substitute
lecturer on the Fortification Course. He was Governor of the Fortress of Castelo de Vide, and
was also Engineer-in-Chief of the Fortifications of the Court and the Province of Estremadura.
On 23 September 1719 he was appointed Engineer-in-Chief of the Kingdom. Under his
influence, by Decree of 24 December 1732, two Provincial Courses were created in addition to
the Academies and Courses of Fortification that already existed at the Court and in Viana do
Castelo: these were at Elvas and Almeida and were provided for like the one at Viana do
Castelo, by the Decree of 20 July 1701, although the last-named was the only one ever to
operate. 50 years after Serro Pimentel's Methodo Lusitanico, O Engenheiro Portugus
showed the progress made in the science of fortification, consisting of volume I, Geometria
Ptria (), and volume II, Tratado de Fortificao ou Arquitectura Militar. Argues in favour of
() a new method of fortifying Strongholds, drawing on Vauban, the Count de Pagan, and the
Chevalier de Ville, (whose guidance is followed in the present work), making an informed
11
HORST de la CROIX "Military Architecture and the Radial City Plan in Sixteenth Century Italy", in The Art Bulletin, XLII (1960), pp 263-290, cit. in
CARVAJAL, Angel Isac M. op. cit., p. 52.
12
TAFURI, Manfredo Retrica y experimentalismo. Ensayos sobre Ia arquitectura de los siglos XVI y XVII, Sevilla, 1978, p. 66, cit. in CARVAJAL,
Angel Isac M., op. cit., p. 52.
13
NUNES, Antnio Lopes Pires Dicionrio Temtico de Arquitectura Militar e Arte de Fortificar, Direco do Servio Histrico Militar do Exrcito,
Lisbon, 1991, pp. 90 and 91.
14
This academy was later reformed by the Decree of 12 January 1837, and named Escola do Exrcito [see NUNES, Antnio Lopes Pires (1991), op. cit., p.
91.
15
PEDREIRINHO, Jos Manuel Dicionrio dos Arquitectos (...), Edies Afrontamento, Porto, 1994, pp. 18 and 19.
16
FORTES, Manoel de Azevedo O Engenheiro Portuguez, 2 volumes, Officina de Manoel Fernandes da Costa, Lisbon, 1728 and 1729, facsimile,
Direco da Arma de Engenharia, Lisbon, 1993. (BNL, BN S. A. 75865 - 66 V.)
327
choice from all three of what is most suitable for defence, and contributing his own military
thoughts (), by which he claimed he had created a new method which he fittingly called the
three guides method17.
We may conclude that in the period under consideration there was no lack of military
architecture being taught in Portugal. The published treatises reveal the features of this
modern science that leant more towards engineering than towards the formal values of
humanist architecture; it was highly innovative, creating new systems of fortifications.
These treatises were above all educational manuals grounded in foreign (Italo-Dutch and
French) systems. This was also true of the unpublished treatise by Diogo da Sylveyra Velloso
Architectvra Militar ov Forificao Moderna (1743) used in the Military Course at Recife18.
2.b.2.4.2 BULWARKED FORTIFICATIONS PRIOR TO THE

RESTORATION
While the Methodo Lusitanico appeared later than the construction of the bulwarked
fortifications of the historic centre of Elvas (1643-1653) and the Fort of Santa Luzia (1641-
1648), the first bulwarked fortifications in the territory of present-day Portugal are earlier,
though they are all coastal with the exception of the Fort of So Filipe in Setbal, which has
predominantly the territorial function of keeping watch over the city. It is suggestive in this
regard that its site was moved from the waterside location originally planned19. In the 16th
century the coastal defence system was obsolete, being based on surveillance from
watchtowers and naval patrols. This system was not an effective response to the growth of
Turkish and Moorish piracy and also to French corsairs and illegal English trading. It was
necessary to develop the coast with a new architecture developed in Italy and to install
effective artillery. It was to this end that in 1548 D. Joo III created the office of master of walls
and fortresses, and appointed Miguel Arruda (d. 1563). Fortification of the coast continued to
be given priority in the later reigns including those of the Philippines but especially in D.
Sebastio's (1554-1578; king from 1568). For this reason too the military architect Filipe Terzi
from Bologna was engaged in 1577. By way of example, a chronological list of fortifications in
Brazil compiled by Arnaldo Medeiros Ferreira leads us to conclude that the number newly built
rose sharply from the beginning of D. Sebastio's reign and peaked in the decade of the
Restoration. This level was not reached again until the end of the war (1668) when a new
surge in construction reached a new, albeit less pronounced, peak at the end of D. Jos I's
reign20.
17
FORTES, Manoel de Azevedo, op. cit, 2nd Vol., p. 71.
18
VELLOZO, Diogo da Sylveyra Architectura Militar ou Forticao Moderna (1743), Organisation and commentary by Mrio Mendona de Oliveira,
PPG AU/EDUFBA/UE, Salvador BA, 2005.
19
PORTOCARRERO, Gustavo Sistemas de Defesa Costeira na Arrbida Durante a Idade Moderna, Colibri, Lisbon, 2003, p. 49.
20
FERREIRA, Arnaldo Medeiros Fortificaes Portuguesas no Brasil, ELO-Crculo de Leitores, (no place of publication stated), 2004, p. 142.
328
Without claiming to make a complete inventory of the bulwarked fortifications in

present-day Portugal, surveyed up to the Restoration no complete study, indeed, has been
made of these we may list the following in chronological order:
- Fort of Pinho (Lagos), under construction in 1556, in ruins after the 1755
Earthquake21.
- Fort of Peniche (1557- 1570), later refortified by Nicolau de Langres, during the War of
the Restoration.
- Fort of Nossa Senhora da Luz, or Citadel of Cascais (begun between 1564 and 1594),
under Tommaso Benedetto de Psara (Figs. 2.b.2.4.1 and 2).
- Fort of So Brs of Ponta Delgada (Fig. 2.b.2.4.3), on the island of So Miguel
(Azores), laid out, c. 1567, by an imported team of Italian engineers: Tommazo Benedetto de
Psaro (engaded in Rome in 1559), his brother, Doctor Benedetto, and Pompeu Arditi, under
the direction of Pro de Maeda, who was in charge of fortifying the islands. This is one of the
best examples we have of early experiments in bulwarked fortifications.
- Fort of So Julio da Barra, in Oeiras; an initial fortification was surveyed between
1553 and c. 1568, to a layout by Miguel Arruda; the Duke of Alba ordered it to be reinforced by
the engineer Gicomo Palearo (d. 1586), and the bulwarks of So Filipe and of So Pedro
were built (from 1582). Later, from 1597, the military engineer Leonardo Turriani, from
Cremona (or Milan died 1631) was put in charge of further enlargement and reinforcement
work, and these were completed in 1598 (Fig. 2. b.2.4.4).
- Fort of So Filipe in Setbal (1582-1600), to a plan by Filipe Terzi and continuing the
work of LeonardoTorriani (Figs. 2.b.2.4.5 and 6).
- Fort of Santo Antnio da Barra (Estoril), to a layout by Frei Giovani Vicenzo Casale
(begun 1590).
- Fort of Santiago da Barra, Viana do Castelo (1591), with ravelins and other works
added later (1700 and 1799).
- Fort of So Filipe on Monte Brasil, defending the harbour at Angra (Azores), to the
layout of Tiburzio Spanochi (begun 1592-1643); it was later named So Joo Baptista.
- Fort of So Loureno da Barra, or of Cabea Seca, or Torre do Bugio (Oeiras), to a
plan attributed to Tiburzio Spanochi (Engineer-in-Chief of Spain) and the foundations of which
were ready in 1593.
- Fort of Pico de So Joo, Funchal, by Jernimo Jorge (begun c. 1600 already
garrisoned 1609).
- Fort of So Joo Baptista (or of Nossa Senhora da Assuno), Vila do Conde (1613).
- Fort of Boca do Rio or of So Lus de Almdena (begun 1632); the need for this to be
built was advocated by the Italian military engineer Alexandre Massai, in a manuscript entitled
21
CALLIXTO, Carlos Histria das Forticaes Martimas da Praa de Guerra de Lagos, C.M. Lagos, 1992; the plan that the author publishes in this book
is uninformative.
329
Descrio do Reino do Algarve (1621); this military engineer was the nephew of Giovanni
Casali and was still alive in 1630; it is not known who drew the plan.
Other fortifications from this period were started and completely altered after the
Restoration, or were lost without leaving any trace. However, it seems clear to us that Italian
Engineers during the period when Miguel Arruda was in charge of the kingdom's fortifications
and Benedetto de Ravena laid out the Fort of Mazago (1541) using bulwarks with orillons
but especially after his death (1563) and the engagement in 1577 of Filipe Terzi (1520-1597),
who held the post of Architect-in-Chief (1590) which passed on his death to another Italian,
LeonardoTorriani (died c. 1631).
The prestige that the art of Italian fortification enjoyed at this time in Portugal should
not surprise us: as already mentioned the mighty Spain under Philips II and III had an Italian as
Engineer-in-Chief, de Sienese, Tiburzio Spanochi (1541-1606), who also worked on the
Portuguese fortifications at Recife and So Salvador. The fronts of bulwarks were taking
shape in Italy, at the end of the 15th century in the work of Giuliano Giamberti da Sangallo
(1432-1517) and of Francesco di Giorgio Martini (1439-1502) (Codex Magliabechiano;
Tratado de Arquitectura Civil e Militar), who were adversaries in both war and peace.
However, the regular pentagonal bulwark seems to have been invented in 152722 by Michele
Sanmicheli (1484-1559), during the refortification of Verona, and later appeared in the work of
Antonio da Sangallo, the Younger (project for the refortification of the Castelo Saint-Ange, in
1543)23. The catalyst was the effective use of artillery in the French invasion of Italy (1494-
1495) under Charles VIII.
The Italian system, the source for all the others, was later characterised by fronts with
right-angled flanks, second flanks were the size of curtains permitted, and bulwarks with
orillons. This system can be seen, in whole or part in many fortifications in the period before
the Restoration, for example in the Citadel of Cascais (Figs. 2. b.2.4.1 and 2), in the Fort of
Almdena24, in the Fort of So Brs in Ponta Delgada (Fig. 2.b.2.4.3) and in the Fort of So
Julio da Barra (Fig. 2.b.2.4.4), to mention only those to be found in present-day Portugal.
We may conclude, then, that the experiment of building bulwarked forts in Portugal
before the Restoration proceeded almost entirely in the typology of coastal forts and
predominantly with layouts by Italian engineers.
The direction of the fortifications of the kingdom were also in the hands of Italians after Terzi
was engaged as Architect-in-Chief. It is undeniable that this meant that Portuguese
technicians were marginalised25, but more objective reasons need to be found for this
marginalisation.
22
Dictionnaire des Architectes, Encyclopaedia Universalis et Albin Michel, Paris, 1999, entry for Sanmicheli, Michele.
23
AMORETTI, G. Les Origines de Ia Fortification Bastionn Italienne, in Vauban et ses Successeurs en Brianonnais, Association Vauban, Paris,
1995, pp. 47ff.
24
CALLIXTO, Carlos Pereira Histria das Fortificaes Martimas da Praa de Guerra de Lagos, C. M. de Lagos, Lagos, 1992, p. 65.
25
MOREIRA, Rafael, article cited p. 150.
330
2.b.2.4.3 THE ADOPTION IN ELVAS OF THE DUTCH SCHOOL

OF ORTIFICATION
2.b.2.4.3.1 THE FORMATION OF THE DUTCH SCHOOL OF

FORTIFICATION AND ITS INFLUENCE IN PORTUGAL;
LUS SERRO PIMENTEL'S SYNTHESISING VIEW OF
TREATISE WRITTEN IN HIS TIME; MANOEL AZEVEDO
FORTES'S REFERENCE TO THE "METHODO
HOLANDEZ"
With the start of the Eighty Years' War, or Dutch Revolt 156826, led by William I of
Orange-Nassau (1533-1584), the Northern Low Countries
(or the United Provinces, by the Union of Utrecht, 1579) along with Spain27, part of the
Empire Charles V (1500 1558 ; Emperor from 1519) fought for their independence in the
reigns of Philips II, III and IV (1556-1665). The 1648 Treaty of Munster marked the end of the
conflict and definitive recognition of Dutch independence.
In 1640 the protestant provinces were like Portugal: without money, military engineers
or adequate border fortifications. At the start of the war the Netherlands engaged Italian
engineers and it was upon the Italian tradition of fortification that the Dutch built their own
method, with the mathematician Adriaen Anthoniszoon (c. 1543-1643) playing an important
role. But the military engineer considered "the father" of the Old Dutch Method of Fortification
was called Simon Stevin (Simo Estevino in Portuguese); (1548/49 -1620), a Bruges-born
Flemish mathematician and hydraulic engineer, known for both his theoretical and practical
abilities. It was on his initiative that the School of Engineers was founded at the University of
Leiden. The Frenchman Samuel Marolois (1572-1627), whose fortification system was partly
inspired by Francesco De Marchi28 of Bologna (1504-1576), lectured there. It is said that this
university the Netherlands' oldest, founded in 1575 was a present from William I to the city,
honouring its resistance to the Spanish siege of that year.
Although Marolois did not build any fortifications, his treatise Fortification ou
26
The year that the Counts of Egmond and Hoorn were condemned to death in Brussels.
27
Because Juana, La Loca (The Mad: 1479-1555), married to the Archduke of Austria, Philip I, the Handsome, was Queen of Castile (1504-1555); they
were the parents of Charles V, who married Isabel of Portugal.
28
In the Museum of Genius, in the Castelo de Sant'Angelo, in Rome, a chart signed by him with the system of attack that he proposed is preserved. This
Italian military engineer completed in 1565, a treatise on fortification (Della Architettura Militare),that was published posthumously in Brescia, in 1599,
by the printer Dall'Oglio. (Sono del De Marchi le proposte dei sistemi bastionati, dei fronti rettilinei e a tenaglia, dei fianchi retti e concavi,di false brache,
barbacani, mezzelune, rivellini, berrette da prete, opere a corona, strade coperte con piazze d'armi, controspalti, cavalieri, casematte e fossi con
manovra d'acqua. Dietro questo arido elenco si cela un'ansia di ricerca e di invenzione intensissima ed acuta. Il momento determinante della sua
esistenza fu tuttavia quello in cui, circa il 1533, entr al servizio di Alessandro de Medici, nuovo duca di Firenze.) (Alexandre Clementi, Wikipedia, 10
XII 2007).
Francesco De Marchi was the soldier who accompanied the governess of the Low Countries, Margarite of Austria, daughter of Charles V, and had the
opportunity to "ampliar en el norte de Europa sus conocimientos en el campo de Ia arquitectura militar y desempear un papel significativo en Ia difusin
europea de Ias innovaciones italianas en este sector" (GROOF, Bart de y BERTINI, Giuseppe - "Francesco de Marchi y Ia Monarqua Espaola", in Las
Fortificaciones de Carlos V, Ediciones del Umbral, n.d., (and no place of publication stated), p. 389.
29
MAROLOIS, Samuel Fortification ou Architecture militaire tant offensive que defensive, Henrik Bondius, Hague, 1614. This was only one part of a
larger work Oevvres mathematiques tractans de gometrie, perspective, architecture et fortification, published by the same editor from 1614.
331
Architecture militaire tant offensive que defensive29 was novel in introducing tables for all
measures (of length and angles) adopted in the Netherlands. The Dutch fortifications of earth
and brick, generally with a fausse-braye, water-filled ditches and outworks, proved their worth
against the Habsburg Empire and a sign of their prestige was the fact that, the Twelve-Year
Armistice (1609) in which the Dutch frontier that hardly changed subsequently was
established - Dutch engineers were called upon to supervise the surveys of fortifications in
various cities and locations in Europe, Saint Petersburg (Russia), in Gothenburg and
Helsingborg (Sweden), Berlin, Hamburg, the River Neisse and Rostock (Germany) and
Gdansk (Poland)30. The French also esteemed the Dutch method: Antoine de Ville (1596-
1657) visited fortifications in the Netherlands on several occasions and explained its
effectiveness in his treatise31. He was entrusted by Louis XIII with the defence of the
strongholds in Picardy against the Spanish.
Lus Serro Pimentel, in his Methodo Lusitanico (1680) to which we have already
referred but must now examine a little more closely included in his Summaria Noticia da
Architectura Militar e Seus Encmios, in which he evoked the great names of his time, the
following characteristic encomium: The Dutch with their fortified strongholds will defend
themselves for many years and withstand the power of Spain32. This not withstanding, in
drawings of regularly shaped figures (of up to 30 sides), as well as those of irregular shape
from the exterior polygon inwards or from the interior polygon outwards, Pimentel always
shows his flanking angles as right angles and always includes second flanks both of which
contradict the Italo-Dutch tradition of fortification. The flanked angles are always less than 90
in the regular figures, and the variation in form of irregular figures is itself very irregular33, quite
unlike the Old Dutch Method, which prescribes right-angled flanked angles for regular
polygons of eight sides or more34. Another great master in Pimentel's view was Blaise
Franois, Count de Pagan (1604-1665), a Frenchman born in Avignon of noble Neopolitan
descent. He presents the latter's theory35 over 65 pages of Appendiz I, Pagan Resvmido.
Although he departs from Pagan's theories particularly the latter's obtuse flanking angles
and the absence of second flanks he begins by stating that of all the Methods of design that I
have seen, none has appeared to me as easy as that of the Cde de Pagan36. In the final part
of the treatise he presents and summarily criticises ("censura") many contemporary authors
and, being Engineer-in-Chief of the kingdom and the prime mover behind and teacher of the
Course in Fortification and Military Architecture (created in 1647), set out Portuguese ideas on
the subject. He mentions:
30
DUFFY, Christopher (1979) Siege Warfare. The Fortress in the Early Modern World (1494-1660), Routledge & Kegan Paul, London, 1987, p. 92.
31
DE VILLE, Cavaleiro Antoine Les fortifications du Chevalier Antoine De Ville, Philippe Borde, Alton, 1640.
32
PIMENTEL, Lus Serro (1680) Methodo Lusitanico, Direco da Arma de Engenharia, Lisbon, 1993,Summaria Noticia ().
33
Idem, ibidem, pp. 47-49; pp. 49ff; pp. 221ff.
34
CAPMANY, Carlos Dias La Fortlfcacin Abaluartada, Ministerio de Defensa, (no place of publication stated), 2003, p. 168. (This is how Adam Freitag
proposed it for the great royal fort, although Samuel Marolois defended an interval of 60 to 90, increasing, progressively, from a 4 sided polygon to a 12
sided one.)
35
PAGAN, Blaise Franoise, Conde de Les fortifications du Comte de PAGAN, Cardin Besogne, Paris, 1645.
36
PIMENTEL, Lus Serro (1680), op. cit., p. 481.
332
- D. Diogo Henriques de Villegas and his Academy of Fortification () (Madrid,

1651), whom he discusses at length, criticising certain propositions that he considers
"chimerical".
- Francisco Florencia Milanez, who criticises mainly for attempting to apply a single
method to all fortress configurations.
- lozeph Barca (Lieutenant General of Artillery for His Catholic Majesty of the State of
Milan) and his Compendium of Modern Fortification (Bologna, 1643), which he criticises for its
"wilfulness" in insisting on the flanked angle always being a right angle.
- Pietro Ruggiero (Engineer of the Army of the Catholic King in Milan) and his Modern
Fortification (1661), criticising the "barbarous" method of expositon, that lacked learning and
substance.
- Dom Alonso de Zepeda e Andrada, Epitome of Modern Fortification (Brussels,
1669), criticising it, and its different methods, especially for its rigidity and impraticability and
the lack of second flanks.
- Allain Manesson Mallet, Works of Mars (Paris, 1671), whom he unmasked as the
seller of countless "impostures" in France.
- Sylvere de Bitainvieu, who compiled a list of French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian and
composite fortifications in a book issued in Paris in 1665, whose clarity of exposition he
praised.
- D. Vicente Mut (Sergeant-in-Chief Engineer and chronicler of the Kingdom of
Mallorca), with whose general method he disagrees while praising the author's good
judgement.
- D. Pedro Antnio Ramon Folch de Cardona, Military Geometry (Naples, 1671),
which he praises for the many uses of its many charts and tables.
- Sir Jonas Moore, Modern Fortification, or, Elements of Military Architecture (London,
1673), who he considers as following Pagan with some additions.
- He then mentions the method of the king of Great Britain who used Pagan's with few
alterations; of King Louis XIV, who ordered the fortification of Aeth and Lisle, and offers no
criticisims; and of the Emperor Ferdinando III (Amussis Ferdinandea, 1654), who he says
based his actions on Fritach, Dogens, Goldman and Faulhabero, and made well thought out
changes.
- Finally, he briefly enumerates other methods he says he has not discussed and
explains why; either he finds them inedequate or impracticable (that of Joo Bryois, 1666), or
he does not find them original (those of Frey Genaro Afflitto and of D. Juan de Santans y Tapia
published in Madrid in 166937 -for following Fritach; and that of Padre Cludio Francisco
Milliet Dechales - Arte da Fortificao e da Defensa e Offensa das Praas (Paris, 1677)
which he considered a summary of the French, Dutch and Italian methods). He concedes that
37
Probably an edition of Tratado de fortificacion militar destos tiempos breve e intelegible puesto en uso en estos estados de Flandes, Brussels, 1644.
333
Tapia himself acknowledges that his charts are derived from Fritach: (...) e se ajustan en lo
ms, con Ias de Adan Fritag, en su libro primero de Architectura militar, que est en lengua
francesa, aproximndose todo lo posible el ngulo del baluarte de Ias figuras de seis arriba a
los 90 grados de un recto, que es de mayor defensa38. Note that Freitag's treatise was
published in Holland, in Leiden in 1631, in German (Tapia only refers to the edition in French,
(Paris, 1640)), and that Tapia's treatise is dated 1644 (Brussels). He mentions also that Tapia
has followed other masters of the Dutch School, especially Marolois, in the measurements
and proportions of the curtains and faces of the bulwarks, for example. Tapia himself
recognises that the fortification charts of the Dutch School were compiled first when in Escuela
de Palas (Milan) he states that the treatise by Samuel Marolois (The Hague, 1614;
Amsterdam, 1628 and 1644) was () de los primeros que escribieron geometricamente Ia
fortificacin por el cmputo y tabla de senos halla los ngulos39.
Manoel de Azevedo Fortes, in his O Engenheiro Portuguez, also emphasises the
inflluence of the Dutch art of fortification in Portugal: () and on the happy acclamation of our
King D. Joo IV, which was followed by war with Castile, the engineers, who on this occasion
came to Portugal from France, followed the Dutch Method and used it to trace the fortifications
on our frontiers, which were built with sword in hand. By the same method the fortification of
these cities was carried out by Monsieur Gilot, a Frenchman, who was greatly assisted by the
favour of the Most Excellent Infante D. Theodosio who is knowledgeable in these matters 40.
It is clear from the foregoing that both the existence of a Dutch method of fortification,
and the debt owed to this method by many of the 17th century Portuguese fortifications, were
both axiomatic to these two great Portuguese treatise writers of the 17th and 18th centuries.
2.b.2.4.3.2 COSMANDER, THE JESUITS AND THE FORTIFICATION

COURSE IN ELVAS
Portugal adopted the Italian-Dutch system of fortification when in 1642 it engaged

Joo Paschasio Cosmander (Jan Ciermans, a Dutchman born in 1602 at 's-Hertogenbosch41
or Bois-le-Duc, or Bolduc). This Jesuit, expelled from the Society of Jesus, in 1646, for having
worked for Portugal during the War of the Restoration, published his Mathematics lessons in
Louvain (1640) and Antwerp (1650) - Disciplinae Mathematicae Traditae (Fig. 2.b.2.4.7) -
38
TAPIA, Juan de Santans y Tratado de fortificacin militar destos tiempos (...), Brussels, 1644, pp. 113-114, cit. in GUERRA, Femando Cobos "La
fortificacin espaola en los siglos XVII y XVIII: Vauban, sin Vauban y contra Vauban", in Tcnica e Ingeniera en Espaa, II El Siglo de las Luces. De la
ingeniera a la nueva navegacin, Manuel Silva Surez, ed., Zaragoza, 2005, p. 482.
39
Escuela de Palas, volume II, Milan, 1693, p. 36, cit. in GUERRA, Fernando Cobos (2005), article cited, p. 481.
40
FORTES, Manoel de Azevedo (1728 and 1729), op.cit., 2nd vol., p. 38.
41
PAAR, Edwin "As fortificaes seiscentistas de Elvas e o primeiro sistema holands de fortificao", in A Cidade - Revista Cultural de Portalegre,
no.12 (nova srie), 1998, p. 130. Sousa Viterbo refers to Leuven; see VITERBO, Sousa (1899) Dicionrio Histrico e Documental dos Arquitectos,
Engenheiros e Constructores Portugueses, vol. I, Imprensa Nacionai Casa da Moeda, Lisbon, 1988, p. 231.
42
There are two copies at the National Library in Lisbon (PTBN: S.A. 624A / FG 1455 / RES. 3140 A.). The treatise includes thematic monthly lessons for a
year: Mense Octobri.Disput. Geometricae. Mense Novembri. Arithmeticae. Mense Decembri. Opticae. Mense Ianuario. Staticae. Mense
Februario. Hydrostaticae. Mense Martio. Nauticae. Mense Aprili Architectonicae. Mense Maio. Polemicae. Mense Iunio. De Machinis Bellicis.
Mense Iulio. Geographicae. Mense Augusto. Astronomicae. Mense Septembri. Chronologicae.
334
which include chapters on military architecture42. Cosmander reveals, directly or indirectly, his
points of reference in this work: Simon Stevin (1548/9-1620)43, Samuel Marolois (1572-1627)
and Antoine de Ville (1596-1657)43 - which do not disclose any theoretical or practical influence
from the School of Brussels / Leuven, in spite of his having taught mathematics there between
1637 and 164144. It was in that year that he left for Lisbon, allegedly to sail from thence to
China, where he wanted to work as a missionary. While awaiting departure, he stayed in the
College of the Jesuits in Lisbon (Santo Anto), where he taught mathematics, interesting D.
Joo IV and the Prince Teodsio in the art of fortification. In 1642 he was engaged to inspect
Portuguese fortifications and at the beginning of 1643 he was already in Alentejo. It is a
testimony to Cosmander's ingenuity and dynamism that, although he did not start work in
Elvas until February or March of 1643, "his" fortifications resisted the first Spanish siege of
1644, in spite of being just "first efforts", with only the Fort of Santa Luzia "in defence" 45. It
should be noted that in that year, Dutch mercenaries fought on the side of Portugal, while
Walloons (Belgians of Latin origin) fought on the Spanish side46 reflecting, curiously, the
political divisions of the Eighty Years' War.
Another Jesuit who served the Restoration cause was the Englishman Owen Thomas
("Thomas Audueno"), an eminent mathematician, named the first teacher of the Fortification
Course (Mathematics) established in 165147 by Prince Teodsio of Braganza in the Jesuit
College at Elvas, where teaching may have started in 164548. It is said D. Teodsio was very
fond of the Jesuits - he received advice from Father Antnio Vieira - and had learned
mathematics at the school of the famous Cosmander 49 and later took an interest in Owen's
lessons, discussing the issues with students during classes50. As D. Teodsio learned with
Cosmander - who praised him after he had started giving him lessons51 - this took place in the
43
CIERMANS, Ioanne Disciplinae Mathematicae Traditae, Institvtae Sicietatis IESV, Prostant apud Hieronymum Verdussen, Antverpiae, 1650: Antoine
de Ville (Maii, Hebdomas Tertia, Militaria: Problemata); Simon Stevin (Novembris Hebdomas Prima, Arithmetica: Proportionales / Novembris
Hebdomas Secvnda, Arithmetica: Compvtvs Astronomicvs / Decembris Hebdomas Secvnda, ptica: Ad Convexa); Samuel Marolois (Decembris
Hebdomas Prima, Optica: Cvriosa / Decembris Hebdomas Tertia, Optica: Angvli; Febrvari Hebdomas Tertia, Statica: Aere Rarefacio in the errata he is
substituted by Samuel Caux) (the work is not paginated).
44
See also PAAR, Edwin, article cited, pp. 130 and 131.
45
CONDE DE ERICEIRA Histria de Portugal Restaurado, Livraria Civilizao-Editora, vol. II, Porto, 1945, p. 77.
46
CONDE DE ERICEIRA, op. cit., vol. I, Porto, 1945, p. 364.
47
SANTA CLARA, Francisco de Paula Elvas Antiga, Albergarias, Cosmander. Carta do Dr. Francisco de Paula Santa Clara a Victorino d'Almada),
Antnio Jos Torres de Carvalho, Elvas, 1909, p. 14.
48
O Dicionrio de Histria Religiosa de Portugal, Directed by Carlos Moreira Azevedo, Vol. J-P, Circulo de Leitores and C. E. H. R. da Universidade
Catlica, Lisbon, 2001, p. 22, mentions 1644 as the date teaching began in Elvas. This contradicts the chronology given in A Companhia de Jesus em
Elvas. Notas para a Histria do Collegio de S. Thiago, Tipografia Popular, Elvas, 1931. Here it states, with documentary support, that the College was
founded from a legacy of 1599 by D. Aldonae and Diogo de Brito (p. 1), and despite the confirmation of royal authorisation being dated 1644 (12) we
can say that much ink was expended before the bishop agreed to the Jesuits coming to the city the first priests of the Society of Jesus arrived in Elvas in
1645 and were accommodated in a private house at the Gates of vora (p. 12). They moved from here in the same year to another private house next to the
Church of Salvador (p. 12). Then, still in the same year, they went to live in other houses close to the Hermitage of Santiago (p. 12), and from there they
moved again in1647, to the So Martinho quarter (p. 12), where they had permission to erect a house. However, they finally chose the Santiago part of the
city, "the most healthy, the most joyful part, with the best view, complete privacy and as many people come there and it has plenty of space to build a new
college" (p. 14). This was not completed until the 18th century (in 1741 the work was still being allocated, see p. 45). Note that the priests had not bought
houses and land sufficient to build the college until 1678 (p. 18). A college church was consecrated in 1692: the Church of Salvador, where the medieval
Church of So Tiago had formerly stood, was donated by D. Afonso VI to the Society in 1659. After the Society was expelled in 1759, the Seminary was
installed there (PITTA, Jos Pereira de Paiva - Breve Memoria do Seminrio Diocesano de Elvas, Imprensa da Universidade, Coimbra, p. 9), the Library
was donated to the University of Coimbra (1774-1777), and the building also served as a reserve military storehouse and is today municipal property,
occupied by the Municipal Library.
49
RODRIGUES, Francisco S. J. Histria da Companhia de Jesus na Assistncia de Portugal, Third Volume (1615-1700), vol. I, Livraria do Apostolado
da Imprensa, Porto, 1944, p. 23.
50
51
CONDE DE ERICEIRA, op. cit., vol. II, p. 419.
335
Jesuit College in Lisbon until Cosmander's engagement to work on Portugal's fortifications52.

The Count of Ericeira wrote about the Prince, confirming his vocation for science and for the
arts of war, and saying that the science to which he most applied himself was mathematics,
which he was taught by Father John Sciermans (...) and that he outlined the fortifications
perfectly 53. After he left for Elvas to join the troops on 2 November 1651, in the company of D.
Luis of Portugal, Count of Vimioso, and of D. Joo Nunes da Cunha - about which the king was
very unhappy - he left a bursary with the Auditor of Artillery, to the value of 80 ris, 50 for the
maintenance of the teacher of the Fortification Course and 30 to buy books54. The following
year, in 1652, the Prince was appointed Governor and Captain-General of Arms for the Whole
Kingdom, although he did not hold this post for long, dying the following year, a victim of
tuberculosis.
Attendees at the fortification classes once they had been set up included General (of
cavalry) Andr de Albuquerque and other soldiers of the garrison, and since some practice
sessions had to be held in unencumbered places, instruction on certain days took place on the
Casaro bulwark55. Father Owen gave lessons until the end of 1652, and died in the College of
vora on 23 of December. The Irishman Hugo Colano succeeded him, and in 1658, the chair
of Mathematics applied to fortification was held by the learned mathematician and astronomer
Valentine Estansel, from Moravia56, who was in turn succeeded in 1665 by the Portuguese
Antnio de Almeida57. After this no records58 are known evidencing the continuance of the
Fortification Course by the Jesuits who, we should not forget, managed to be admitted to Elvas
after prolonged requests and with the intercession of none other than the Count of S.
Loureno, Martim Afonso de Melo, Governor of Arms of the Alentejo, and intimate of the Order
of St. Ignatius59, and the first rector was a son of Elvas, Father Miguel Tinoco, who lectured at
vora University60. The connection of the military to the Jesuits was also expressed in the
College church of Santiago by a chapel dedicated to St. Barbara, with its own vestry,
belonging to the eponymous brotherhood of the Artillery Regiment, and which the military
claimed in 1791 in order to continue holding masses, which probably did not happen after the
Jesuits were expelled in 1759 and their goods handed over to the See of Elvas. The Bishop
authorised the said brotherhood to take possession, in that same year, of its chapel61.
As it turned out, the Jesuits, in Porrugal, enthusiastically supported the Restoration,
particularly those residing in vora, where many soldiers were taking the Mathematics
52
He worked in Elvas, Olivena, Campo Maior, Castelo de Vide, Estremoz and Vila Viosa. He also fortified, in Spain, Vila Nueva del Fresno, that had been
taken by the Portuguese (1643), and some forts in the region of Setbal and Lisbon (See: PAAR, Edwin, article cited, p.132; VITERBO, Sousa (1899),
op.cit., vol. I, pp. 231ff.)
53
54
RJTC - A Companhia de Jesus em Elvas. Notas para a Histria do Collegio de S. Thiago, Tipografia Popular, Elvas, 1931, p. 41. (See also RODRiGUES,
Francisco S. J., op. cit., p.23, notes.)
55
Idem, ibidem, p.15.
56
Region in the former Czechoslovakia through which the River Morava flowed.
57
RODRiGUES, Francisco S. J., op. cit., pp. 23 and 24.
58
59
60
Idem, ibidem, p.19.
61
RJTC, op. cit., p. 23.
336
Course62. Though the Jesuit fathers were already spreading Sebastianismo, they now
redoubled their output of sermons, many of them devoted to war, such as the Sermon of
Prayer for when the army entered Castile63, delivered in Elvas. Even in financial terms, the
Province of Portugal contributed annually about 5,000 cruzeiros towards war expenditure,
and some priests were entrusted with important state missions, such as Antnio Vieira, sent to
several European courts to consolidate the Restoration diplomatically.
The Dominicans in Elvas also preached in favour of the Restoration64: Thus the
Dominican Lopo Soares, in Elvas at the beginning of the military campaign of 1643, addressed
soldiers in terms calculated to kindle in them that messianic mysticism that would incite them
to take up arms against Castile, to repel the invading army65.
But on the other side of the border men of religion were also the great masters of
Mathematics - the basic science of modern fortification - particularly the Jesuits (Father Jos
of Zaragoza and Father Joss Cassani) at the Imperial College in Madrid, while a Course in
Mathematics and Fortification was being developed in the palace of the Marquis of Leganes.
Another religious figure of a more rhetorical inclination was Toms Vicente Tosca (1651-
1723), who wrote the Compendio Mathemtico, published between 1707 and 1715, with a
part devoted to military architecture.
2.b.2.4.3.2.1 COSMANDER AND HIS TIMES
2.b.2.4.3.2.1.1 THE ITALIAN SYSTEM AND ITS DEVELOPMENT IN THE LOW

COUNTRIES
The dispute between European powers over the Italian territories, the internal
conflicts between independent cities and the growing effectiveness of artillery in the theatre of
war, historically justified the birth of bulwarked military architecture on Italian territory. As
mentioned above, it has been argued that the catalysing event for the new fortifications was
the efficient use of cannons in the unstoppable invasion of Italy by Charles VIII of France in
1494-149 66, and that the initiator of the bulwark, in the pentagonal form which came to be
definitively adopted, was Michele Sanmicheli (c. 1484-1559), who incorporated it in the
Madalena bastion (Verona, 1527). The Italian system of fortifications, progenitor of all others,
came to be characterised by fronts with, predominantly, right-angled flanks, fichant line of
62
Dicionrio de Histria Religiosa de Portugal, Directed by Carlos Moreira Azevedo, vol. J-P, Crculo de Leitores and C. E. H. R da Universidade Catlica,
Lisbon, 2001, p. 23.
63
GARCIA, Joo Carlos and NOGUEIRA, Miguel - "Os sermes da Restaurao (1640-1668)" (http://ler.letras.up.pt/uploads/ficheiros/2851.pdf;
28XI2007)
64
65
Lopo Soares (1643), Sermo [...] na [...] catedral da cidade de Elvas [...] na ocasio da procisso geral [...] de1643. Public Library, vora. CXXII. f. 8.
pp. 2-20.In Joo Francisco Marques, "A utopia do Quinto Imprio em Vieira e nos pregadores da Restaurao", Utopia: Revista Electrnica de Estudos
sobre a
Utopia, no. 2 (2004). ISSN 1645-958X (http://www.letras.up.pt /upi/utopiasportuguesas/e-topia/revista.htm) (28XI2007)
66
PARKER, Geoffrey (1988) La Revolucin Militar. Innovacin Militar y Apogeo de Occidente 1500-1800, Alianza Editorial, Madrid, 2002.
337
defence and second flanks. This geometric system was developed on the Maltese islands
from 1530, and was also exported to the north, particularly, from 1568, to the Low Countries,
where it was developed in a war that continued for 80 years, adapting to the characteristic
orographic peculiarities of that territory.
In Italy engineers were engaged for the whole of Europe, forging, theoretically in
treatises and practically in the building work itself, a tradition that combined the experiences of
the South with the North. Regardless of effective ownership and of the political and military
management of fortifications, in which the Habsburg Empire dominated, it is legitimate to
distinguish the intellectual property in this truly Herculean architectural epic which so neatly
characterised the Modern Age in Europe. To give an idea about the authorship of projects and
the construction of fortifications, during the reigns of Charles V and Philip II, suffice to say that
of the 39 engineers who served the central government between 1534 and 1560, fifteen were
Italians, ten Dutch, three Germans and only one was Spanish; during the Eighty Years' War
(1568-1648), more than eighty Italian engineers served the Spanish crown67.
Most fortifications ordered by the House of Austria in the Low Countries68 by the middle
of the 16th century were projects by Italian engineers (Giovanmaria Olgiati, Francesco Tebaldi,
or Paciotto), who in turn were directed for over fifteen years by another Italian, Donato Bono,
Engineer-in-Chief to the emperor. The construction properly so called was in the charge of
Italian engineers and some from the Low Countries (particularly Sebastian and Jacques van
Noyen)69. Among the cities fortified ex novo we may mention Marienbourg (Donato Bono,
begun 1540), Hesdinfert (Sebastian van Noyen, begun 1553), Charlemont and Philippeville
(Sebastian van Noyen, begun 1555). Other major fortifications were the citadels in rebellious
cities: we may mention Ghent and Cambrai, planned by Donato Bono, Amberes, planned by
Paciotto, serving also as a model for Groningen, Coevorden and Maastricht (regular
pentagonal fortification with right-angled flanking angles, flanked at about 75o, with bulwark
faces about 2/3rds the length of curtains, ditch and covered way)70. As can be seen, in the
second half of the 16th century in the Spanish Low Countries, whether in planning, execution or
in coordination, most engineers were of Italian nationality or native to the Low Countries.
In the 17th century, projects dating from as early as 1617 are recorded, done by Guil
Flamaen for Grol and Dama, showing very regular fortifications, with fausses-brayes, ravelins
and covered ways with redan parapets. From this phase of the Brussels School, the best
known Spaniard is Juan de Santans y Tapia, considered the author of what we may regard as
the really important Spanish treatise of this century71, even though, as mentioned above, Luis
Pimentel Serro considers that this treatise contains nothing new, but merely follows Freitag.
Indeed, the fortifications in Flanders are mainly the work of Flemings. Salomon van Es was
67
HEUVEL, Charles van den and ROOSENS, Bernhard "Los Pases Bajos. Las fortificaciones y la coronacin de la defensa del imperio de Carlos V", in
Las Fortificaciones de Carlos V, Ediciones del Umbral, n. d., (no place of publication stated), p. 581.
68
Which included present-day Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and some parts of northwestern France.
69
CAPMANY, Carlos Daz, op. cit., p. 145.
70
71
GUERRA, Fernando Cobos and FERNNDEZ, Jos Javier (2005)) article cited, p. 84.
338
responsible for the major projects between 1654 and 1684, Namur and Charleroi, for
example. Even outside of Flanders, engineers in the region, such as Fernando and Carlos de
Grunemberg, worked on the Portuguese border - they designed the Goyn, La Guardia and
Manterrey forts - and in Sicily (Messina). These projects are characteristic of the first phase of
the Brussels School: extensive fausses-brayes and covered ways with redans as with Grol
and Dama.
This surprising fact, that Spaniards did not create the majority of their own fortifications
(as happened, mutatis mutandis, with the fortifications of the Portuguese Restoration), led
Christopher Duffy to believe that they (...) were quite unable to "institutionalise their
experience of fortress warfare. This author mentions that Philip IV complained of Spaniards'
lack of appetite for serving in the artillery and that in 1637, he promised titles of nobility to the
foreign experts who wanted to serve in the army of the Low Countries. Moreover, the very
Chair of Mathematics and Military Architecture created in 1582 by Philip II in Madrid closed in
1625, leaving only one fortification course in the city, at the College of Santo lsidro72. In the
absence of military engineers trained for this purpose, Spain found itself forced to employ men
of religion with scientific and technical knowledge, of which about 151 are recorded between
1600 and 1675. Of these Duffy highlights Roldan, Isasi, and Camosa Lafalla. They were
sought out and came to the Peninsula from Brussels (in 1624, 1637 and 1646), as well as
engineers from the Low Countries such as Abraham Melin, Pierre Goins, Pierre Baes and
Jacques de Beste, and also miners in 1639, and artillerymen in 164473.
For assessing the capacity of nations in this area in the period in question, a good
indication is given by the fortification of the islands of Malta
(1530-1798) in the face of the Turkish threat. Malta became an international laboratory that
witnessed the participation of several nations and schools. An examination of the lists
published by Alison Hoppen, in The Fortifications of Malta by the Order of St. John (1530-
1798), gives us an idea of who in fact helped the Hospitallers technically in raising the
fortifications74:
- Visiting engineers engaged: 35, of which 19 were Italians, 14 French, one Swedish
and one Flemish; of these engineers, only five were in the service of the king of Spain and
those were all Italians, while two more, also Italians, were in the service of the Viceroy of Sicily.
- Engineers consulted abroad: 34, of which 17 were Italians, 15 French and two
Spanish; nine of these consulting engineers served Spain but only two were Spanish (Juan
Nartin Zermeo and Juan de Garay).
- Resident engineers: 12, of which five were Italians, four French, two Maltese and
one German.
- Totals: 41 Italians, 33 French, 7 other nationalities.
72
CAPMANY, Calos Daz, op. cit., p 171.
73
DUFFY, Christopher (1979), op. cit., pp. 104 and 105.
74
Idem, ibidem, Appendix ii, iii and iv. To define the nationality of each engineer, we connected the language in which the name is written with the
country or region of origin.
339
As for later constructions, Fort Manoel (which was given the name of the Portuguese
Grand Master who financed it, Manoel de Vilhena) was built between 1723 and 1755, with
plans by Ren-Jacques de Tign - he also designed Fort Tign, built in 1792 - with some
modifications inserted by Charles Franois de Mondion.
2.b.2.4.3.2.1.2 THE SYSTEM OF FORTIFICATION AS TAUGHT BY

COSMANDER
The Disciplinae Mathematicae Traditae, by Ioanne Ciermans, is not, in the passages

specifically devoted to military architecture (Aprilis Hebdomas Prima and Aprilis Hebdomas
Secvunda) a mere 11 pages - a treatise on fortification. It consists of lessons that he would
have prepared during his period as a teacher (which began in 1624), very probably from the
time he occupied the chair in Mathematics at Leuven (1637-1641), to judge from the year,
1640, that it was published in that city and from the statement in the frontispiece that the author
was a professor of mathematics (Matheseos Professore). The National Library of Portugal
has two editions, one from Leuven (1640) and the other from Antwerp (1650), a city where he
was also a professor of mathematics, from 1634.
The two lessons on military architecture (that do not exhaust the military content of the
work) are sub-divided into chapters as follows: Aprilis Hebdomas Prima (Discussion;
Objective of fortifications; Measurements; Curtain fortifications; Bulwarks; Thickness of the
fortifications; Angles, Symmetry of the parts; Problems); Aprilis Hebdomas Secvnda
(Discussion; Fausse-braye; Ditch; Slope of ditches, Truncated bulwarks; Covered way; Horn-
and crownworks; Symmetry of ditches and trenches; Problems; Combat line; Problems).
In these lessons consisting of text only he advocates certain options that belong to the
Italian-Dutch tradition, such as:
a) Defence of the 90 flanking angle in general, and the formula for calculating it in a 12-sided
polygon (as is the case of Elvas) is exactly the same as that of Marolois, and varies very
slightly for other geometric forms.
Of the angles from which we direct our weapons at the enemy, the first is the right angle. For a long
time there was a heated dispute between the merits of that and obtuse angle. After a less intense
dispute it also prevailed over the weakest angle, the acute. It is so important to be able to attack the
enemy from the largest possible number of positions, for which we must willingly give up some of the
capacity and the strength of the angle. (...) They do better who, to give the figures this 1/12 of the
sides, divide the angle in two and add 15 ().
(Aprilis Hebdomas Prima: Angles)
340
Calculations:
Internal angle of the polygon = [(No. of sides of the polygon - 2) X 180] / no. of angles of the
polygon
Flanked angle = [(internal angle of the polygon / 2) + 15]
In a dodecagon, the internal angle is 150 (12 2 = 10 X 180 = 1800 / 12 = 150); half of this
angle (150 / 2 = 75) plus 15 gives a right angle.
Marolois says exactly the same thing, in his tables, for the calculation of flanked angles from
12-sided polygons:
Moiti des angles des Polygones (150 / 2 = 75) ; Adjoustez iceux 15 (75 + 15 = 90).
b) Defence of a 90 flanking angle

The right angle of the bulwark must also give the flank the best possible connection to the
curtain. (Aprilis Hebdomas Prima: Curtain fortifications)
Marolois also develops his tables of fortification from the basis of a fixed element: () ayant
l'Angle des Boulevarts droict.
c) Curtains
Cosmander sets 700 feet as the maximum length for these, that is, 700 times a Rinthlanda foot
(0.305m) = 213.5m. His argument is as follows: This should not extend beyond 700 feet lest
the curtain - which serves to guard the other parts - be itself left unguarded by these. (Aprilis
Hebdomas Prima: Curtain fortifications)
Basically, what Cosmander is saying is that the length of the line of defence (the effective
range of musket shot) should not be greater than this figure; this is evdenced by what he says
elsewhere in the text: () Let us build all fortifications to such a size and at such a distance so
as to allow their full potential to smaller weapons and hand-operated machinery (), that is,
muskets. (Aprilis Hebdomas Prima: Measurement)
For Marolois, the length of curtains (in regular polygons) is constant (36 verges = 133.85m),
but the Ligne de deffense fichante varies between 60.80 and 61.66 verges, that is, 226.05m
and 229.25m; these figures are close to Cosmander's (a difference of 12.55m), bearing in
mind that the length of the foot used alters the calculation (we always adopt the Rinthlanda
foot 0.305m - that Lus Serro Pimentel argues was the most common in Netherlands at that
time).
341
d) He opts for a fichant line of defence

We may conclude this from the following passage: Since our intention is to build the face of the
bulwarks so that it can receive aid not only from inside but also from the curtain (). (Aprilis
Hebdomas Prima: Symmetry of the parts)
Now there is only one way in which the face of a bulwark can be flanked from the curtain: by
having a side flank, that is, the line drawn from the point of the rampart towards the face,
reaching the curtain at a point long before it joins the flank of the opposite bulwark.
e) Ditches, fausse-braye, counterscarp and covered way

He advocates constructing fausses-brayes () they will make the city perfect, with nothing
lacking with the aim of () attacking the enemy with a surer blow, struck horizontally (),
that is, pointing their artillery horizontally towards the covered way on the other side of the
ditch. (Aprilis Hebdomas Secvnda: Fausse-braye)
As to the use of water, he advocates it only when the enemy has the numerical advantage;
otherwise, he prefers a dry ditch so that () we can, in most cases, engage in sorties to disturb
/ disperse the enemy's attempts. (Aprilis Hebdomas Secvnda: Ditch)
As to the counterscarp:
As a rule, however, we must lay it out along the entire perimeter of the bulwark and the curtain
so that it is parallel to the face of the bulwark, extending far enough along the curtain to stay
within the outer side of the polygon (). And after the counterscarp there follows the
construction of the covered way. (Aprilis Hebdomas Secvnda: Slope of the ditch)
f) Ravelins
He advocates, with some reservations, the construction of ravelins, and that regular shapes
should be designed so that Its apex is extended to the point equivalent to that obtained by
constructing an equilateral triangle on the curtain (); however, he acknowledges other
possible designs. (Aprilis Hebdomas Secvnda: Truncated bulwarks)
g) Horn- and crownworks

He advocates building these () at a distance of about 60 varas (yards) from the ditch (),
and allows several possible layouts, though he states that Others that we approve of have
their sides parallel and perpendicular to the curtain. This is not the case with the Elvas
crownwork, which supports the view that attributes it to Nicolau de Langres. (Aprilis
Hebdomas Secvnda: Horn- and crownworks)
342
Conclusion
From Cosmander's teaching we may derive a geometric layout of the walls that we can place
in the Italian-Dutch tradition:
- 90 flanking angles
- Flanked angles preferably of 90
- Fichant line of defence, hence with second flanks
- Calculation of the flanked angle from the internal angle of the polygon, in a similar
manner to Marolois's formula.
2.b.2.4.3.2.1.3 COSMANDER AND THE TREATISES PUBLISHED UP

TO 1640
Cosmander, not being by profession a military engineer, on whose experiences a

theory could be built, but a man of religion - a Jesuit - who knew Mathematics and Geometry,
the sciences underpinning the art of laying out modern fortifications, was certainly influenced
by his time and especially by what happened in the Low Countries. That influence certainly
derived from the fortifications properly so called which were then being built in his turbulent
region (which did not substantially differ throughout the territory of the Low Countries,
although they were of Dutch invention, according to Duffy75) and the available treatises. On
this aspect, and without claiming to have exhausted all possibilities, here is a list of the most
important treatises that appeared at the end of the 16th century and in the first half of the 17th
century up to 1640 when Cosmander's lessons - Disciplinae Mathematicae Traditae - were
published in Louvain, where he could have studied for his lessons and where he could have
been inspired to create the work that he eventually realised in Portugal (omitting those by
Italians76, which are, taken together, the source work for bulwarked architecture):
- Spain
ROJAS, Christoual de - Teorica y practica de fortificacion, conforme las medidas y defensas
destos tiempos, repartida en tres partes, Luis Sanchez, Madrid, 159877.
- France
BAR-LE-DUC, Jean Errard de - La fortification rduicte en art et dmonstre, Paris, 1600.
DE VILLE, Cavaleiro Antoine - Les fortifications du Chevalier Antoine De Ville, Philippe Borde,
75
DUFFY, Christopher (1979), op. cit., p. 89.
76
We highlight the following treatises published up to 1640: FLORIANI, Pietro Paolo Diffesa et offesa delle piazze, Giuliano Carboni, Macerata, 1630
and SARDI, Pietro Corona imperiale dell'architettura militare (...), Barezzo Barezzi, Venice, 1618.
77
The following year this treatise was published: BARBA, Diego Gonzalez de Medina Examen de Fortification (...), Madrid, 1599. Not claiming to treat
the subject exhaustively and also because neither of them broke away from the Italian tradition (DUFFY, 1979: 89), we have chosen to examine the first
for our present purposes.
343
Alton, 1640. (A first edition by Irenee Barlet, Lyon, 1628)
- Germany
SPECKLE, Daniel - Architectvra Von Vestungen (Fortress Architecture), Bernhart Jobin,
Strasbourg, 1589.
- Netherlands
STEVIN, Simon - De Sterctenbouwing (The Art of Fortification), Franoys van Ravelen,
Leyden, 1594.
MAROLOIS, Samvel - Oevvres Mathematicqves Traitant de Ia Geometrie et Fortification,

Chez Guillaume lansson Caesius, Amsterdam, 1628. (The first edition had appeared in the
Hague, by Henrik Hondius, from 1614, and there was also a French edition from the same
publisher, dated 1615 and entitled Fortification ou Architecture militaire tant offensive que
defensive which made up the fourth part of the Oevvres.)
FREITAG, Adam - Architectura militaris nova et aucta, oder Newe vermehrte Fortification, von
Regular Vestungen and Aussen wercken, von praxi Offensiv und Defensiv, Amsterdam,
1631, (French version: L 'Architecture militaire, ou Ia Fortification nouvelle, augmente et
enrichie de forteresses rgulires, irrgulires et de dehors, le tout Ia pratique modeme, par
Adam Fritach, Leiden, 1635).
Let us see then what points of contact might exist between these treatises and the
work of Cosmander in Elvas:
a) Cristbal de Rojas (1555-1614) was born in Toledo and worked under the
guidance of Juan de Herrera in the construction of El Escorial. Later, as an architect in
Seville, was engaged in 1586 by Tiburcio Spannocchi (1541-160678) (in charge of
fortifications in the reign of Philip II) as a military engineer, and from then on was very
active in this area. He built and readapted many fortifications on the Iberian
Peninsula, in Brittany and in Africa, the largest of which was Cadiz. On his return from
Brittany, it was during his stay in Madrid, in 1596/7, that he held the Chair of
Mathematics, completed what would be the first treatise on military architecture
published in Spain, published the following year: Teorica y practica de fortificacion
(...). He died in an epidemic following a military expedition to North Africa (Mrmora).
In his treatise, Captain Cristobal de Rojas begins considering the three elements that
78
Founded, with Juan de Herrera, in 1582, the Chair of Mathematics and Military Architecture, in Madrid, with the sponsorship of Philip II.
344
all have to be present in order to raise a fort: Mathematics (Euclidian Geometry),

Arithmetic, and very detailed knowledge of the site79. As can be seen, here at the end
of the 16th century no formal or aesthetic values are invoked. As examples of authors
who wrote very learnedly on the subject, he cites Carlo Teti and Geronimo Catanio80,
drawing attention to the fact that, as they wrote at the end of the 16th century, it would
now be necessary to increase the size they proposed for the fronts (750 rather than
360 feet) since defence is now a matter of musket and arquebus shot and not artillery,
as posited by the Italian authors81. Regarding his proposals for the constitution of
fronts, both as to the regular figures he deals in (triangles and heptagons), and the
irregular ones (to which he devotes only five double pages, in Part Two, Chapter VI,
dealing with lines, houses, campaign forts and waterfront fortifications), his proposal
is consistent in the regular figures and in most of the irregular ones: fronts with short-
flanked bulwarks, with casemated orillons and rasant lines of defence of 600 feet
(198m), with faces approximately the size of the curtains82 (Fig. 2.b.2.4.8 ). It is clear
therefore that Rojas's proposals (which are somewhat rigid, without principles and
methods that would sustain them theoretically, as they arose directly out of his
experience) cannot have inspired Cosmander.
b) Jean Errard (of Bar-le-Duc) (1554-1610) was born in Bar-le-Duc, studied

Mathematics and Geometry and entered the service of the Duke of Lorraine, Charles
III, in 1580, receiving military training in engineering from the Italian engineers at the
service of the Duchy. Being Protestant, he took refuge in the (Calvinist) Principality of
Sedan in northern France, where he worked on fortifications (Jametz, for example).
His reputation won him an invitation to work for Henri IV as Premier Ingnieur in
charge of fortifications throughout the kingdom. His main works are the citadels of
Amiens and Verdan and the refortification of Doullens, Montreuil, Sedan and Sisteron.
He is recognised as the first military engineer to apply bulwarked fortification in France
and to defend its principles in a treatise. His renown is etched in history by the epithet
of pre de la fortification franaise83.
In his treatise, published in 1600, he proposes bulwarks (which may include cavaliers
and entrenchments) with very large faces, small flanks with orillons, right shouder
angles, acute flanking angles, a lack of second flanks or ravelins to defend gates and
curtains. Overall, infantry was still the prime instrument of defence, the bulwark faces
79
ROJAS, Christoual de Teorica y practica de fortificacion, conforme Ias medidas y defensas destos tiempos, repartida en tres partes, Edited by Luis
Sanchez, Madrid, 1598, Sheet 1.
80
Idem, ibidem, Sheet 31, see [Pietro di Giacomo Cataneo I Primi Quattro Libri di Architettura (1554).
81
Idem, ibidem, Sheet 34.
82
Idem, ibidem, Sheet 39.
83
Dictionnaire des Architectes, Encyclopaedia Universalis et Albin Michel, Paris, 1999, p. 233.
345
still being contiguous, as were the ditches, and thus poorly defended from the flanks.
(Fig. 2.b.2.4.9). As we said in the case of Rojas, it is clear that this author cannot have
inspired Cosmander either.
c) Antoine de Ville (1596-1657) was born in Toulouse and came to notice as a

military engineer in the service of Louis XIII when he was responsible for defending
the Picardy strongholds against the Spaniards. He also fought against the Spaniards
in Piedmont and in Monteferrato for the Duchy of Milan. Between 1630 and 1635 he
collaborated with the Venetians against the Turks, fortifying Pola, and in 1636 fought
in Flanders on the side of the Comte de Soissons. Between 1637 and 1639 he
participated in the sieges at Corbie, Landrecy and Hesdin (France), standing out as a
specialist in mining. From all this military experience he gathered ideas, compiled
plans and noted experiences that he condensed in his writings, of which there were
many.
The influence of Italian tradition on him is shown by his championing of bulwarks with
flanked angles and with right angled flanks, narrow gorges, lower retired flanks near
the floor of the ditch and orillons, and fichant lines of defence with second flanks. He
used these in Calais, Montreuil-sur-Mer, Verdun and in many other fortifications that
he planned (Fig. 2.b.2.4.10). Here is a first possible influence for Cosmander,
particularly as regards the geometry of fronts; moreover, Cosmander makes a
reference to Antoine de Ville in his treatise84, thereby proving that he knew of him.
d) Daniel Speckle (1536-1 589) was born and died in Strasbourg. He was at first a
craftsman - a silk embroiderer - within a Protestant family, but the journeys that took
him to the fortress-town of Komorn (1554), Hungary, Vienna (1555) and later to Raab,
also in Hungary, changed his interests. Faced with the Turkish threat and also
influenced by the principal architect of Vienna, Hermes Schallautzer, he devoted
himself to military architecture. Throughout his life he made many journeys through
imperial territory - notably to the Low Countries, from where he brought plans of their
fortifications - and as a military engineer and protected by the head of the army
(Lazarus von Schwendi), he was instructed to fortify Schelestad and Bale,
participating also in the work of fortifying Dusseldorf, and Regensburg and, in
Hungary, the fortification of Varazin, Kaschau and Tokay. He worked also in Baden-
Baden, Ingolstadt, Ulm, Strasbourg - where he was named chief architect in 1577 -
Colmar (1579) and Basel (1589). His treatise was published in the very year of his
death, and the Architectura von Vestungen is the only of his works that was printed85.
84
CIERMANS, Ioanne (1640), op. cit., Maii, Hebdomas Tertia, Problemata.
85
For the elaboration of these biographical notes, information was culled from: Teoria da Arquitectura do Renascimento aos Nossos Dias, Taschen,
Cologne, 2003, pp. 510-512.
346
From his eulogies of Albrecht Durer (1471-1528)86, his knowledge of the proposals87 of
Francesco De Marchi (1504-1576) - even before the posthumous publication of the
latter's treatise in 1599 - and from his criticism of the arrogance of Italians who mocked
the Germans because they had not invented anything, we can draw the following
theoretical conclusions from his designs (Figs. 2. b.2.4.11, 12, 13, 14 and 15):
- He proposed large bulwarks, with cavaliers, flanks with right-angled orillons and with
two levels of embrasures, right-angled flanking angles, rasant lines of defence and
large ravelins, with cavaliers, to protect the curtains that could present a very small
profile. As one may conclude, the option of the rasant line of defence represents a
fundamental difference between his doctrine and what Cosmander put into practice in
Elvas.
e) Simon Stevin (1548/49-1620) was born in Flanders (at Bruges) and is believed to
have been brought up as a Calvinist Protestant; the place of his death is unknown and
may have been The Hague or Leiden. A trader in Antwerp, he travelled through
Poland, Russia, Denmark and Norway. With the declaration of independence of the
United Provinces, in 1581, he left for Leiden in the following year, studying literature at
the Latin School and then entered the University (1583), where he met Maurice,
Prince of Nassau (second son of William of Orange), to whom he became a friend and
adviser88. When William of Orange was assassinated in 1584, Maurice was
appointed Governor of United Provinces, and in 1600, asked Stevin to found a school
of military engineering at the University of Leiden, which the latter duly did. In the
struggle for independence, Stevin (with the rank of Quartermaster-General from
1604) created a system of use of water as a defensive element, which became an
intrinsic part of the Dutch system of fortification. Author of eleven books, he
distinguished himself in trigonometry, engineering, architecture, theory of music,
geography, navigation and fortification.
His treatise is immersed in Italian tradition which he modifies to adapt to the very
particular demands of the Dutch landscape. When he mentions differences in
dimensions between the various engineers and architects his frame of reference is
indirectly made clear: all the authors he cites with the exception of Daniel Speckle89
86
DRER, Albrecht Etliche underricht, zu befestigung derStett, Schlo, und flecken, Nuremberg, 1527 (Diverse instructions for the fortification of cities,
castles and fortress-towns).
87
MARCHI, Francesco Di Della Architettura Militare, Dall'Oglio, Brescia, 1599. (The treatise was completed around 1565.)
88
This opinon, the more common, about the meeting between the two (who were both studying at the same university) is, however, challenged by another
(by Dijksterhuis) who argues that the relationship must have happened around 1590, when Stevin moved to Delft and Maurice was Captain-General and
Stadtholder of the Netherlands and Zealand. (STEVIN, Simon De Sterctenbovwing, Edited by Franois van Ravelenghien, Leyden, 1594. We used the
facsimile version, with commentary and translated from the English: The Principal Works of Simon Stevin, vol. IV, Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences,
Amsterdam, 1965, General Introduction, p. 4).
89
347
are Italian. He developed a system that was too expensive to be adopted whole,
proposing: double wall and echelon, in the curtains and bulwarks (fausse-braye); very
large bulwarks, with a system of tunnels, cavaliers and orillons which might have
three levels of embrasures; covered way and glacis; rasant line of defence, in both
regular and irregular fortifications; military road all the way round90(Figs. 2.b.2.4.16,
17, 18, 19 and 20). In Chapter VI91 he examines the different possibilities for resolving
problems in the construction of regular fortifications and in the following chapter deals
with irregular fortifications92. In the latter, as regards re-entrant angles (which Elvas
has in its exterior polygon) he proposes as follows: when the angles are very narrow,
he does not advocate any salient works, but does admit embrasures in re-entrant
concavities, as if they were orillons93, where rasant lines of defence issue from the
adjacent bulwarks; when the angles are wider, he proposes the construction of works
with re-entrant angles or a straight front, arguing that these confer a great advantage
because they can easily be flanked from adjacent bulwarks94and warns: what is more,
to those who might not think that a half-bulwark has the necessary form to be a
bulwark, because it has no angle projecting outwards, it shows that they pay more
heed to custom than to the reasons behind the custom95. He proposes various
solutions to what he had to say in respect of salient angles: bulwarks with faces that
always contain rasant lines of defence entering the orillons of the adjacent bulwarks96;
no works with any very narrow acute angles97; building a front with two redans or two
half-bulwarks98, and the building of only a half-bulwark99. Stevin's proposals, set out in
this general manner, show that he clearly did not influence Cosmander.
f) Samuel Marolois (1572-1627) was a French Huguenot who sought refuge in the
Netherlands, where he taught Mathematics at the University of Leiden, where he
found considerable fame that earned him the epithet of Prince of Mathematicians.
In his treatise, Marolois proposes in his general plan a magistral line with fausse-
braye to go round the curtains and bulwarks, a water-filled ditch, ravelins and
hornworks to defend the curtains, counterguards to protect the flanked angles of the
bulwarks, covered way and glacis100 (Figs. 2.b.2.4.21, 22 and 23). The flanking
angles are always right angles and flanked angles range from 60 to 90, in the
90
Idem, ibidem, pp. 18, 20, 25, 26; Figs. 1, 3, 6, 7, and 8.
91
Idem, ibidem, pp. 39-71.
92
Idem, ibidem, pp. 71-91.
93
Idem, ibidem, p. 75, Example 3.
94
Idem, ibidem, pp. 73 and 74, Examples 1 and 2.
95
96
97
98
99
100
MAROLOIS, Samvel Oevvres Mathematicqves de S. M. Traitant de la Geometrie et Fortification, Chez Guillaume Iansson Caesius, Amsterdam,
1628, fig. 78.
348
shoulder angle being at least 105, and so opts for a fichant line of defence with
second flanks. The curtains and the faces of the bulwarks are always, in regular
figures, respectively, 36 and 24 verges (a linear measure approximately equal to 3.72
metres) long, the fichant line of defence varying very slightly around 60 verges. This
set of proposals, even though presented in a general way, allow us to point to a
considerable similarity they have with what we can detect on the magistral line at
Elvas, and we shall examine this in a more detailed and mathematical form below.
g) Adam Freitag (ou Fritach, in French) (1602-1664) was working as an architect for
King Ladislas IV (1595-1648) of Poland when the latter sent him to the Netherlands in
order to bring himself up to date on modern military architecture. In the 1630s several
versions of his treatise, which already made use of the decimal numbering introduced
by Stevin, were published.
Freitag advocates a magistral line with a fausse-braye (Fig. 2.a.b.4.24) (as do Stevin
and Marolois), right-angled flanking angles, second flanks, a wide water-filled ditch, a
covered way, an glacis (with possibly a second, narrower, ditch) and prominently
featured works: ravelins to protect the curtains, counterguards in the extension of the
flanked angles of the bulwarks (called demilunes), tenailles, hornworks and
crownworks (Figs. 2.a.b.4.25 and 26). These earth constructions, not revetted with
stone, had horizontal palisades to prevent scaling of its scarp.
Comparing the fortification tables of Marolois101 (Fig. 2.a.b.4.27) and Freitag102 (Fig.
2.a.b.4.28), we can say that the latter follows the former since the differences, where
they exist, are negligible, so comparing polygons from 4 to 12 sides103shows as
follows:
- In Marolois the flanking angles are always right angles; Freitag does not mention
these angles in the table in question, but if we examine the configurations arising from
the application of the tables, they are always right angles, even in irregular
fortifications104;
- Marolois presents the flanked angles as varying between 60 and 90, with Freitag,
they vary between 65 and 90 for the "first manner" of fortification, or between 60
and 90 for the "second manner";
- Both show the curtains and the faces as being, respectively, 36 and 24 verges in
length;
- The fichant line of defence varies in Marolois between 60.80 and 61.66 verges; with
101
MAROLOIS, Samvel, op. cit., Table des Dimensions ().
102
FRITACH, Adam L'Architectvre Militaire ou La Fortification Novvelle, (), Chez les Elzeviers, Leiden, 1635, Table Num. 1.
103
In the case of Freitag, we will take the measurements of the Royal Fort, according to the "first" and "second manners" or rules of calculation, (Table Num.
I and Table Num. V); these two forms of calculations are presented in Chapters IV and VI, pp. 13-23.
104
FRITACH, Adam, op. cit., "Second Book", pp. 71ff.
349
Freitag this variation is 60.47 to 61.67 verges for the "first manner", and this measure
does not appear in the "second manner" table;
- The capital line varies in Marolois between 19.73 and 24.88 verges; with Freitag this
variation lies in the range of 15.83 to 24.85 verges for the "first manner" and between
20.01 and 24.85 verges for the "second manner";
- The second flanks in Marolois have lengths ranging from 7.10 to 15.24 verges; in
Freitag the range is from 8.94 to 15.22 verges for the "first manner" and from 6.14 to
15.22 for the "second manner".
2.b.2.4.3.2.1.4 APPLICATION OF MAROLOIS'S FORTIFICATION

TABLES IN THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF ELVAS AS
COMPARED WITH COSMANDER'S CHOICES
As the treatise of Marolois105 is the theoretical reference document of of the Dutch

School106, not only because it was published first (The Hague, 1614) but also because it
established the proportions between the various measures of angles and lengths compiled
into fortification tables, we shall compare it with what Cosmander did in Elvas. First, however,
we must consider his maxims, since the mathematical relationships between the various
measures are based on certain values that were fixed at the time, and on certain standards.
We will highlight those of Marolois's maxims that contain those basic values and
standards on which all calculations depend, that is, maxims 2,4,6 and 10107:
- 2nd maxim: That the line of defence leading from the flanking angle to the flanked
angle, called the fichant defence line, should never be more than 60 verges long [223.08m],
because that is the range of a musket. But if you want to defend the face [from the bulwark
opposite] with cannon, it can be 100 to 120 verges [371.80 m to 446.16 m] long.
- 4th maxim: The greater the flank, and the larger and more spacious the gorge, the better it will
be, because they will be easier to defend.
- 6th maxim: That the flanked angle should not be less than 60 nor greater than 90
- 10th maxim: That the flanking angle should always be a right angle, the shoulder angle at least
105 and the higher the better.
We can now check whether these maxims are applied in the fortification table that
Marolois inserted at the end of his treatise, for regular figures having from 4 to 12 sides. Thus,
105
We will use the 1628 editon, which was the result of a published revision the year following the author's death, by the mathematician Theodore Verbeeck
(who revised the Geometry) and by the mathematician and professor of fortifications at the University of Leiden, Franois van Schoten.
106
It is thus considered by many authors, for example, LANGINS, Janis Conserving the Enlightenment. French Military Engineering from Vauban to the
Revolution, The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2004, p. 42.
107
MAROLOIS, Samvel (1628), op. cit., pp. 163-164.
350
in this table, a fichant defence line is given values ranging from 60.80 to 61.66 verges
[226.05m to 229.25m]108, varying with the number of sides of the polygon, precisely because
all measures have to relate to each other mathematically. Indeed, in the 8th maxim, he states:
() a fichant defence line is universally about 60 verges (); that is, he admits a slight
variation to adapt to the other measures without undermining the maxim. In his table, this
variation is very small for a polygon with 4 to 12 sides: 0.86 verges (3.20m). The flanked angle
can be from 60 to 90, that of the shoulder from 105 to 120 and the flank is always right-
angled. It also ensures that the area of the bulwarks is large, because the face is always 2/3 of
the curtain and has fixed measures (24 to 36 verges, or 89.23m to 133.85m), with flanks
(minimum of 7.72 verges) and gorges (minimum of 9.21 verges) proportionately large, which
is consistent with the 4th maxim.
Although these tables apply to regular polygons, i.e. those with sides and angles all
equal, let us see what conclusions we can draw from their application to the irregular
fortifications of Elvas. These have an exterior polygon of 12 sides (Fig. 2.a.b.4.29) with three
slightly re-entrant angles, we shall, for the sake of comparison, use the measures outlined in
the table for 12-sided polygons.
We thus find the following correspondences:
a) Angles of the bulwarks

We shall use Marolois's formula to calculate the flanked and shoulder angles, starting
always from a right-angled flanking angle:
Flanked angle= (Angle of polygon: 2) + 15

Shoulder angle = [(Angle of polygon - Flanked angle): 2]+ 90
- The flanked angles vary from 57 to 92 (Marolois: 60 to 90)

- The shoulder angles vary from 99 to 120 (Marolois: 105 to 120)
- The flanking angles vary from 86 to 101 (Marolois: 90)
However, if we exclude the three bulwarks to the W, N and NE (bulwark of Conceio,

Castle bulwark and the Old Gate bulwark), the first two because they have a glacis at their front
with a very steep slope /declivity and the last because it is joined to a crownwork, and so its
designs cannot be expected to obey general rules so much as the best available layout for
their respective sites (which are peculiar to each), the difference in values between
Cosmander and Marolois is even smaller:
- The flanked angles vary from 64 to 92 (Marolois: 60 to 90)
- The shoulder angles vary from 105 to 120 (Marolois: 105 to 120)
- The flanking angles vary from 87 to 101 (Marolois: 90)
108
For all the equivalences we used those of Lus Serro Pimentel, op. cit., p.26.
351
Regarding the differences found in each of the angles, the amounts are negligible,
especially as there is always a margin of error between the actual value and the value
measured on the drawings; thus from the point of the bulwark of So Joo de Deus to the point
of the Casaro bulwark, we have:
- Bulwark of So Joo de Deus: flanked angle: 1.5; shoulder angle109: 3.5; flanking
angle: 1.
- Bulwark of Olivena: flanked angle: 0.5; shoulder angle: 5; flanking angles: 0/3.
- Bulwark of the Place of Arms: flanked angle: 3.5; shoulder angle: 2; flanking angles:
1/1.
- Casaro bulwark: flanked angle: 4; shoulder angle: 2; flanking angle: 0.
b) Lengths, rounded to the nearest metre, of the main geometric elements of the
bulwarks (from the point of the bulwark of So Joo de Deus to the point of the Casaro
bulwark) and their corresponding curtains (not counting the front associated with the Olivena
Gate because the size of it allows for the gate):
- The curtains vary from 132m to 157m (Marolois: 134m)
- As faces vary from 74m to 90m (Marolois: 89m)
- The flanks vary from 27m to 43m (Marolois, 12-sided polygon: 45m)
- The half- gorges vary from 30m to 51m (Marolois, 12-sided polygon: 54m)
- The relationship between the faces and the corresponding curtains varies between
1/2 and 2/3 (Marolois: 2/3)
- The fichant defence line varies from 205m to 237m (Marolois, 12-sided polygon:
229m)
- The capital line on the bulwarks varies from 78m to 95m (Marolois, 12-sided polygon:
93m).
c) Other elements:
- Second flanks are found in all the situations under consideration; this is also a
constant with Marolois.
Conclusion: it is proved mathematically that, despite the great irregularity of the

exterior polygon of the fortifications in the historic centre of Elvas resulting from the pre-
existing city and the uneven terrain the difference between their measurements and those
proposed by Marolois for the corresponding regular polygon with 12 sides are so small
(almost zero with respect to angles), that we have no doubt in concluding that, because of
Cosmander, the fortifications of Elvas followed the Old Dutch Method. Moreover, as the
different measurements vary according to some that are taken as fixed, it is in the following
109
As there are always two shoulder angles (and they are different in an irregular fortification), for the purpose of calculating a value according to
Marolois's formula we use the average of the two angles of each bulwark. In these calculations, the considered flanked angle is the existing one.
352
that the correspondence is greater: right-angled flanking angles, shoulder angles of not less
than 105, flanked angles preferably 90, presence of second flanks, regard for the
effectiveness of the musket on the fichant defence line.
2.b.2.4.3.3 THE FORT OF SANTA LUZIA
We have already mentioned, through the Count of Ericeira's Portugal Restaurado

that in 1644 the fort was "deployed in defence", that is, on this date it already fulfilled its tactical
function of keeping that menacing prominence under the control of the stronghold, obviously
through its own artillery and infantry. In 1648 it was already completed, judging from the date
inscribed atop the second gate, and it would have been Cosmander and Jean Gilot who, after
several projects, decided what final layout to give it (Fig. 2.b.2.4.36).
Looking at their old plans (Figs. 2.b.2.11 and 2.b.2.4.37), we can readily conclude that
they do not fit into the basic geometric characteristics identified as belonging to the Old Dutch
Method of fortifications: right-angled flanks and fichant lines of defence, with second flanks
(note that plan in Fig. 2.b.2.4.37 shows two right-angled flanks on the W and S fronts that we
are not able to justify, because the plan in question is not dated). On the contrary, the flanked
angles are obtuse and the line of defence is the fichant. Moreover, this line is at right angles
with the bulwarked flanks which intersect it, a feature that was to become characteristic of the
Pagan system, published in 1645110 (Fig. 2.b.2.4.38). If we take into account that one of the
engineers involved has a French name, it becomes apparent that the French School (in this
case, the 2nd French System) was deferred to here.
The case, however, has another framework:
a) Let us start by clarifying that Jean Gilot was born in 1614, probably in the
Netherlands. In fact, his parents were French, but Huguenots, and therefore were refugees
who lived in that country. Gilot studied (and later taught) at the University of Leiden, which was,
as we have seen, the alma mater of the Dutch School of Fortification. He was a student of
Ren Descartes (who lived in the Netherlands, from 1628 to 1649), and was regarded by the
philosopher as his favourite student. Another important biographical note is that Gilot appears
to have been the Mathematics teacher to William of Orange's sons111. Gilot was probably
contracted in The Hague in 1641. He served in the Alentejo (and in the coastal strongholds of
Lisbon, Setubal and Peniche), where he died in 1657 in the defence of Olivena, a stronghold
110
PAGAN, Blaise Franoise, Conde de Les Fortifications, Cardin Besogne, Paris, 1645.
353
of which he was at least the co-builder. Gilot attained the rank of Quartermaster-General of the
Alentejo.
b) On the question of the geometry of the fronts: there is an irregular exterior polygon,
with angles of 90. Therefore, applying the tables of Marolois half of this value plus 15 gives,
for the flanked angles, 60, and this is also grosso modo the case (Fig. 2.b.2.4.39), allowing for
some variation due to the irregularity in the terrain - we do not have a rigorous plan of the fort.
c) The features that seem clearly at variance with the characteristics of the Old Dutch
Method are in fact the obtuse flanked angles and rasant line of defence without second flanks.
However, we must take into account that the dimensions of the fort are so small that, if right-
angled flanks were maintained, fire from its embrasures could not cover the ditches: indeed it
would reach the opposite flanks, on the other side of the curtains. These were very short
(approximately 45m: in Marolois' table they have a constant value for all polygons: 36 verges,
that is, 134m). And for the same reason (the dimensions of the fort) there could be no second
flanks, since this would mean that the flanked angles would be much lower than the 60,
regarded as a minimum common to all systems. The dimensions of the fort also require that
the fichant lines of defence do not exceed 100m, and the W and E fronts are even shorter than
that (Fig. 2.b.2.4.39), when in fact Marolois proposes, 60,80 verges, that is, approximately
226m, for 4-sided polygons.
d) Another very interesting question is the fort's asymmetry. We will give an account of
these geometrical irregularities and their military explanation (Fig. 2.b.2.4.40):
- The parapets on the N front are (with the exception of the W flank) much narrower
than the others. The justification: if the fort was taken by the enemy, fire from the stronghold
would easily destroy these parapets.
- The N front does not have embrasures placed on the inner faces of the bulwarks. It is
important to note the detail of the flanks, facing the N, the SE and SW bulwarks, which are also
narrower and do not have embrasures. Justification: if the fort was taken by the enemy, they
could fire over the wall/barbet firing (on fragile parapets) towards the stronghold, so the
existing embrasures on the W flank of the N front, would only defend the ditch and its
corresponding bridge and the entrance gate of the fort.
- Only the E and S fronts have ravelins to defend their corresponding curtains.
111
The biographical data on Jean Gilot, can be contradictory. Consult: CARVALHO, Jos Maurcio de - Histria da Filosofia e Tradies Culturais. Um
Dilogo com Joaquim de Carvalho. EDIPUCRS, Porto Alegre, 2001, footnote 3, pp. 185, 186; ERICEIRA, Conde da Histria de Portugal Restaurado,
vol. II, Liv. Civilizao, Porto, 1947; FORTES, Azevedo O Engenheiro Portugus, vol. II, Direco da Arma de Engenharia, Lisboa, 1993, p. 38;
Grande Enciclopdia Portuguesa e Brasileira, vol. XII, Editorial Enciclopdia, Lda., Lisboa and Rio de Janeiro, s. d.; MOREIRA, Rafael Do rigor
terico urgncia prtica: a arquitectura militar, in Histria da Arte em Portugal, vol. 8, Pub. Alfa, Lisboa, 1986, p. 72; PEDREIRINHO, Jos Manuel
Dicionrio dos Arquitectos (), Edies Afrontamento, Porto, 1994; VILLALN, Maria Cruz (Coord.) Ciudades y Ncleos Fortificados e la Frontera
Hispano-Lusa. El Territorio de Extremadura y Alentejo. Historia y Patrimonio, Junta de Extremadura e outros, Cceres, 2007, p. 275; VITTERBO,
Sousa Dicionrio Histrico e Documental (), vol. I, Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda, Lisboa, 1988, p. 423; WITKAM, H. J. Jean Gillot (1614-
1657): un ingeniero de Leiden muerto en Olivenza, Encuentros/Encontros de Ajuda, 3, Diputacin Provincial de Badajoz, Badajoz, 1997, pp. 207-240;
Sources: ANTT, Conselho de Guerra, Bundle 6.
354
Justification: the enemy could attack only through these sectors, as the others have the
stronghold to the N, and the Fortlet of So Pedro to the W. Therefore, if the fort was taken by
the enemy, it would not be convenient to have ravelins defending these fronts.
- The central redoubt is off-centre, and was built more towards the N. Justification: this
arrangement gives all the available space to the remaining terrapleins, especially to the S, an
area where one would expect an enemy attack. All the logistical support for their defence had
to be placed there. It is important to note that only in these areas are there traverses,
especially with casemated embrasures, to defend possible breaches reached by the enemy in
the bulwarks of the S front.
- The central redoubt does not have embrasures in the N face, weakening this face, for
the same reasons that were already pointed out for the N front.
Conclusion
Fort of Santa Luzia is paradigmatic of the highly functional character of bulwarked

military architecture, in sacrificing a perfect - and redundant - geometric regularity in order to
maximize the military effectiveness of the territorial defensive system to which it belongs.
2.b.2.4.4 THE SYSTEMS OF FORTIFICATION IN THE SECOND

HALF OF THE 17TH AND THE 18TH CENTURIES AND THE
FORT OF GRAA
During the long reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715), effective from the death of Cardinal
Mazarino (1661), France pursued a policy of territorial expansion with a view to establishing
an empire. To defend the borders, especially those to the north and east, Louis XIV undertook
an enormous campaign of fortification, aided by the towerng figure of the engineer Sbastien
Le Prestre (1633-1707), Marquis de Vauban, who, in the course of his life built 33 new
strongholds, redesigned 300 more and participated in more than 53 siege operations. The
techniques for adapting to the terrain and of echeloned defence in depth, were substantially
improved from the time of his appointment as engineer to the king (1653).
Although Vauban wrote no treatise on fortification, just an instruction manual
containing theoretical propositions, scholars of Vauban have identified three systems (Figs.
2.b.2.4.32 to 34)112:
- 1st System (Lille, begun 1667): continued the method of the Comte de Pagan,
112
CAPMANY, Carlos Diaz La Fortificacin Abaluartada. Una Arquitectura Militar y Poltica, Ministerio de Defensa, (no place of publication stated),
2004, pp. 177-179. Vauban's manual was entitled Memoire pour servir d'instrution dans le conduit des sieges et dans Ia defense des places, Leiden, 1740.
355
simplifying the layout, eliminating the triple flanks and small interior bulwarks, and reducing
the distance between lines of defence (to a maximum of 350m); construction of very large
bulwarks with right-angled flanks or with orillons; flanked tenailles with ravelins to protect the
curtains; traverses on the covered way to protect it from shots fired from the flank. Each face
is protected (flanked) by flanking fire from the neighbouring bulwark, and from each position
both close- and long-range fire is possible.
- 2nd Vauban System (Belfort, begun 1688): more removal of outworks relative to the
main body of the stronghold, building a defensive girdle that is independent but vulnerable to
fire from the rear, construction of small bulwarked and casemated towers on the stronghold,
from which flanking shots could be fired and close targets shot at; these towers were
casemated, inside the terraplein to allow firing over the ditches, artillery was also set up in
terrapleins; the enclosure was thus divided into two: the exterior part, called the combat
enclosure, for long-range action, and the interior part, for security.
- 3rd Vauban System (Neuf-Brisach, begun 1698): represented an improvement on

the 2nd system. The outworks were deployed to the full, leaving them open to the gorges, that
is, exposed to fire from the position immediately to the rear; thus the obstacles to the fortress
proper were multiplied, the outworks were larger; the curtains had re-entrant angles, forming
small flanks in re-entrant concavities, in which casemates were built for the artillery defending
the ditches, and ravelins became double, with redoubts with flanked gorges for firing
backwards into possible breaches in the counterguards or the exposed bulwarks.
The 18th century in Europe did not see much building of new fortifications and the
theory had reached its zenith with Vauban. In 1748 the School of Engineers at Mzires was
created in France, but the Vauban systematisation continued to be followed, with slight
modifications. The bulwark maintained its effectiveness until the following century which,
however, saw extraordinary advances made in artillery (increasing its effective range to
800m)113 and war began to be, increasingly, based on movement, especially from Napoleon
onwards.
Bulwarked fortifications lost the leading role they had hitherto played:
- They were organised, especially, to resist infantry attack through breaches, they
began to be vulnerable to heavy artillery fire from afar.
- The faces and the flanks of the bulwarks could now be reached by the rebounding
fire invented by Vauban.
- The curtains only served, practically, to defend from the final attack, and comprised a
substantial (and hence expensive) part of the magistral line.
113
CAPMANY, Carlos Diaz, op. cit., p.199.
356
- Communications were difficult, and this tended to frustrate transport and

manoeuvres.
- The interior entrenchments were also ineffective.
- The means of defence had little to protect them from rebounding and diving fire.
- The defending artillery had to have a power equal to or greater than the attacking
artillery, and so had to be present in the stronghold in large numbers and well protected by
casemates.
In an attempt to resolve these points of weakness, the French general Marc Ren,
Marquis de Montalembert (1714-1800), proposed three new systems that we may summarise
as follows:
a) The perpendicular (tenailled, with salient angles greater than 60 and right-angled
re-entrants, allowing for perfect flanking fire and making curtains unnecessary).
b) The polygonal (which was based on flanking fire to the outer side of the enclosure
through casemated caponnires, made up, on the sides of the polygon, of curtains where
artillery was mounted for short- and long-range firing, in various rows of casemates).
c) The circular (two concentric circular enclosures: the exterior, with four floors of
casemates and a glacis above, the interior, with another level of casemates).
All these enclosures were to have several ditches, either dry or water-filled and
outworks to hide part of the fortification. The strategic points around these fortifications were
also to be occupied by detached outworks. An artilleryman by training, Montalembert aimed
to focus, in all of these systems, on a powerful firing capacity brought about by the installation
of numerous cannons.
As may readily be concluded, these post-Vauban systems, which

sought to resolve the offensive and defensive difficulties of the bulwarked system, did not
inspire the designers of the Fort of Graa. Moreover, although his theories were born of
previous military experience, the Marquis de Montalembert only published the 11 volumes of
his work - La Fortification Pependiculaire, ou l'art Dfensif Suprieur a I'Art Offensif between
1776 and 1794, that is, long after the beginning of the construction of our fort. Even in France,
only one fortification is known to be the work of Montalembert, that of Rade on the island d'Aix,
built in 1779 and later destroyed. Only after his death were his theories applied, particularly at
Fort Boyard, off the island of Aix, and in the Fortress of La Ferrire in Haiti.
As regards the Portuguese treatises, the Mtodo Lusitano of Luis Serro Pimentel
(1680) follows, as already mentioned, the Italian and Dutch tradition, always opting for right-
angled flanking angles and second flanks, which are not features of the Fort of Graa; as for
the Engenheiro Portugus (1728/29), by Manoel de Azevedo Fortes, we have already stated
that it is, essentially, a critical assessment of French systems. Thus Portuguese theoretical
work apparently had no significant influence in the design of the fort, nor is it known whether
357
Portuguese engineers participated in the drawing up plans and monitoring the work. It may be
noted, as mentioned above, that in a military report of 1797 it says that There is no one at all
(...) who can speak knowledgeablly about the projects. (...) It would be very helpful if Your
Excellency were to instruct the wife of Lieutenant-General Vallr to hand over all the papers
that she has in her possession concerning the Fort of Graa, because only then could we
acquire real knowledge of its construction and how to deploy Artillery for its defence, which is a
very doubtful proposition in this stronghold114. Everything points to a project designed by the
Count of Lippe, realised on the ground under the direction initially of the French engineer
Etienne and later modified by Valler115. There is no evidence, then, of any influence from or
participation by Portuguese engineers: no one was able to speak about the projects!
Considering the above, we are inclined to say that, whatever international influence
there is in the design of the Fort of Graa is French, and reflects the first Vauban system, which
was still closely connected to Pagan's (compare Figs. 2.b.2.4.31, 32 and 35).
114
Arquivo Histrico Militar, 3 Diviso, 9 Seco, Caixa no. 67, Nmero 6, (1797), Excerpts of letters from Lieutenant General Francisco Noronha (20
January and 6 February 1797).
115
The French Colonel Guillaume Louis Antoine de Valler came to serve in Portugal in 1757 and accompanied the construction of the Fort of Graa, from its
beginning, in 1763, introducing alterations to the original project. [See NUNES, Antnio Lopes Pires (1991), op. cit., p. 207].
358
Fig. 2.b.2.4.1 - Fort of Nossa Senhora da Luz

or Citadel of Cascais (model)
Fig. 2.b.2.4.2 - Fort of Nossa Senhora da Luz or Citadel of Cascais. Aerial photograph (DGEMN)
Figs. 2.b.2.4.3 - Fort of So Brs in Ponta Delgada
Fig. 2.b.2.4.4 - Fort of So Julio da Barra
359
Fig. 2.b.2.4.5 - Fort of So Filipe in Setbal
Fig. 2.b.2.4.6 - Fort of So Filipe in Setbal.

Plan (DGEMN)
Fig. 2.b.2.4.7 Frontispiece of Cosmander's work: Disciplinae Mathematicae Traditae (1640)
360
Fig. 2.b.2.4.8 Composition of a front according to Christoual de Rojas (Rojas, 1598: 39)
361
Fig. 2.b.2.4.9 Front according to Jean Errard (Capmany, 2003: 146)
Fig. 2.b.2.4.10 Front according to Antoine de Ville (Capmany, 2003: 169)
362
Fig. 2.b.2.4.11 Frontispiece of Daniel Speckle treatise Fig. 2.b.2.4.12 Regular quadrangular fortification
(Daniel Speckle, Folio 16 v., 1608 edition)
Fig. 2.b.2.4.13 Regular pentagonal fortification and orillon (Daniel Speckle, Folios 18 v. and 32 v., 1608 edition)
363
Fig. 2.b.2.4.14 Bulwark front with ravelin (Daniel Speckle, Folio 64 v., 1608 edition)
Fig. 2.b.2.4.15 Examples of irregular fortifications; on top, the old fortress of Komorn, in present-day Slovakia, by P. Ferrabosco.
(Daniel Speckle, Folio 20 v., 1608 edition)
364
Fig. 2.b.2.4.16 Plan of a complete fortification (Stevin, 1594: Fig. 1, p. 18)
Fig. 2.b.2.4.17 Plan of an orillon with an embrasure (Stevin, 1594: Fig. 2, p. 20); plan of an orillon with three embrasured platforms
(Stevin, 1594: Fig. 3, p. 20)
Fig. 2.b.2.4.18 Plan of gate (Stevin, 1594: Fig. 4, p. 21); plan of a bulwark with its vaulted interior passages (Stevin, 1594: Fig. 5, p. 21)
365
Fig. 2.b.2.4.19 Section of a fortification through the curtain (Stevin, 1594: Fig. 6, p. 25); section through a bulwark (Stevin, 1594: Fig. 7, p. 25)
Fig. 2.b.2.4.20 Perspective view of bulwark fronts (Stevin, 1594: Fig. 8, p. 26)
Fig. 2.b.2.4.21 Perspective profile of fortification (Marolois, 1628: Fig. 2, p. 6)
366
Fig. 2.b.2.4.22 Plan of a regular fortification with outworks (Marolois, 1628: Fig. 78)
Fig. 2.b.2.4.23 Irregular hexagonal fortification Fig. 2.b.2.4.24 Perspective profile of a fortification and bulwark
(Marolois, 1628: Figs. 104/5, p. 185) fronts (Fritach, 1635: Figs. 10, 13 and 15)
367
Fig. 2.b.2.4.25 Fortifications with outworks Fig. 2.b.2.4.26 Irregular fortification

(Fritach, 1635: Fig. 76 in 2 pages) (Fritach, 1635: Fig. 104 in 2 pages)
Fig. 2.b.2.4.27 Fortification Dimension Table (Marolois, 1628)
368
Fig. 2.b.2.4.28 Fortification Dimension Table (Fritach, 1635: in 2 pages)
369
B. do Castelo
M. B. de S. Joo
da Corujeira
M. B. do Prncipe
B. da Porta Velha
M. B. do Trem
B. de N. S. da
Conceio
370
B. do Casaro
Redente do Cascalho
M. B. de S. Domingos
B. de S. Joo de Deus
B. da Praa de Armas
B. de Olivena
Fig. 2.b.2.4.29 Magistral line of the fortifications of the historic centre with their corresponding measurements
Fig. 2.b.2.4.30 - Extract of the plan of Fort of Santa Luzia (Fig. 1.e.9) (front facing the city)
Fig. 2.b.2.4.31 - Second French, or Pagan, system (In CAPMANY, Carlos, 2004)
371
Fig. 2.b.2.4.32 - Vauban's first fortification system; (applied in Lille, begun in 1667) (In CAPMANY, Carlos, 2004)
Fig. 2.b.2.4.33 - Vauban's second fortification system; (applied in Belfort, begun in 1688) (In CAPMANY, Carlos, 2004)
372
Fig. 2.b.2.4.34 - Vauban's third fortification system; (applied only in Neuf-Brisach, begun in 1698), (In CAPMANY, Carlos, 2004)
Fig. 2.b.2.4.35 Extract of plan of Fort of Graa (Fig. 1.e.10)
373
Fig. 2.b.2.4.36 Fort of Santa Luzia. Aerial photograph
374
Fig. 2.b.2.4.37 Fort of Santa Luzia. Plan (uncertain date: 1700-1900) [1746-1A-14-19 (DSE) - CRT/2003]
Fig. 2.b.2.4.38 The 2nd French System, or of Pagan (CAPMANY, 2004: 169)
375
61
59
45 m
88 m
45 m
47 m
100 m
57
59
45 m
Fig. 2.b.2.4.39 Fort of Santa Luzia. The flanked angles, the curtains, the defence lines and the
angles that these make with the flanks that intersect them.
Narrower (fragile) parapets

without embrasures
Fig. 2.b.2.4.40 Fort of Santa Luzia. Assymetry
376
382
3. JUSTIFICATION FOR INSCRIPTION
SYNTHESIS
Justification:
a) The mathematical precision with which the Dutch Jesuit Cosmander applied Samuel
Marolois's maxims and fortification tables to an orographically completely irregular context;
School of fortification worldwide; Elvas is the best example of its kind to survive to this day.
b) Fort of Santa Luzia is paradigmatic of the highly functional character of bulwarked military
Criterion (ii): exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or
within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology,
monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design.
Justification:
a) A thousand years of fortification created a whole landscape that remains intact and well
conserved, even outside the ramparts, to an unparalleled extent, and has not been affected by
urban expansion.
b) One of the most important peculiarities of Elvas is that it was designed as a frontier fortress-
city (garrison town in the Modern Age) with the resulting architectural, urban and social
consequences.
383

technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in
human history.
Justification:
surviving to the present day.
b) The bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre are the best extant evidence of the Old
Dutch Method of fortification in the world.
c) Fort of Santa Luzia is paradigmatic of the highly functional character of bulwarked military
d) The excellence of design and construction of the Fort of Graa, in a situation also
Complementary value of tangible and intangible heritage
a) Elvas is the main fortification on the oldest border in Europe

b) Elvas is the main fortification of the only independent Iberian territory
c) Elvas forms part of one of the most fortified borders of Europe
d) Elvas is situated in the region that constitutes the theatre of war par excellence of the Military
History of Portugal
e) Complementary values: medieval fortifications and religious and civil architectural heritage
f) Elvas is in travel literature, from the Romans and Arabs to the great writers of 19th century
g) Elvas is the more important, the mother of the largest ensemble of modern fortifications
ever built anywhere in the world.
Integrity, conservation and authenticity
Comparing the latest military plans (18th and 19th centuries) that show the building of the
fortifications, still in full operation, with the existing one, one can readily state that the
bulwarked fortifications of Elvas have remained intact; looking at them in detail, we have to
conclude that their degree of conservation is very high. Its authenticity is unquestionable in
terms of:
- General constitution and information sources
- Urban encroachment on the landscape
- Forms, materials and building techniques
- Functions
384
EXPLANATION
3.a CRITERIA UNDER WHICH INSCRIPTION IS PROPOSED

AND ITS JUSTIFICATION
Justification:
"The fortifications of Elvas are based on a continued process of reassessment of the

military defensive capability and in the progressive adaptation to different kinds of war,
witnessing the process of evolution in armaments, military engineering and possessing an
excellent example of defensive systems.
It is clear that the implementation of the fortified systems was only possible through in-
depth studies of engineering (civil and military), architecture, urban planning and art
(geometry, composition, aesthetics). These show creative genius, perfect adaptation of form
to functions, in the domain of the field of science and technology, in the service of the complex
"art of war."
The degree of excellence achieved in the military structures of Elvas leads us to
consider that they are a representative synthesis of the military means of defence, in some of
its critical stages of evolution.1
The territory of Elvas, suffused with the intangible and sculpted by the tangible over a
Thousand Years of History and Military Architecture, constitutes, taken as a whole, a
masterpiece within its typological heritage, to which its size, conservation and authenticity
have contributed other qualities. The field entrenchment of Elvas, in its entirety, is a
masterpiece of the fortificazione alla moderna (modern fortification), in the way it was adapted
to reflect both the treatises of the time and the military experience of the territory; we support of
this assertion we may cite the following:
a) The mathematical precision already shown in point 2.b.2.4.3 with which the
Dutch Jesuit Cosmander applied Samuel Marolois's maxims and fortification tables to
an orographically completely irregular context; Marolois's treatise, together with those
of Simon Stevin and Adam Fritach, launched the Dutch School of fortification
worldwide; Elvas is the best example of its kind to survive to our day, as is confirmed in
this Justification by the statement of the Dutch expert Edwin Paar, of the Foundation
Menno van Coehoor.
1
The Justification text was prepared by the National Committee of Portugal for UNESCO for the inclusion of the Fortifications of Elvas in the Portuguese
Tentative List.
385
b) Fort of Santa Luzia is paradigmatic of the highly functional character of

bulwarked military architecture, in sacrificing a perfect - and redundant - geometric
regularity in order to maximize the military effectiveness of the territorial defensive
system to which it belongs (see section 2.b.2.4.3.3).
c) The excellence of design and construction of the Fort of Graa, in a situation

also conditioned strongly by its location and available space. We in the present day are
not the only ones who have considered it a masterpiece of its time. At the end of the 18th
century experienced European military men already thought so, among them Christian,
Prince of Waldeck (Principality of Germany), engaged with the post of Marshal, on 10
March 1797 to assist the Marshal General Duke of Lafes, Commander-in-Chief of the
Portuguese army. From his journey of inspection made in 1798, the following reference
to the fort remains:
The fort continues to be a masterpiece of fortification, incorporating all the skill and art
available at the time () The casemates, mines, chapel, cisterns, governor's house,
guardhouses, all is noteworthy. () Note: It is all very well organised2.
Fig. 3.a.1 - Fort of Graa; general plan
2
Guedes, Lvio da Costa A viagem de Christian, Prncipe de Waldeck, ao Alentejo e ao Algarve descrita pelo Baro von Wiederhold, 1798, in
Boletim do Arquivo Histrico Militar, vol. 60, Lisbon, 1992, p. 242.
386
Criterion (ii): exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of

time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or
technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design.
Justification:
"The fortifications of Elvas exhibit interesting features of planning and siting. It is

remarkable even today how, in different historical-military periods, fortified systems have fitted
into and shaped their landscape, occupying vantage points overlooking the territory and
expressing a functional design, both in their form and the ordering of its townscape.
This urban ordering and the building of the fortified structure coalesce into a functional
city plan, encompassing all manner of adaptations, reuse and innovation that make for optimal
defensive military use. They remain as relevant historical evidence, displaying remarkable
architectural features and contributing to the growth and coherence of the city as a whole.
The synthesis, obvious today, between planning and realisation in the various periods
of the fortified system reveal urban origins that stand out on a worldwide scale.3
a) One of the most important peculiarities of Elvas is that it was designed as a

frontier fortress-city (garrison town in the Modern Age) with the resulting architectural,
urban and social consequences.
As soon as the country gained its independence (1143) and its frontier set definitively
(1297), Elvas was conceived as frontier fortress-city (garrison town in the Modern Age)
constantly adapting to fulfil this role throughout History and only stepping down as recently as
2006 when the last regiment finally left. Up to the beginning of the 16th century Elvas was the
most important medieval border fortification in the country; up to the 19th century it was the
largest and most important modern fortress; in the 20th century a series of regiments and
services continued to stand guard over the principal natural point of entry to Portuguese
territory; in the 21st, it is our duty to safeguard, conserve and treasure the tangible and
intangible military heritage of its 1000 years and more of existence!
In its interior, Elvas today exhibits a multitude of buildings that formerly had an
exclusively military function (see section 2.a.5) (Fig. 1.e.8) (Fig. 3.a.2) and we say " exclusively
" because the whole city performed a non-exclusively military function, including its convents,
Town Halls and private houses, since soldiers were billetted on the whole city! The actual
3
The Justification text was prepared by the National Committee of Portugal for UNESCO for the inclusion of the Fortifications of Elvas in the
Portuguese Tentative List.
387
barracks that were built, from the War of Restoration onwards many of them in the
vernacular - were paid for by the population who began to live in them itself from the mid- 19th
century up until the present day (low-income families). As mentioned above, from a certain
point in its history, anyone who was born or lived in Elvas was exempt from military service
becausebefore being one (a soldier) he was already one simply by being born!
The urban network also adapted constantly to functional military needs (see section
2.a.7.1):
- the Place of Arms, centrally sited and surrounded with buildings connoting the
religious (the Cathedral) and civil (Guildhall) powers of the 16th century, received the Principal
Guard Corps building in the17th century, and so became, both symbolically and functionally,
the city's centre of military power and operations;
- of the eleven gates of the medieval fortification only three remained, in the sectors that
were geographically and strategically most important, appropriately transformed and supplied
with ravelins, from where the main roads radiated with wide sections allowing the passage
of carriages bearing war equipment and converged on the centre where they were lined with
grander architecture;
- a broad military road now passed through the gorges of the bulwarks and parallel to
the curtains, bypassing the city, allowing easier provisioning of men and ammunition.
From its Arab beginnings, traces of which persist in the architecture and townscape,
this planned version of the modern fortress-town that has survived down to our day embodies
an entire history of constant adaptation in a single document.
388
A Fortress-Town 1 Cathedral
B Square 2 Church of Santa Maria da Alcova
C Market Place 3 Church of S. Pedro (Rebuilt)
(Rua da Carreira) 4 Church of S. Joo da Corujeira (Rebuilt)
D Largo do Bispo 5 Church of Espirito Santo
6 Church of S.Martinho
E Largo de So Domingos
F Largo da Misericrdla
8 Church of Nossa Sra. Das Dores (Rebuilt 1780)
G Largo do Colgio
9 Church of Nossa Sra. da Nazar
H Largo do Chafariz de Fora 10 Church of Terceiros (1701-19)
(Outer walls) 11 Chapel of Salvador
I Largo de So Martinho 12 Chapel of N Sra dos Bem Casados
J Largo de Sta Maria de Alcova 13 Chapel of N Sra da Conceio
L Largo do Salvador 14 Convent of S. Domingos (1267)
M Largo das Freiras 15 Convent of Nossa Sra da Consolao (1520)
N Largo dos Terceiros 16 Convent of Sta Clara (1526)
O Castle's Place of Arms 17 Convent of S. Francisco (1591)
P Largo das Portas 18 Convent of the Jesuits (1644)
(Gate) de So Vicente 19 Convent of S. Paulo (1660)
20 Misericrdia
Q Largo das Portas
(Church and Hospital, with extension)
(Gate) de Olivena
20 Guildhall (with extension)
R Largo da Porta da Esquina
22 Bishop's Palace
(Corner Gate) 23 Alcaide's Palace
S Rua de Olivena 24 Pillory
T Military Road 25 Cistern
26 Fountain Fig. 3.a.2 - The city of Elvas in the 18th century
Military buildings 27 Aqueduct (1498-1622)
28 Convent Wall
29 Medieval Castle
30 Homage Tower
31 Polygonal Loophole Turret
33 War Council
34 Military Government
35 Powder-magazine
37 Military Bakery
40 Barracks
41 Pontoon Storehouse
42 Main Guard Corps
43 Guard Corps
44 Corner Gate
45 Olivena Gate
46 S. Vicente Gate
47 Postern Gate
55 Bulwark of Santa Barbara
56 Prncipe Bulwark
60 Ravelin
61 Demilune
62 - Counterguards
63 Crownwork
64 Fort of Santa Luzia
389
STATEMENT
Dr. Ray Bondin (Malta)
Dr Ray Bondin PhD is President of CIVVIH {International Committee of Historic

Towns and Villages}, Member of the ICCROM Council and Member of the
International Executive of ICOMOS
Elvas: a unique typology of a frontier garrison town
The UNESCO World Heritage List is a representative list of heritage sites that have a universal
importance, that is, the site must not only be important for the country which it is in but must
have that something extra that makes it important to the world.
The new sites that are proposed must therefore have elements which are not already
represented on the List or must have something unique which is of particular importance.
Fortifications and fortified or walled cities are already represented in the List. Fortified cities
have always held a special place in our history and culture. Cities were fortified because they
held a special importance to the region or country in which they were built. A city that was
fortified immediately emphasised its importance. The percentage of cities that were fortified is
not as high as one may think. A large number of cities did have some kind of defensive system;
however the number of cities that were completely walled in was very limited. Certainly very
few of these survive today
Many important cities, especially in Europe, have some form of defensive system. Fortification
systems, especially in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, were heavily influenced by
other cities, sometimes in faraway countries. There were in fact few 'manuals' or treatises on
fortified cities but drawings of existing cities were circulated and monarchs tried to have their
cities as well fortified as others and thus substantially copied.
Most of the fortification systems were built around existing cities. Few cities were initially
planned as a fortified city. Most of the fortifications were added on as a result of a change in the
military or political situation in the area or due to threats from a foreign power.
These fortifications were therefore added on to existing towns or built [especially in the
Renaissance period] as part of the building of the new planned town. The main emphasis
however was on defending a city. Very few cities were actually built as garrison towns, and in
any case almost all of these have been lost over time. In some cases the garrison town had
long ago changed its raison d'tre.
390
A lot of the cities have lost their fortifications. Some have retained only their gates or part of the
fortifications.
The rapid development around historic cities everywhere has meant that the historic urban
cores have lost contact with the landscape around them.
ELVAS
The city of Elvas is unique. It is unique because it has a number of features that are not found in
similar fortified cities. In the first place we are talking about a city that was planned as a fortified
garrison town. Its role from the start was that of a military town. The only comparable town is
that of Valletta [already on the List] but though it was planned to house military garrisons it was
also designed as a capital city. Elvas was an enclosed garrison town, completely walled with
two outer forts, and three redoubts, almost small forts.
Elvas continued to play the role for which it was originally designed and up to a few years ago
was still in the hands of the military. It has retained its vast defensive system completely,
including the walls surrounding the city and the two exterior forts. It has maintained almost
intact the buildings of the garrison inside.
More importantly Elvas has managed to sustain most of the landscape surrounding the town.
You can still see today why this particular site was chosen. It has a natural defensive position,
being built on a hill. It dominates the landscape around it. The landscape between the two forts
and the town has been mostly retained. In most existing walled towns the landscape around
the towns has been built on: the situation at Elvas is very different.
One of the problems with fortified towns is the re-use of the walls and their spaces. Even at
Elvas one finds problems with the re-use of some of the spaces. One of the forts is a tourist
attraction and is very well maintained. The other fort is still in the hands of the military and is not
as well maintained as it awaits a decision as to its future use. Generally the walls around the
city and most of the buildings therein are in a good state of conservation. The re-use of most of
the buildings is acceptable and compatible.
Like any other historic town Elvas is trying to sell itself as a tourist attraction. It has handled
tourism very well. There are no excesses in new structures or buildings that ruin the
uniqueness of the town. Historic towns nowadays are going through large transformations but
the state of Elvas is still very much authentic and intact.
391
STATEMENT
Mrio Mendona de Oliveira (Brazil)

Prof. Mrio Mendona de Oliveira is well known throughout the Federal
University of Bahia where he is a "Professor Emeritus". He specialised in the
Conservation and Restoration of Monuments at the University of Florence. Prof.
Oliveira was for thirty-two years Professor of History of Architecture, and
currently teaches the science of conservation in the Postgraduate Programme in
Architecture and Urbanism (Masters and PhD). He is a top-graded researcher of
CNPq (National Council for Development and Research). As a restoration
professional he studied and designed the restoration of dozens of fortresses,
having published articles and books on the subject. For his services to promoting
remembrance of the Brazilian Army and its Military Engineering that institution
awarded him the distinction of Employee Emeritus of the Army and later the
Cross of Military Merit. For services rendered for the safeguarding of
monuments he was also appointed Commander of the Order of Merit of the State
of Bahia. He is a member of the Bahia Institute of Geography and History, and of
APAC (the Portuguese Association of Friends of the Castle) and founder of
ABRAF (Brazilian Association of Friends of Fortifications). For over twenty years
he was consultant to IPHAN (Institute of National Historical and Artistic
Heritage).
Elvas the "Queen of the Border
The distinguished historiographer and military man Charles Boxer says that the existence of a
fortress justifies a visit to a city. What can we therefore say of a city that is, in itself, one of the
most intact bulwarked fortresses in the entire history of military engineering? However, the
small fortified city of Elvas, in the Portuguese Alentejo, is much more than just a fortress, or
stronghold, it is an efficient system of defence that closed off one of the prime routes for
invading Portugal by land. It was assembled not only by surrounding the city centre with a wall,
but by occupying neighbouring prominences from which it could have been made vulnerable
(The Forts of Graa and Santa Luzia). This system has been tailored, with the increase of the
barrier of fire, through a series of fortlets (such as those of S. Mamede, Piedade or S.
Domingos, and So Pedro that are still visible), mostly still in existence units and recuperable
through restoration. And they are preserved in a state of completeness rare among surviving
examples of bulwarked architecture.
Despite the cultural succession visible from defensive traces that go back to the days of
Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula and the successive defences raised in the
medieval Christian era, the defences of Elvas have surprising compositional unity. Even
though the bulk of the design of the fortified internal perimeter and of the external defences
were clearly inspired by the so-called First Dutch School of the 17th century, the origins of which
392
are usually attributed to the Ignatian Cosmander, successive additions and improvements,
dating down to the nineteenth century, have not detracted from this compositional unity of the
stronghold. Edwin Paar, one of the most prominent scholars of the world influence of Dutch
military bulwarked architecture tends to consider it the best example in the world still extant
of the first phase of Dutch castrametation.
Elvas is a real lesson in fortified architecture, deploying a vast repertoire of defensive elements
such as crownworks, bulwarks of various designs, counterguards, ravelins, covered ways,
redans, retrenchments, glacis and so on. The design of these defensive elements can be
identified and interpreted in its entirety because it is virtually intact. Contributory factors to
this must have been its location at an isolated part of the Portuguese border region in what was
a poorly developed area of primarily agrarian activity.
What is also surprising is not only the intact survival of the formal aspects of defensive works in
themselves, but of the entire military complex enclosed within it such as powder-magazines,
headquarters of military units, military equipment stores, military courts, garrison
accommodation, guard houses and others, not least the superb water supply afforded by the
aqueduct. Some military functions remain in operation and others were only recently
withdrawn, which is noteworthy.
Thus, the defences of Elvas by virtue of: having been the scene of battles where Portuguese,
French, English, Spanish, Dutch (including Cosmander himself) and many other Europeans
engaged as mercenaries shed their blood; the high level of integrity of its original design; being
one of the most authentic examples of the prestigious Dutch School of fortification; and not
having undergone major modifications that would have detracted from its character, is a
unique part not only of Portugal's historical heritage, but of the entire history of fortification.
393
b) A thousand years of fortification created a whole landscape that remains

intact and well conserved, even extra muros, to an unparallelled extent, and has not
been affected by urban expansion.
Almost overnight as it were, in little more than a decade (1640-1650), the medieval
frontier, which did not undergo the 15th and 16th century modernisations known as transitional
fortification the Iberian Union (1580-1640) made them unnecessary -, was completely
transformed, by engineers engaged from abroad, who applied the most advanced knowledge
available in the first half of the 17th century on the subject of military architecture.
There are dozens of fortifications the length of the frontier, from Minho to the Algarve,
with one unusual feature: the Portuguese border is defended throughout the whole of its
territory by all its inhabitants, living in cities transformed into garrisons, where the civil and the
military blend together. Elvas is the best example of this type of bulwarked frontier and of this
architecture which, curiously, would become generally described as ' Vauban', but which was
started and completed a long time before Sbastien Le Prestre (1633-1707) became
ingnieur du roi (1655).
The persistence of the military function of the city down to the 21st century explains the
preservation of its characteristics (see section 2.a.7). As we have mentioned above and
reiterate here, a thousand years of fortification created a landscape whose natural relief was
modified by men or fortified, and gave rise to a field entrenchment with a perimeter greater than
7800m and an internal area greater than 300 hectares. And all that was built remains intact
and well conserved to an unparallelled extent. Even the ditches and glacis of the historic
centre, which elsewhere have been wholly absorbed by urban expansion here retain the
highest degree of preservation (Figs. 3.a.3 and 4):
- between the covered way and the line delimiting the effective range of a musket, the
area free from building is 95,48%;
- between this line and the line delimiting the effective range of a cannon, the area free
from building is 93,12%.
In the forts and fortlets the level of preservation of the glacis is clearly greater.
394
AREA WITHIN 1ST ARAB WALL
AREA ADDED BY 2ND ARAB WALL
AREA ADDED BY FERNANDINA WALL
FORTLETS (19TH CENTURY)
AREA WITHIN EFFECTIVE RANGE OF CANNON FIRE
AMOREIRA AQUEDUCT
RANGE OF CANNON FIRE (400m)
395
TERRITORY OCCUPIED FOR DEFENCE WITH AREAS WITHIN EFFECTIVE
Fig. 3.a.3
MAGISTRAL LINE OF THE HISTORIC CENTRE
396
PLAN OF THE BUILDINGS IN THE GLACIS WITHIN EFFECTIVE FIRING RANGE OF THE

EFFECTIVE RANGE OF THE MUSKETS (233.88m) NUMBER OF BUILDINGS AND PERCENTAGES OF AREA OCCUPIED
DITCH AND GLACIS WITHIN EFFECTIVE RANGE OF FIRE 1.63 % (DITCH)
BUILT AREA 4.52 % (BETWEEN THE COVERED WAY AND THE LINE OF FIRE WITHIN EFFECTIVE MUSKET RANGE)
6.88 % (BETWEEN THE LINES OF FIRE WITHIN EFFECTIVE MUSKET AND CANNON RANGE)
Fig. 3.a.4
STATEMENT
Fernando Cobos Guerra (Spain)
An architect, born in Valladolid, where he now practises, he is a specialist

in Town Planning and in the Documentation and Restoration of Monuments.
Both professionally and in his research work he has focused largely on
fortifications and Medieval and Renaissance town planning: He is a member of
the executive board of the Spanish association for Medieval Archaeology, and a
member of the Scientific Council of Europa Nostra, he has been responsible for
both development and restoration of many religious buildings, medieval castles
and walled enclosures and has been responsible for drafting work on the Master
Plan for Restoration of Castles such as Ponferrada and Cornatel in Leon, La
Mota in Medina del Campo in Valladolid, of the Renaissance Wall in Ibiza and
the Trans-frontier Fortifications System of lower Mino between Spain and
Portugal. His work as an architect and researcher has received several national
and international awards, including the Silver Medal of the Spanish Association
of Friends of Castles in 1998 for his study of fortification in Castilla y Leon. He
has also received the Architecture Award of Castilla y Leon given by the Council
of Colleges of Architects in 1998 for the restoration of the castle of La Mota, the
AR & PA Restoration Award 2002 for the scientific methodology employed in the
Master Plan for Restoration of Ponferrada Castle and, in 2004, the European
Cultural Heritage Award (Europa Nostra) for the Master Plan for the
Renaissance Wall in Ibiza. He has written over 50 published studies on criteria
for the restoration and history of fortification.
A BORDER MARKING A TERRITORY WHICH DESERVES A COUNTRY3
War is yet waged between these nations, which we may rightly, with no
disrespect to the others, consider the two most valiant in the world, so that
each day many a new enterprise is undertaken"
(Joo Rodrguez de Sousa & Vasconcellos, 1643).
The British historian G. Parker in his study on the Spanish army of Flanders4 suggested that the
Spanish monarchy always fought "with their left hand" against the Dutch, saving the right for
4
Part of an article to be published in its entirety, in a book, by the Municipallity of Elvas, together with other studies by other authors on the Elvas heritage.
397
the great enemies of the Empire, Turkey, France and England. We could possibly say the
same thing about the war against Portugal of the 17th and 18th centuries, but as the epigraph of
this section suggests, both for Portugal and the Netherlands, the Spanish Empire was a
potentially huge enemy and both fought for their independence with both hands and the whole
of their citizenry. It may be further added that while Spain retained one of its most fearsome
and best organised armies in the Netherlands, with one of its best engineering schools in
Brussels (especially for the fight against France), on the new frontier of Portugal the Spanish
Crown never had either the interest nor the means to sustain a war with the same intensity that
it brought to the fight on other frontiers of the Empire, such as Catalonia, Flanders and Italy,
where the French armies were behind the rebels. Beyond Portugal there was no army that
could invade the Spanish dominions. In addition, non-recognition of Portugal's independence
was itself another good reason on the Castilian side not to fortify the new frontier. In fact the
minor importance of the Portuguese uprising to the survival of the Hispanic monarchy was just
what gave the Portuguese the time needed to build their fortified frontier, which in the end,
allowed them, unlike Italy, Flanders or Catalonia, to win their independence.
This asymmetry is another one of the unusual characteristics of the fortification of the border.
On the Spanish side, there are few really important fortifications and almost all of these late,
dating from the 18th century; on the Portuguese side they are of much earlier design, from the
moment independence was proclaimed, concentrated into a period of a few years, especially
affecting, indeed creating, towns. This urban emphasis is, together with the chronological and
technological coherence of the fortified system explained above, the other most important
unusual characteristic. The Portuguese border defends the whole territory and all its
inhabitants. In Elvas it is said that the young men of the city were exempt from military service
because they were actually already in barracks.
It is not, therefore, a fortified frontier held by armies defending forts: it is in the hands of citizens
defending their homes, albeit with forts outside to protect the approaches to the town. What is
uncertain is whether the frontier is built on towns or the towns arise out of the frontier; the most
extensively fortified urban nuclei were not necessarily the most important medieval nuclei, but,
even though the new towns emerged out of a fortified medieval core, the urban expansion and
transformation is quite remarkable, even in the cases of Valena do Minho or Elvas, which
were already important in the Middle Ages.
The structure of towns and strategy perpendicular to the border, domination of

the passes and defence in depth.
Unlike the frontier fortifications on the Spanish side, and the usual model in other
frontiers at that time, the Portuguese frontier system does not rely on strong frontier or military
citadels occupied exclusively by troops; it is based on preexisting urban nuclei which in some
cases have grown significantly. The function of permanent forts, where they occur, is to protect
these towns, their approaches or prominences overlooking them: Caminha, Vilanova da
Cerveira, Valena, Mono, Almeida, Elvas and Olivena, alone or reinforced with external
forts are the milestones of this system, protecting the main ways into the kingdom from Spain
through Galicia, Castilla y Leon and Extremadura.
398
In some cases the issue was influenced by pairs of towns facing each other across the frontier;
Valena opposite Tuy, Elvas opposite Badajoz, and here the realistic chances of crossing the
frontier with an army were limited by the density of local populations acting as a force to defend
the border. Along the rest of the frontier, wherever nature allowed a possibility of passage,
most of the preserved forts are wayside structures on either side of the border, along the
mountains and rivers that define it. It is also curious how some of the forts preserved in Spain
were originally built by the Portuguese as bridgeheads: the system of forts at Goyan, the
bridgehead of Vilanova, the fort at Salvatierra, the bridgehead of Mono, San Carlos in
Sanabria, Bragana, San Felices de los Gallegos, Almeida, etc.
Perpendicular defence of the frontier became of special interest in the case of Elvas, where the
city of Olivena, on the other side of the Guadiana, acted as a bridgehead and Extremoz as a
rearguard.
But the forts were always secondary to the towns, most were temporary works for specific
military episodes. The urban structures that were converted into forts are the truly unusual
features of the defensive system. This meant they had to adapt to prior urban structures and
topography, which closely constrained layouts and prevented them from being regular. In any
case, Hispanic fortification was not much disposed to regularity, but relied on the deployment
of glacis, outworks, ditches and bulwarks, while ordinary people remained inside ... Years ago
a Spanish lady, whose habit was to go to the frontier towns in Portugal to shop at the then
famous markets, told me how, when you go to Valena, "you can't see from outside but you
have to go through the castle gate (from the walls), which had houses and shops and people
inside". This lady was expressing how, on the frontier in Portugal, normal people, with their
houses and shops, lived shut up within their walls. They are thus not strictly military towns but
their civilian structure is constrained and transformed by defensive requirements.
Elvas, providing the most complete cover for the most vulnerable part of the border, presents
us, within the old Hispano-Muslim cityscape, with everything that a military town needs:
aqueduct, cisterns, hospital, ordnance depot, military justice, bakeries, powder-magazines
and even a pontoon storage warehouse, in which was kept everything that would be required
to cross the Guadiana if the Ajuda bridge, the umbilical connection with Olivena, were down.
There were also barracks, but in many of its streets they are preserved alongside modern
townhouses; they were small mess houses, with their fireplaces around which a group of
soldiers would share food rations. The mess houses6, which are now not inhabited by soldiers
but by their townsfolk neighbours (perhaps as has always been the case) inspired many others
of the same design, but not so well ordered, scattered around many other streets in town,
blending the rational distribution of military sites with the simple needs of popular housing, a
fortress-town or a town-fortress, where the divide between civil and military is blurred.
5
Parker, G. The Army of Flanders and the Spanish Road 1567-1659, Cambridge, 1972.
6
In Elvas they call them casernas although they are much smaller than barracks usually are. Another possible name, barracas, designates a situation of
precarious accomodation, which is not the case here. Rancho in Castillian is both the soldiers' rations and the small group that share it, as well as their living
quarters.
399

technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human
history.
Justification:
a) Elvas is the largest complex of dry-ditched bulwarked land fortifications in the

world surviving to the present day.
The Comparative Study (Annex A.1) shows that the complex of bulwarked
fortifications at Elvas (Fig. 3.c.7: Fortifications of the City or Historic Centre, Fort of Santa
Luzia, Fort of Graa and Fortlets of So Mamede, So Pedro and So Domingos or of
Piedade) is the largest dry-ditched field entrenchment7 of bulwarked land fortifications in
the world, measured in terms both of the total area enclosed by the fortifications (relative to
the covered way), and of the total perimeter of covered ways, and of the total number of
bulwarks and half bulwarks of the magistral lines. In addition to this unique standing in
quantitative terms, there is also the uncommon completeness, the fine state of
conservation and the unquestionable authenticity of its materials and construction
techniques and of the systems of fortification employed. On all these grounds, this is a
document of the highest quality that illustrates an important stage in the History of
Humanity in the areas of Architecture and Military History.
b) The bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre are the best extant evidence
of the Old Dutch Method of fortification in the world.
Designed by the Dutch Jesuit Jan Ciermans (1602-1648), born in 's-Hertogenbosch (in
Latin, Sylvamducis), the bulwarked fortifications of the historic centre are a result of the
application on the ground of the main geometric characteristics of the First (or Old) Dutch
Method of fortification. This method, of Italian origin, was developed by the Dutch, in its
practical aspects, during the Eighty Years' War against the Habsburg Empire during which
the outstanding constructor was the mathematician and engineer Adriaen Anthoniszoon (c.
1543-1643) and in theory, at the University of Leiden (founded 1575) and in its School of
Engineering (founded 1600). The treatise authors Simon Stevin (1548/49-1620), Samuel
Marolois (1572-1627) and Adam Freitag (1602-1664), who influenced the whole of the Low
Countries, distinguished themselves here.
7
"Expression used for the space created around the stronghold by a girdle of temporary and permanent fortification works, built at a convenient distance. Its
function was to meet the lack of bastioned trace in the fight against artillery, which was set some distance away but was becoming increasingly efficient
from the 16th century. The space to be defended in a field entrenchment is therefore much greater than that of the central stronghold". (see NUNES, Antonio
Lopes Pires - Dicionrio Temtico de Arguitectura Militar e a Arte de Fortificar, Estado Maior do Exrcito, Lisbon, 1991, p. 61.)
400
At 2.b.2.4.3 above we demonstrated mathematically that Jan Ciermans applied the

fortification tables of Samuel Marolois to the magistral line of the historic centre; but we have
also shown, using documents, that at that time the Portuguese treatise writers already
recognised that Elvas belonged to the Dutch School.
Four centuries on from the apogee of bulwarked fortifications in general, the
remodelling and updating that they underwent all over Europe up until the 19th century, their
general obsolescence from the mid-19th century, the destructive juggernaut of urban
development and even the reconstructions in the 20th century that took away much of their
authenticity, have left Elvas with the best extant evidence of the Old Dutch Method of
fortification.
c) Fort of Santa Luzia is paradigmatic of the highly functional character of

bulwarked military architecture, in sacrificing a perfect - and redundant - geometric
regularity in order to maximize the military effectiveness of the territorial defensive
system to which it belongs. (see section 2.b.2.4.3.3)
401
STUDY
Edwin Paar (Netherlands)
Secretary and Interim President of the Overseas

Fortifications Committee Comiss of the Foundation
Sticting Menno van Coehoorn
Nowhere in the world, including the Netherlands, are seventeenth

century fortifications visible in a state so close to the original and
almost intact, as in this stronghold. () We can conclude that in this walled city
we have a truly remarkable example of the first Dutch tradition of military architecture.
Although there is no water in the ditch, the fortifications are of stone and the fausse-braye
did not in the end prove necessary, we find almost all the characteristic features: all the
other elements are there, such as the perpendicular flank, the right-angled flanked angle
(in the case of an irregular fortification), the use of a second flank, the use of artillery from
the curtain to defend the ravelins and suchlike (...) the proportions of measurements within
the fortification and, finally, the ditches, which are V-shaped, in the fortifications of Elvas. A
critical reader may well say that one or more of these aspects also appears in other
traditions, which is true, but only in the first Dutch school do all these elements coexist. (...)
It is remarkable to observe that little or nothing of the fortifications of Elvas changed
throughout centuries of warfare. (...) All the defensive works of Elvas, as well as the
aqueduct, so characteristic of 17th century fortifications, deserve worldwide recognition and
protection. Elvas is the only complex of four different walls, two forts and four fortlets to
have developed since the 8th century (and perhaps from many centuries earlier). It displays
good examples of Portuguese military and civil architecture from almost every one of the
past six centuries. This development reached its peak in the War of Restoration (...) and
the quality of the fortifications is all the higher in that little or nothing about them has
changed since that time, despite its frequent involvement in different wars.
PAAR, Edwin - "As fortificaes seiscentistas de Elvas e o primeiro sistema holands de fortificao, in
Revista A Cidade, no. 12 (New Series), 1998, pp. 129 -170.
402
3.a.1 COMPLEMENTARY VALUE OF TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE

HERITAGE
a) Elvas is the main fortification on the oldest border in Europe
The Portuguese border is the oldest in Europe, established by the Treaty of Alcaices,
on 12 September 1297 between D. Dinis of Portugal and D. Fernando IV of Castile and only
altered, de facto, and not de jure, in 1801, with the takeover of Olivena by Spain during the
War of the Oranges; Portugal does not recognise Spanish sovereignty over this territory.
b) Elvas is the main fortification of the only independent Iberian territory
The Portuguese territory was the only territory that became independent (1143)8 and
remained so9, among the several kingdoms and counties that existed up to the unification of
Spain by the Catholic Kings10.
c) Elvas forms part of one of the most fortified borders of Europe
For these reasons we can understand the constant concern for the defence of its
border, of a small country located between the Atlantic (to the West and South) and a large
unified State that surrounds it to the North and the East. There were three key historic
moments of this border fortification, which was almost an entrenchment avant la lettre:
- During the reign of D. Dinis (king: 1279-1325), who built almost from scratch all the
towns and castles of the border a total of 44, according to his chronicler11 and we can
understand this as a consequence of the signing of the Treaty of Alcaices (Fig. 3.a.5).
- In the second half of the 14th century and the early part of the 15th century (Fernandina
Wars: 1369-1382; War of Independence: 1383-1411), investments were made in the
refortification of the main natural points of entry to the territory (Minho, entry of the River Douro,
Beira Interior, North Alentejo and Estremadura) and an in-depth line of defence was instituted,
from Almeida to Lisbon, via the Vale do Mondego and Estremadura (Fig. 3.a.5). As mentioned
above, the Elvas wall drawings by Duarte de Armas of the Fernandina wall are from this
period. The Fernandina wall was demolished, and the material used as building material for
the bulwarked fortifications of the historic centre that replaced it.
8
Through the Treaty of Zamora in 1143, between by D. Afonso Henriques and D. Afonso VII of Leon, and by the bull Manifestis Probatum, issued by
Pope Alexandre III in 1179.
9
With the exception of the period of Philippine Domination between 1580 and 1640.
10
After the marriage of Isabel I of Castile to Fernando II of Aragon, in 1496.
11
PINA, Rui de Crnica de D. Dinis, Ed. Civilizao, Porto, 1945, chapter XXXII, "Das obras e coisas notveis que El-Rei D. Dinis fem em sua vida".
403
- During the reign of D. Manuel I (king: 1495-1521), new investments were made,
particularly at the natural points of entry in Beira Alta (e.g. Almeida) and in the Alentejo (e.g.
Elvas). The king ordered a survey of all the border castles, as a consequence of which we now
have one of the most important graphic documents for the study of medieval
fortifications12(Fig. 3.a.6).
- After the Restoration of Independence, on 1 December 1640, massive work began on
the construction of bulwarked fortifications that was only completed in the late 18th and early
19th centuries, and can be seen to best advantage at Elvas, Almeida and Valena (Fig. 3.a.7).
The Portuguese bulwarked fortifications, with Elvas among them were a factor in this
European political-military process, which definitively marked the independence of the country
in the Iberian context and the start of the absolutisation of power.
The bulwarked fortress-town looms as the expression of the absolute monarchy.

(Philippe Prost, 1991)
d) Elvas is situated in the region that constitutes the theatre of war par excellence
of the Military History of Portugal
The area in permanent conflict in the majority of the wars has always been the North
Alentejo, where Elvas is situated. From 1166 to 1808, 16 incidents of war of greater
importance were registered (see section 2.b.1.5), of which the Battle of the Lines of Elvas, on
14 January 1659, during the War of Restoration (1641-1668), was the most important,
because of the military resources involved approximately 11,000 men on the Portuguese
side and 14,000 on the Spanish13 and also its significance in the country's independence vis-
-vis Spain. It was, therefore, for geographical and orographical reasons that Elvas became
known as the "key to the kingdom" in the 17th century, and where it was necessary to build a
"very strong gate" to protect the small country from enemy invasions.
e) Complementary values: medieval fortifications and religious and civil

architectural heritage
There is historical and architectural heritage in Elvas that, in itself, does not have any
exceptional universal value, but complements, and gives value to the bulwarked fortifications,
forming a set of elements that are inseparable in terms of heritage. We have, in the first place,
the medieval fortifications (see section 2.a):
- An Arab alcova (medieval muslim fortress) that was transformed by the Christian
12
ARMAS, Duarte de Livro das Fortalezas, Introduo de Manuel da Siiva Castelo Branco, Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo and Edies
INAPA, Lisbon, 1997.
13
DUARTE, Antnio Paulo David Linhas de Elvas. 1659. Prova de Fora, Tribuna da Histria, Lisbon, p. 78.
404
occupation into a castle, still intact, endowed with an alcaidaria (governor's house) and a
polygonal loophole turret dating from the 16th century;
- two Arab city walls, of a considerable length, with its towers and gates, some of them
untouched down to the present-day, and horseshoe arches.
But we must also highlight the religious and civil architectural heritage. The former,
already duly listed (see sections 2.b.1.1 and 2.b.1.2 and Annex A.7), includes a large number
of churches, convents, the Jesuit College and five processional stations of the cross with
corresponding Calvary chapels, built between 1724 and 1734; these show, by their density in
such a limited urban space, the major importance that religion had in a clearly military city; it is
important to note that four of the churches have the highest classification allocated by the
State, that of "national monument" (Fig. 3.a.8). In relation to the civil architectural heritage, of
which we did not make an inventory because there is so much of it and to do so would be
beyond the scope of this proposal, we can summarise by saying that there are interesting
examples from the Middle Ages and from the 15th and 16th centuries (Fig. 3.a.9), but it was
mainly in the 17th and 18th centuries that most of the civil architectural heritage that Elvas
displays today was built (3.a.10); it is a reflection of the military importance that the city
assumed with the restoration of independence in 1640 and the consequent installation of
bulwarks. Also in the vernacular heritage, the humble dwellings are of significant value (Fig.
3.a.11).
But we must emphasise, among the non-military architecture, the colossal structure
that is the Amoreira Aqueduct (Fig. 3.a.12), a critical piece of infrastructure for the survival of
city and its true icon.
f) Elvas in travel literature, from the Romans and Arabs to the great writers of 19th
century
From the Admiral and Roman naturalist, Gaius Plinius Secundus (23-79), better known
as Pliny the Elder, who praised the olives of Elvas in his famous Naturalis Historia, through the
Middle Ages with the 13th-century description by the famous Arab geographer Abu'Abd Allah
Muhammad AI-ldrisi, in his book Kitab Rudjar (1154; 1161; 1192) Elvas, fortress-town set in
the folds of a mountain, surrounded by a cultivated plain, a place of dwellings and bazaars (...)
famed for the beauty of its women to the literary references of Hans Christian Andersen
(1866) Of a picturesque beauty, with beautiful white houses in the midst of the greenery, in
front of us, the first Portuguese town, Elvas, shone on high there are many written
testimonies of the city can be read in the book Elvas in Travel Literature (Annex A.3).
Because of its geographical location and the orography of the region, providing a
natural point of entry, Elvas always was and still is the most important gateway to the territory,
whether for visitors, or those come to conquer it by force. But even those who passed through
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for non-military reasons, were captivated by this imposing, fortified city, and have left behind
many an admiring record: Elvas est le boulevard14du pays. La ville mme, qui est trs bien
fortife, est dfendue par deuz forts construits sur les hauteurs que I'avoisinent; I'un s'appelle
le forte de St. Luzia, I'autre a t lev par le comte de Lippe-Buckebourg, et s'appelle encore,
d'aprs lui, le forte de Nossa Senhora da Graa de Lippe. Le prince de Waldeck, qu'on peut
citer connaisseur comme dans cette partie, regardait ce dernier fort comme un chef-d'oeuvre
d'architecture militaire (Friedrich Heinrich Link, 1808).
Through Elvas passed traders (e.g. Robert Semple, 1766-1816), military men (Sir
Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, 1769-1852), clergy (William Morgan Kinsey, 1789-1851;
George Borrow, 1803-1881), naturalists (Friedrich Heinrich Link, 1767-1851; Count Johan C.
von Hoffmansegg, 1766-1849), diplomats, politicians and writers (William Beckford, 1760-
1844; Robert Southey, 1774-1843; Lord Byron, 1788-1824, whose journey is described by his
companion John Cam Hobhouse). And also those who travelled merely for the pleasure of
travelling, and some even to forget the sorrows of love, such as Cosimo de Medici (1642-1723)
who, on 8 December 1668, was received with honour by the Governor's of the Fortress-Town,
accompanied by a force of cavalry. Or simply the entourages of famous, such as the wife of
Junot, Laura St. Martin Permon, who accompanied her husband between 1808 and 1811, and
also left her Souvenirs.
Thus, Elvas is encountered with unusual frequency in the abundant travel literature
produced by foreigners in Portugal down the centuries, leaving in these visitors an impression
of the majesty of its fortifications, the picturesque and natural beauty of the setting and the
organisation of its urban space.
g) Elvas is the more important, the mother of the largest ensemble of modern
fortifications ever built anywhere in the world.
Portugal built so many fortifications around the world that it's impossible to warrant a non-
debatable number; only in Brazil, Portugal built 174 till 1822, 100 of which still exists.
14
In a figurative sense: bulwark, defence.
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Fig. 3.a.5 - Network of Portuguese castles between 1350 and Fig. 3.a.6 - Border fortifications which appear in the "index" in Livro
1450. (MONTEIRO, 1999:25) das Fortalezas by Duarte de Amas (1509) (MONTEIRO,
1999: 25)
407
Mono
Valena
Bragana
Chaves
Miranda do Douro
Almeida
Monsanto
Castelo de Vide
Marvo
Ouguela
Estremoz Campo Maior
Elvas
Monsaraz Juromenha
Mouro
Mrtola
Alcoutim
Descending order of architectural Castro Marim.
importance
Without or with only vestiges of

bulwarked fortification, but having a
strategic position suitable for artillery
Fig. 3.a.7 Operational lines and penetration points. (SILVA, 1950)
408
Fig. 3.a.8 Religious architectural heritage
Fig.3.a.9 Medieval, 15th and 16th civil architectural heritage
409
Fig. 3.a.10 17th and 18th civil architectural heritage
Fig. 3.a.11 Vernacular heritage
Fig. 3.a.12 Amoreira Aqueduct
410
3.b PROPOSED STATEMENT OF OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE
By the Department of History of the Faculty of Letters of the

University of Lisbon.
The City of Elvas, Portugal, is one of the best examples of a fortified border garrison
town that retains its whole fortifications system, both those immediately surrounding the city
and the outer works. The city is in a good state of conservation and is still quite authentic in
every way.
The fortifications are the largest ensemble of bulwarked land fortifications, of the dry
ditch type, in the world. The fortifications system we see today is the result of various changes
and additions over centuries and are as could be seen at the height of military activity in the 19th
century and unquestionably retain the authenticity of that period in all respects.
The city of Elvas was given this very important system due to its geographic position as
the most important border crossings from Spain to Portugal at what is in effect the oldest extant
border in Europe. Elvas helped to sustain the independence of Portugal, the only Iberian
country to do so in the face of the Spanish unification. In the 17th century Elvas became known
as 'the Key to the Kingdom' because it was located at a natural entry point in a region that
formed the theatre of war par excellence in the military history of Portugal.
The uniqueness of Elvas lies in the fact that the whole town was tied to its military
importance. Due to its geographic and orographic importance it adapted itself throughout the
centuries to become a garrison including many barracks and other military-related buildings
and an impressive system of outer works. The field entrenchment is of an unusual size. It
represents a synthesis of the European art of war in terms of military architecture in view of the
various military engineers (especially Dutch, Italian, French and English) that contributed to
the enlargement and changes of the fortification system, especially after its establishment as a
modern state following the War of the Restoration (1641-1668). This military system was
praised by all experts and is still considered to be one of the best examples of the Old (or First)
Dutch Fortification System worldwide. Fort of Santa Luzia is paradigmatic of the highly
functional character of bulwarked military architecture, in sacrificing a perfect - and redundant
- geometric regularity in order to maximize the military effectiveness of the territorial defensive
system to which it belongs. The Fort of Graa in particular, already considered at the end of
the 18th century to be a masterpiece, is still considered today to be one of the best examples of
a stand-alone fort that is nevertheless linked to the fortification system of the city. The
surrounding landscape between the city and the Fort of Graa is still there in its authentic form.
411
The urban fabric of the city itself is also a unique document evidencing the evolution of
an urban centre of a garrison town, adapting itself to its defence needs over a thousand-year
period. Its urban form continued to adapt itself to modern defensive systems right up to
modern times. Elvas was the headquarters of dozens of military units from the 17th century to
the present day, leaving behind a very rich historic military, tangible and intangible heritage of
the highest value. Elvas was and is therefore a frontier garrison town, where civil and military
always co-existed, and has come down to us with an impressive degree of integrity and
conservation, including even the glacis, where practically nothing has been destroyed or
substantially altered by urban development.
The heritage value of the civil and religious architecture of Elvas complement its military
architecture. This perfect ensemble delighted those that travelled through the city, in time both
of peace and war, leaving behind their impressions in a rich travel literature, from the time of
the Romans to the great writers of the 19th century.
The city of Elvas is a testimony of the history of Portugal, of a city that adapted itself to
the changing fortification systems. The building of the city and the experiments in fortifications
systems made there influenced many other cities; within its typology it is a document of
exceptional universal value. It represents par excellence a city that was always meant to be a
bulwark against the invaders, adapting itself to the landscape in which it existed, an
unbreakable fortified system that at the same time included a good quality historic town. All
this, together with the other forts and fortlets and the landscape around them, constitute an
exceptional example of a fortified garrison town.
For all the reasons given, Elvas is a document of exceptional universal value,
representing more than a thousand years of military architectural evolution, and is the mother
of the largest ensemble of modern fortifications ever built anywhere in the world.
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3.c COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
In July 2007, the Technical Scientific Committee of this nomination held a World
Summit with experts on military bulwarked architecture, whose aim was to define the
methodology of the comparative study and to reflect on the research already done. The
work was carried out under the scientific aegis of the History Centre of the University of
Lisbon, and those invited to the Summit, who belonged almost entirely to ICOMOS-
ICOFORT, came from all over the world. The research and conclusions presented in
Annex I were the result of this Summit, directly related to the criterion that was
considered the most important to defend, criterion iv. Subsequently, the National
Commission of UNESCO reaffirmed the decision that the fortifications of Elvas also
qualify through criteria ii and i, and so in this section of the "justification"
(comparative analysis), we present the conclusions of the comparative study -
because of its size, we will keep it in its entirety as an attachment - and will proceed also
to the comparative analysis related to criteria ii and i.
413
Criteria (i): represent a masterpiece of human creative genius.
Justification:
a) The mathematical precision already shown in point 2.b.2.4.3 with which the Dutch
Jesuit Cosmander applied Samuel Marolois's maxims and fortification tables to an
orographically completely irregular context (fortifications of the historical centre);
School of fortification worldwide; Elvas is the best example of its kind to survive to our day, as is
confirmed by the statement of the Dutch expert Edwin Paar, of the Foundation Menno van
Coehoor.
b) Fort of Santa Luzia is paradigmatic of the highly functional character of bulwarked

military architecture, in sacrificing a perfect - and redundant - geometric regularity in order to
maximize the military effectiveness of the territorial defensive system to which it belongs (see
section 2.b.2.4.3.3).
conditioned strongly by its location and available space.
We in the present day are not the only ones who have considered it a masterpiece of its time. At
the end of the 18th century, experienced European military men already thought so, among
them Christian, Prince of Waldeck (Principality of Germany), engaged with the post of
Marshal, on 10 March 1797 to assist the Marshal General Duke of Lafes, Commander-in-
Chief of the Portuguese army. From his journey of inspection made in 1798, the following
reference to the fort remains:
The fort continues to be a masterpiece of fortification, incorporating all the skill and art
available at the time () The casemates, mines, chapel, cisterns, governor's house, 7
guardhouses, all is noteworthy. () Note: It is all very well organised.
414
Comparative analysis
a.1) Fortifications of the historical centre (See criterion iv, b.1)
b.1) Fort of Santa Luzia
We can say that in situations where the terrain is flat and isolated, all forts are, necessarily,
regular in shape. We can also say that in other topographic circumstances, in special
orographic conditions uneven and mountainous - military bulwarked architecture is required
to adapt itself to the terrain, and as a result its layout is irregular. What happens with the Fort of
Santa Luzia is that, not being bound by natural reasons (orographic), to be irregular,
asymmetric, etc., it nonetheless adopts this irregularity (as it is explained in detail in section
2.b.2.4.3.3) to gain military effectiveness, to the point of weakening structures so that if it was
taken by the enemy, it would not represent a great danger to the city, which would be able to
overpower it. This is why it is a paradigmatic example of the functional character of bulwarked
architecture and why it is understandably difficult to find similar cases.
c.1) Fort of Graa
To ensure its defensive capability and its firepower in the strategic environment in which it
operates, the Fort of Graa had to incorporate, in a very limited space, everything that other
forts have without such limitations. The solution, necessarily, was to build in depth, in overlap,
which resulted in a gigantic and technically very complicated task. To cite an example, the
central redoubt alone has seven floors, from the cistern to the terrace on the governor's house;
as for the magistral it has barracks in the underground of the terrapleins, and in its ascent
towards the ditch of the central redoubt, it has numerous rooms at different levels for a variety
of functions. That is, everything that was in the open air in other forts, built at the same time [for
example, Fort de San Fernando de Figueres (Spain), Fort William (India) and Fort
Stanwix (USA)] (Figs. 3.c.2, 3, 4), the Fort of Graa had to build in overlay (Fig. 3.c.1), in an
admirable rationalisation of space, attaining a final geometric and somewhat unforeseeable
regularity, with the defensive details set out at length in section 2. b.2.4.4.
It is also interesting to note that none of its contemporary forts (from the second half of the 18th
century) mentioned here has a central redoubt, either with or without a Governor's House on
top of it. This feature is also evident in the Fort of Santa Luzia, and is not found in other major
Spanish forts or citadels - Ciudadela de Jaca (16th and 17th centuries), Ciudadela de
Pamplona (16th and 17th centuries), Fuerte de la Concepcin (17th and 18th centuries) - nor in
any other fort or citadel of the L'Oeuvre de Vauban series. In other eighteenth century forts
415
from the U.S.A. that we researched, we did not find this feature either: Fort Ticonderoga (or
Fort Carillon) (1754-1757) and Fort Duquesne (1754-1758). It is therefore a rare element,
with the objective of making best use of the available space, protecting the cistern and the
central powder-magazine (which is always included), and is crowned by the Governor's
House, from which vantage point it was easier to oversee defensive operations.
3.c.1 FINAL CONCLUSION
Through this comparative analysis, we conclude that one can hardly find a better conceptual
and constructive solution for this entrenchment field of fortifications guarding the main
entrance of the world's oldest border. Its high degree of integrity and conservation make these
thousand years of fortifications and military history a valued tangible and intangible document
which needs to be classified in order to be preserved and studied and to find pathways to its
adaptation to a world that changes at an alarming rate.
416
Figs. 3.c.1 Fort of Graa: aerial view, inner compartments and plan of the main body
417
Figs. 3.c.2 Fort of San Fernando de Figueres (Spain). Built between 1753 and 1808
418
Figs. 3.c.3 Fort William (Calcutta, India). Built by the British between 1758-1781. On the bottom, the interior in 1828
419
Figs. 3.c.4 Fort Stanwix (USA). Construction started in 1758 by the British
420
Criterion (ii): exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or
within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology,
monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design.
Justification:
a) One of the most important peculiarities of Elvas is that it was designed as a frontier
fortress-city (garrison town in the Modern Age) with the resulting architectural, urban
and social consequences.
a.1) Comparative analysis
In contrast to many other cities (of the 17th and 18th centuries) or strategic sites, defended by
large forts or exterior fortified complexes (Suomenlinna Helsinki; Gulf of Finland Finland)
(San Fernando de Figueres Figueres Spain) (Petrovaradin Serbia) (Fort William
Calcutta/India); in contrast to geometrically perfect fortress-towns designed ex nihilo, with
predominantly military objectives (Palmanova - ltaly) (Neuf-Brisach France) (Terezn
Czech Republic); in contrast to cities featuring citadels that defended but also controlled them
(Arras France) (Besanon France); in contrast to fortifications that grew out of exclusively
strategic considerations, in which the urban aspects, that is, the relationship with the nearby
settlements was completely irrelevant (Fenestrelle - ltaly); in contrast to countless cities in
which, despite their having bulwarked girdles to defend them, the military sector - generally
consisting of a garrison of small size in peacetime was clearly set apart and had no logistic
autonomy; Elvas has always been a frontier garrison town, wholly autonomous in logistical
terms and in which the military and the civil blended together.
In its interior, Elvas today exhibits a multitude of buildings that formerly had an exclusively
military function (see section 2.a.5) (Fig. 1.e.8) (Fig. 3.a.1). And we say "exclusively" because
the whole city had some military functions, including its convents, Town Halls and private
houses, since soldiers were billeted on the whole city! The actual barracks that were built, from
the War of Restoration onwards many of them in the vernacular - were paid for by the
population who began to live in them itself from the mid-19th century up until the present day
(low-income families). As mentioned above, from a certain point in its history, anyone who was
born or lived in Elvas was exempt from military service becausebefore being one (a soldier)
he was already one simply by being born!
The urban network also adapted constantly to functional military needs (see section 2.a.7.1):
- the Place of Arms, centrally sited and surrounded with buildings connoting the religious (the
421
Cathedral) and civil (Guildhall) powers of the 16th century, received the Principal Guard Corps
building in the17th century, and so became, both symbolically and functionally, the city's centre
of military power and operations;
- of the eleven gates of the medieval fortification only three remained, in the sectors that were
geographically and strategically most important, appropriately transformed and supplied with
ravelins, from where the main roads radiated with wide sections allowing the passage of
carriages bearing war equipment and converged on the centre where they were lined with
grander architecture;
- a broad military road now passed through the gorges of the bulwarks and parallel to the
curtains, bypassing the city, allowing easier provisioning of men and ammunition. From its
Arab beginnings, traces of which persist in the architecture and townscape, this planned
version of the modern fortress-town that has survived down to our day embodies an entire
history of constant adaptation in a single document.
a.1.1) Conclusion
In Elvas, Portugal has the culmination of its border fortifications, illustrating how Portugal
secured its border (the oldest in the world) against the might of Spain in the 17th century: with
the cities, fortified and defended by their own inhabitants become soldiers, and thousands of
others who billeted, in wartime, in their own homes, convents and churches. A border-town
garrison where the civil, the military and religious appear intertwined, resulting in a clearly
functional military urbanism.
b) A thousand years of fortification created a whole landscape that remains intact and
well conserved, even outer walls, to an unparalleled extent, and has not been affected
by urban expansion.
b.1) Comparative analysis
The persistence of the military function of the city down to the 21st century explains the
preservation of its characteristics (see section 2.a.7). As we have mentioned above and
reiterate here, a thousand years of fortification created a landscape whose natural relief was
modified by men or fortified, and gave rise to a field entrenchment with a perimeter greater than
7 800 m and an internal area greater than 300 hectares. And all that was built remains intact
and well conserved to an unparalleled extent. Even the ditches and glacis of the historic
centre, which elsewhere have been wholly absorbed by urban expansion here retain the
422
highest degree of preservation ( Fig. 3.a.3):

- between the covered way and the line delimiting the effective range of a musket, the area free
from building is 95,48%;
- between this line and the line delimiting the effective range of a cannon, the area free from
building is 93,12%.
In the forts and fortlets the level of preservation of the glacis is clearly greater.
b.1.1) The city of Luxembourg: its old quarters and fortifications (WHL, 1993)
The fortifications of the city of Luxembourg, legendarily known as the "Gibraltar of the North",
were classified as World Heritage in 1993, more for their intangible value (historic-military
heritage) than for the currently visible (tangible) military architectural heritage. And what
happened with this city happened also to some extent all over Europe and the world, and is the
result of political or political-military decisions tending to the demolition of fortifications. It was
urban development itself which created the conditions for the elimination of girdled-urban
walls. Let us see what the relevant UNESCO dossier has to say on the subject:
The fortifications and the old quarters of the City of Luxembourg constitute an historic
ensemble of major importance. They are an outstanding example of a European fortified town
which illustrates a long period of western history. For this reason the proposed site fully
conforms with criterion iv of the World Heritage List.
With the signature of the Treaty of London in 1867 the European powers confirmed the
perpetual neutrality of the Grand Duchy and, in consequence the evacuation of the fortress
within three months and the demolition of the fortifications. This brought to an end a long
evolution over nine centuries and turned a grim fortress of some 180 ha into an open
city. Dismantlement of more than 24 km of underground defences and some 40,000 m2 of
casemates batteries, barracks, and the like lasted sixteen years and cost over 1.5 million gold
francs. Some elements survive, such as twelve of the 28 gates and a number of redoubts and
forts.1
b.1.2) L'Oeuvre de Vauban (WHL, 2008)
Possible examples would be numerous, but let us see what we can conclude on the subject
from the recently listed "Vauban Oeuvre":
Fortifications of Vauban consists of 12 groups of fortified buildings and sites along the
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western, northern and eastern borders of France. They represent the finest examples of the
work of Sbastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633-1707), a military engineer of King Louis XIV.
The serial property includes towns built from scratch by Vauban, citadels built on plains, urban
bastion walls and bastion towers. There are also mountain forts, sea forts, a mountain battery
and two mountain communication structures. (Dossier UNESCO).
How many of these fortifications may be compared with Elvas with regard to the integrity of its
urban fortifications and their corresponding military landscapes? Consider: there are six
citadels (Arras, Besanon, Blaye, Mont-Louis, Palais and Saint Martin de R), there are three
towers (Camaret-sur-Mer and La Hougue Tatihou), a castle (Bazoches), eight forts
(Besancon, Pt, Mdfoc, Salettes, Trois-Ttes, Randouillet, Dauphin and Ville Franche-de-
Conflent) and the remaining fortifications come under the typology of strongholds (Longwy,
Mont-Dauphin, Neuf-Brisach) and "urban spaces" (Besanon, Brianon, Mont-Louis, Saint-
Martin-de-R and Ville Franche-de-Conflent).
Upon making comparisons, we conclude that:

- Besanon lost two important stretches of its urban curtains;
- Brianon (Fig. 3.c.5) and Mont-Louis-de-Ville Franche Conflent present complete
fortifications but their intramural spaces are not comparable, in size, to Elvas;
- Longwy lost half of its urban girdle;
- Neuf-Brisach is a military town built ex-novo;
- Saint-Martin-de-R has complete urban fortifications but these belong to the typology of
coastal fortifications.
In conclusion, the Vauban series does not present an example that can be comparable to the
integrity of the urban fortifications of Elvas. And outside the series, Le Quesnoy (Fig. 3.c.6)
might be comparable due to its size, were it not for the very incomplete state of the extant
remains and the fact that part of its ditches are flooded, assigning it, therefore, to another
typology.
b.1.3) Of the set of all 14 major fortifications we selected for the comparative analysis in
relation to criterion iv, we may conclude the following from their respective survey sheets,
and specifically the items on "Constitution" and "Integrity" (Annex I):
- Only at Brianon (Cit Vauban) (of much smaller dimensions), Naarden, Terezin, Galle
and Valletta do the fortifications that protected their city centres survive in a substantially
complete state (although in the last mentioned case, the connection of the Cottonera-Fort
1
(http://whc.unesco.org/archive/advisory_body_evaluation/699.pdf)
424
Ricasoli and the fortifications that protected the Corradino have been lost).
- Fortifications of towns, now classified as World Heritage, such as San Juan de Puerto Rico,
Cartagena de las Indias and So Salvador da Bahia, have lost a considerable part of their
urban curtains and corresponding bulwarks.
- Petrovaradin, in Serbia, a large fortified city that is not classified, has also lost a large part of
its curtains (to the east).
- Of the five Dutch fortified cities, paradigms of the First (or Old) Dutch Method of fortification,
Bourtange and Heusden were entirely rebuilt in the 1960s, conserving the remaining girdled
walls, although they are of smaller dimensions than Elvas and were transformed by later
rehabilitation measures, some of which occurred in World War II.
In relation to the conservation of the glacis of the urban fortifications, the comparison would be
even more favourable to Elvas. Moreover, in the context of the Iberian Peninsula, there is no
bulwarked town with the degree of integrity and preservation that is comparable to Elvas. The
set of fortifications closest to Elvas is at Ciudad Rodrigo, although it has a much poorer
architectural constitution: its layout is essentially tenailled and has lowered medieval walls.
b.1.4) Conclusion
In terms of urban bulwarked girdles, almost all sites have suffered substantial losses due to the
need for urban expansion and modernization, and having only retained, in the best of cases,
the citadels and the forts.
425
Fig. 3.c.5 - Brianon, Cit Vauban
Fig. 3.c.6 - Le Quesnoy
426

technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human
history.
Justification:
surviving to the present day (Fig. 3.c.7; Table I).
a.1) Comparative analysis
As it was established, methodologically, that we should only compare fortifications or sets of

fortified structures of large dimensions, the first difficulty was finding these for comparison. In
general, the innumerable countries that responded to our requests started by saying that they
did not possess any fortification on the scale of Elvas, going on to indicate their heritage in this
typology. In fact, analysing Table I, we can verify that, even within the selected fortifications, the
disproportion between the biggest and the smallest is evident. Of the 15 fortifications, only nine
exceed a 4, 000 m perimeter, only seven surpass the 50 ha of the fortified internal area and
only nine possess ten or more bulwarks or half bulwarks. It should also be stressed, that these
three sets are not entirely coincident, given that, geometrically, polygon A can have double the
perimeter of polygon B but a smaller area. The same discrepancy can be found between the
number of bulwarks and half bulwarks and the internal area of an urban fortification. Notice that
Naarden only possesses six bulwarks, and has a perimeter that is a little less than half of that of
Elvas, but its internal area is the third largest. We should also mention that we did not
distinguish, in this fortified internal area, the urban spaces from the spaces belonging to the
actual fortifications (to the forts, for example).
Other important criteria influenced the selection of the fortifications for this comparative study:
we gave precedence to those fortifications that could broaden the historical-geographic
representation of the study and the typologies closer to the case of Elvas, to the detriment of
the exclusivity of the starting criterion, namely dimensions. That is, we excluded fortifications
of greater dimensions than those that are presented in Table I, having privileged the historical-
geographic representation and border fortified sets. As an example, we did not consider Le
Quesnoy, in France, which is one of the largest fortifications in the world (the perimeter is
approximately 3 456 m along the exterior circumference that includes the entire fortification -,
around 95 ha with 8 bulwarks and half bulwarks), and we privileged, in the same country, the
fortifications of Brianonnais, equally large in their ensemble and closest in composition and
427
strategic function to those of Elvas. Since Le Quesnoy is a fortification with water-filled moats,
we then had no choice but to include Naarden, in the Netherlands, to represent this typology
and also because that country is of great importance due to its military architectural heritage.
For reasons of historical-geographic representation, we included Komrno-Komrom
(Slovakia and Hungary), Salvador da Bahia (Brazil), Fort William (India) and Galle (Sri Lanka),
although they present a relatively small perimeter and number of bulwarks.
Another selection criterion was uniqueness of form in conjunction with dimensions. The
fortress of Fenestrelle (Italy), is very extensive (it occupies a mountain crest of approximately
1, 500 m in length), served as a border fortification and has an unusual composition that we
consider important.
Before we present the conclusions, it is best regarding dimensions to mention some

considerations about a possible hierarchy of the measurements used: fortified perimeter,
internal fortified area and number of bulwarks and half bulwarks. The internal fortified area is
without doubt the least important factor in comparing the dimensions of fortifications. In the
case of Naarden versus Elvas, we have already explained why above. There is also some risk
of fallacy considering perimeters: we have already stated that a coastal fortification can have
enormous wall extensions without a single bulwark, with artillery pieces firing in barbette (over
the parapet), as was done before the appearance of bulwarked fortifications. Therefore, we
submit that the best measure for comparison of bulwarked fortifications is, precisely, the
number of bulwarks and half bulwarks present, followed by the perimeter and lastly the internal
fortified area.
a.1.1) Conclusion
The bulwarked fortifications of Elvas are, in their entirety, the largest in the world in their
typology of dry-ditched bulwarked land fortifications (as to the number of bulwarks, as to the
perimeter, as to the internal fortified area). Taking coastal fortifications into account, only La
Valletta has larger dimensions.
428
Fig. 3.c.7 Field entrenchment of Elvas
429
SUMMARY OF THE COMPARATIVE STUDY-DIMENSIONS

TABLE I
430
b) The bulwarked fortifications of the Historic Centre are the best extant evidence of the
Old Dutch Method of fortification in the world.
b.1) Comparative analysis
Designed by the Dutch Jesuit Jan Ciermans (1602-1648), born in 's-Hertogenbosch (in Latin,
Sylvamducis), the bulwarked fortifications of the historic centre are a result of the application
on the ground of the main geometric characteristics of the First (or Old) Dutch Method of
fortification. This method, of Italian origin, was developed by the Dutch, in its practical aspects,
during the Eighty Years' War against the Habsburg Empire during which the outstanding
constructor was the mathematician and engineer Adriaen Anthoniszoon (c. 1543-1643) and
in theory, at the University of Leiden (founded 1575) and in its School of Engineering (founded
1600). The treatise authors Simon Stevin (1548/49-1620), Samuel Marolois (1572-1627) and
Adam Freitag (1602-1664), who influenced the whole of the Low Countries, distinguished
themselves here.
At 2.b.2.4.3 above we demonstrated mathematically that Jan Ciermans applied the

fortification tables of Samuel Marolois to the magistral line of the historic centre; but we have
also shown, using documents, that at that time the Portuguese treatise writers already
recognised that Elvas belonged to the Dutch School.
Four centuries on from the apogee of bulwarked fortifications in general, the remodelling and
updating that they underwent all over Europe up until the 19th century, their general
obsolescence from the mid-19th century, the destructive juggernaut of urban development
and even the reconstructions in the 20th century that took away much of their authenticity,
have left Elvas with the best extant evidence of the Old Dutch Method of fortification.
b.1.1) The best examples in Netherlands (Figs. 3.c.8 and 3.c.8a)
The Naarden of the Old Dutch Fortification System, built by Adriaen Anthoniszoon starting
from 1577, is no longer in existence. Sometime in the second half of the 17th century it was
modified into an example of the New Dutch Fortification System.
The primitive fortification of Bourtange, built at the end of the 16th century, also underwent the
same process, until, in 1851, it began to be dismantled; in 1960 it was reconstructed in its 1754
form.
Heusden was built between 1579 and 1597. It was altered afterwards; it was left in ruins and
431
later dismantled in the 19th century. The fortification was reconstructed in 1968 using as its
basis a 1649 plan.
The city of Hulst, whose medieval fortifications were improved by the Spanish in 1572, was
conquered by the Dutch in 1591 and its fortifications were modernised. The Spanish once
again conquered the city in 1596, and its fortifications were remodelled starting from 1618; in
1645, the Dutch conquered the city for good. In spite of the transformation they underwent, the
fortifications, smaller than those of Elvas, preserve elements of the Old Dutch Fortification
System.
Nieuwpoort is a very small fortification, having only six bulwarks, but it still conserves its
original structure.
Willemstad clearly displays its origins, conceived according to the old method. However, in
the bulwarks on its western side, the Germans built barracks during World War II.
b.1.2) Outside Netherlands
Outside the Netherlands, many fortifications were built and remodelled by the Dutch, during
their colonial and commercial apogee (in the 17th century). A good example of a Portuguese-
Dutch fortification is Galle (Fig. 3.c.9), in Sri Lanka, a World Heritage Site. But the overseas
Dutch fortifications, in general, display considerable modification; even Galle underwent, in
the 19th century and during World War II, a number of unfortunate modifications (ICOMOS
report).
b.1.3) Conclusion
As regards evidence of the Old Dutch Fortification System that have survived down to our day,
whether it is outside the Netherlands, or in the home country, there is not one example that is as
complete, authentic and on the same scale as the fortifications of the historic centre of Elvas.
432
HULST
BOURTANGE
HEUSDEN
Figs. 3.c.8 Dutch fortifications, examples of the Old-Dutch Method of Fortification
433
NAARDEN
NIEUWPOORT
WILLEMSTAD
Figs. 3.c.8a - Dutch fortifications, examples of the Old-Dutch Method of Fortification
434
Figs. 3.c.9 Fortifications of Galle, Sri Lanka
435
3.d INTEGRITY AND AUTHENTICITY
a) Integrity
A detailed description of the bulwarked fortifications of Elvas, in its six units

(Fortifications of the City or Historic Centre, Fort of Santa Luzia, Fort of Graa and Fortlets of
So Mamede, So Pedro and So Domingos or of Piedade), together with an abundance of
graphic elements (drawings and photographs) a task that we discussed in sections 1 and 2
prove, unquestionably, the integrity of the property which is a World Heritage candidate. As
already mentioned, of all the bulwarked fortifications ever built, only one fortlet has
disappeared, that of So Francisco, which was of similar size to the three remaining. All the
other units have remained intact and in a good general state of conservation, as shown in
section 2. (Description), this in part is due to their continual use, in the many functions they
served - military, prison, cultural, etc. - up to the present day. This is also true of the buildings
with a military function (section 2.a.5), although not of the fortifications properly so-called, and
at the present time they continue to be used for similar (i.e. military) or other (namely cultural)
purposes, which do not in any way compromise their integrity. Even the Fort of Graa, the only
large fortification in a disused state, maintains a perennial intactness because of its impressive
construction and also due to the fact that it remained a military prison until 1989.
If we want to be more precise, we can specify that the only change undergone by the
bulwarked fortifications of the historic centre was the construction of the viaduct between the
bulwark of So Joo de Deus and the redan of Cascalho (see section 2.b.2.3.1), begun in
1949, and completed in the following decade, but the only thing that was removed was a piece
of parapet the width of the viaduct. This prevented the destruction of the existing three double
gates of the fortification, which remain in use.
Even in the medieval fortifications, where the castle remains untouched, its integrity
was not affected over time, and the same can be said of the first two city walls: over much of
their length, sometimes in full view, at others hidden among the abutting houses, one can see
that there are still many turrets and some gates. Only the third city wall to be built, the
Fernandina, was almost completely destroyed, and in its place, the bulwarked girdle was built
reusing the material. It still surrounds the historic centre.
We can conclude that the candidate property can easily surpass any requirement as to
its integrity, in this application: comparing the latest military plans (18th and 19th centuries) that
show the building of the fortifications, still in full operation, with the existing one, one can readily
state that the bulwarked fortifications of Elvas have remained intact; looking at them in detail,
we have to conclude that their degree of conservation is very high.
436
b) Authenticity
b.1) General constitution and information sources
In Chapter 2.b.2.2, we discussed in detail the evolution of the fortifications, concluding

that the bulwarked ones are still in virtually the same state as when they were rendered
obsolete in the 19th century. This means that their general condition unquestionably
contributes to their authenticity. The credibility of the information sources for establishing
these comparisons is unassailable: we compared the original plans with the present surveys
and we also used military reports of the time for the periods in question.
b.2) Urban encroachment on the landscape
From an urban point of view, we would like to emphasise that the urban expansion
beyond the wall of the historic centre only happened, in a systematic way, from the 1960s, due
to the persistence of military dominion over the city and its surroundings. This fact helped
safeguard the girdle of glacis that surround the bulwarked fortifications of the historic centre,
not to mention the two forts, which remain completely isolated from any built-up area. As for
the three fortlets, only one - that of So Pedro has a built-up area in its vicinity, however, its
surrounding area is duly protected. In relation to road communication with the historic centre,
the three double gates of the bulwarked fortification remain in use; the only thing that was
added was the viaduct, which we have already mentioned, and but for which, the
corresponding curtain would have been destroyed. In other words, we can conclude that the
urban expansion that occured in the 20th century did not encroach on the landscape setting of
the field entrenchment.
b.3) Forms, materials and building techniques
While the bulwarked fortifications remain essentially in their mature, 19th century state,
the evaluation of other indicators of authenticity in a broader sense, relating for example to
forms, materials and building techniques, should be based mainly on a critical analysis of the
interventions carried out during the 20th century and in this early part of the 21st century. This
analysis was discussed in Chapter 2.b.2.3, with the support of a doctoral thesis15. "We
conclude that the authenticity of the bulwarked fortifications is unquestionable.
b.4) Functions
We also took into account whether the bulwarked fortifications, and other buildings that
437
are not fortifications but have always had a military or religious function, have continued to
accommodate many military units to the present-day. Very recently, some buildings that
originally had military functions were rehabilitated for other functions, particularly related to
culture, higher education and tourism. That is, from a functional point of view, a great part of
the fortifications and buildings attached to them remained in military use down to our day or
retained other functions in character with their historical architectural dignity, which is also a
factor in authenticity.
15
BUCHO, Domingos Herana Cultural e Prticas do Restauro Arquitectnico em Portugal durante o Estado Novo. Interveno nas Fortificaes do
Distrito de Portalegre, Universidade de vora, vora, 2000. (Exists in pre-publication copies)
438
ANNEX VII
439
THE CIVIL AND
RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURAL
HERITAGE OF ELVAS
THE CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE OF ELVAS
Little today remains of the Roman Elvii or of the Islamic Ielche, occupied once and
for all by the armies of D. Sancho II on 7 September 1228. Elvas is, however, one
of examples that best justifies F. Braudel's assertion that medieval walls functioned
as a made-to-measure belt. Precisely because its ability to attract new residents,
those drawn to it, finding no room intra muros, looked to the outside to settle and
thus expand the city. In these outskirts, which were successively surrounded by
new sections of wall, we find a city which is organically formed around the gates
and the lines of communication, thus weakening the line of demarcation that the
wall represented by incorporating them into a new urban logic. This is what
happened on the three occasions it was necessary to surround and protect the new
buildings in line with medieval defensive philosophy.
The last of these enclosing walls, the Fernandina (14th century), although it surrounded
spaces that had not yet been built upon, gives us an idea of the economic, political and
military importance of Elvas. With its 22 towers and 11 gates (Porta dos Banhos, Porta
de Badajoz, Porta dos Mrtires, Porta de Olivena, Porta de vora, Porta de S. Pedro,
Porta de S. Francisco, Porta dos Enforcados, Porta de S. Martinho, Porta do Templo
and Porta do Hospital), this new wall enfolded peripheral buildings, such as the
Monastery of S. Domingos, and protected all its inhabitants, Christians, Muslims and
Jews alike. The Register of Population of the Kingdom, 1527, presents a city with 1916
households within its walls, which, for the time, amounts to an important urban centre.
In this period we find traces of the Islamic occupation, not only in the urban grid
adjoining the alcova (medieval muslim fortress), but also in the horseshoe arches, at
the Gates of the Alcova and of the Well of Alcal. The Christian occupation soon
began to replace the most significant and symbolic religious elements, as happened in
the Mosque that later gave way to the church of Santa Maria da Alcova. The
medieval Guildhall (Paos do Concelho), at the northern point of the Largo do
Salvador, the Rua dos Mercadores, the Rua dos Aougues, and the medieval Jewish
Quarter (Rua de Aires Varela, de Joo de Olivena and dos Sapateiros) define an
economically important area which expanded beyond the walls under D. Joo I, and
with the creation of the New Jewish Quarter after 1425 in the reign of D. Joo I in the
area of Rua de Alcamim and de Olivena. Walking through the city we still come
across traces of medieval and gothic doorways and arches, or 14th-century and
1
Manueline windows, of old houses, but also of several of the Inns that opened in the
city, linked to parishes and religious orders. In 1437, six inns and a hospice were
identified, all with purely welfare functions. It is therefore in this area, including the Rua
da Feira, da Carreira, das Beatas and S. Pedro that we will find more significant traces
of the medieval city as well as an interesting 14th-century house with twin windows.
Outside the walls of the settlement, in the flat area to the south, was the Mouraria,
where the emancipated Moors lived, with the permission of D. Afonso III given in a
letter dated 1270, which refers expressly to the land granted to the Moors, between the
road leading from the New Gate towards the baths, and the other road towards
Badajoz, with the privileges and freedoms that Afonso V confirmed in 1446.
One of the oldest monumental buildings in the city is therefore the Church of Santa
Maria da Alcova, built as early as the 13th century on the foundations of the old
mosque. It was granted by the royal patronage of D. Dinis in 1303 to the Order of Avis,
and it is likely that the original building still incorporated reworked elements of the
earlier Mosque. Remodelled successively in the 16th, 17th (1610 and 1662) and 18th
(1741) centuries, the church is a basilica in plan, with 3 vaulted naves and 4 series of
bays of semicircular arches and octagonal columns, surviving from the late medieval
structure. The last vestiges of the square mosque architecture, four naves on stone
columns of nine hand-spans, as described by Aires Varela, disappeared with the
elimination of the fourth nave in the 18th century. Later interventions in 1758 and at
more recent dates are known about. Particularly worthy of note are two stone images
preserved in the church: a Piet from the end of the 15th century, in a niche on the gable
of the faade and a Madonna with Child, also 15th century, from the Bencasados chapel
that was demolished in the late 1960s to improve access to Republic Square (Praa da
Repblica).
A similar fate befell the Church of Salvador, also built in the 13th century, and much
altered in the 15th century the surviving remains are of the latter date on the site of
the former Public Butchery, where the skeleton of a reasonable-sized church remains,
with three aisles of octagonal pillars, defining four series of bays without a chevet. The
destruction of the church occurred, apparently, in the earthquake of 1755, which had a
significant effect on the geological fault line that passes under the city. The former
Jesuit College of Santiago became the parish church after the expulsion of the Fathers
of the Society of Jesus by the Marquis of Pombal.
Not far from here is the Church of S. Pedro, headquarters of the parish and seat of a
Commendary of the Templars. Founded before the capitulation of the city in 1227, it
2
presents a 13th-century Gothic portal, the only surviving element of the original building,
which was remodeled in the 15th century, giving it the basic structure that it still has
today, with 3 aisles separated by pointed arches (in the first two series of bays) and
semicircular arches in the last, supported on octagonal dressed stone columns with
smooth capitals. As early as the 16th century the chancel was covered by a dome
illuminated by a lantern tower, wherein is found the main point of artistic interest of the
building: a series of stuccoed Mannerist sculptures of fantastic and carnivalesque
figures. The most recent restorations were carried out in the 18th and 19th centuries,
after the earthquake - the new and uncharacteristic faade and the nave vault were
added in 1877. Two 17th-century screens depict the Vision of St. Paul and The Birth of
Jesus, and a piece of wooden statuary from the same period, representing the Holy
Mother, deserves special mention. Of the rich coating of azulejos (tin glazed ceramic
tilework) the church once boasted only 2 panels remain, one representing the Holy
Eucharist, attributed by Eurico Gama to Antonio Antunes of Lisbon in1696, while the
other panel, The Baptism of Christ, can be dated to the second half of the 18th century.
Outside the early urban nucleus and abutting the eastern section of the Fernandina
wall, stands the convent complex of S. Domingos, dedicated to Nossa Senhora Dos
Martires, where the Chapel of the same patron saint had stood, in memory of
Christians killed in the conquest of the city. Founded in 1267 by D. Afonso III, the
Convent had an inn and a hospice attached, later demolished on Cosmander's orders
to make way for the construction of the 17th century walls. Although the Convent is no
longer there, transformed into barracks in the 19th century, the church still in essence
retains its original outline, which conform to the architectural norms of medieval
mendicant orders, with three naves, the central one higher than the others, roofed with
wood and divided into 5 rows of bays by thick composite pillars surmounted by pointed
arches. The transept, giving the church the traditional basilica form of a Latin cross,
reaches the same height as the main nave it too is roofed with wood - giving access to
the extraordinary polygonal apse, made entirely of dressed stone, which Chic
considered one of the most perfect pieces of Portuguese Gothic, and to four
rectangular apsidioles. The original faade was replaced by another after 1553 at the
behest of Dom Joo III, and again altered in the 17th century, giving it three portals and a
somewhat heavy character. Inside, the main feature is the former Chapter House (now
the Sacristy), a veritable Pantheon of the Sequeiras, together with the tombs bearing
the arms of Dona Isabel do Couto de Atade, 1621, or Joo Rodrigues do Amaral, also
17th century, in the arcosolium in the transept. Finally on the artistic merits of the church
mention should be made of the stone image of Nossa Senhora Dos Martires, dating
perhaps from when the church was founded, of the 16th century wooden panels from
3
around 1555, representing the Virgin in the Temple, The Adoration of the Magi, The
Flight into Egypt and the The Boy Jesus Among the Teachers and lastly of the set of six
azulejo panels from the middle of the 18th century, representing scenes from the life of
S. Domingos.
In the sixteenth century there was a major renovation of the architecture and centrality
of the city. Largescale undertakings had a profound impact on the urban layout with
the creation of new streets (da Carreira, dos Cavalos and dos Quartis) and of a new
square which would become a centre of administrative, economic and religious life.
Indeed, the opening of Praa Nova, now the Praa da Repblica, and the construction
at its edge of the Guildhall, with a beautiful gallery facing the square, and of the future
Cathedral meant that ultimately the city centre was shifted to here, and it was granted
this title on 20 April 1513.
The city grew with the construction of large buildings: the Guildhall, the Bishop's
Palace, the manor houses of the Mesquitas, the Silvas, the Mesquita-Pimentels, the
Cunhas, the Coutinhos, and the Melos (an interesting 18th century turreted house) and
the richly azulejo-covered Palace of the Marquis of Alegrete, notable for its hunting
scenes and the rocaille panels depicting stories, attributed by Reinaldo dos Santos to
the Fbrica do Rato and dated by Santos Simes to between 1770-80.
The hospital, adapted from the convent of the Hospitallers of S. Joo de Deus, retained
the outside gallery of semicircular arches, supported on marble colonettes, and is
accessible through a Joanino doorway bearing the royal arms.
On 9 June 1570, the bull Super cunctas was issued by the new Pope Pius V creating
the new Diocese of Elvas, at the request of Dom Sebastio, with Antnio Mendes de
Carvalho as its first Bishop. The new diocese was subject to the authority of the
Archdiocese of vora, and covered the territories of Elvas, Arronches, Monforte,
Campo Maior and Olivena. It was abolished by Pope Leo XIII in 1882, then absorbed
in to that of vora, and has been an Archpresbytery since 1965. The Church of Nossa
Senhora da Praa was chosen as the headquarters of the new diocese; it stands on the
site of a 14th century church dedicated solely to Nossa Senhora do Aougue. The
current church, begun in 1517 and built to a plan attributed to the royal architect
Francisco de Arruda, was renamed Nossa Senhora da Assuno, the name it retains
today. It was consecrated, while still incomplete, in 1537, and opened for worship
while work continued under the direction of master Jorge Mendes. The faade was
finally completed in the mid-16th century, at which time it was also fortified it remains
4
so to this day with an authentic tower protecting the main entrance. This choice was
inspired by medieval forms and it is similar in appearance to the Church of Madalena in
Olivena, also in the Diocese. Its main door, dated 1657 and in a discrete classical
style, replaced the original, designed by Miguel de Arruda by order of Cardinal D.
Henrique in 1550.
The building, with Manueline-Mudejar features, is characterized by the obvious

archaism of its side elevations, late Gothic in inspiration, and it has a broad interior of
three naves and five rows of bays with elegant pillars of four cruciform columns topped
with fine capitals that support the formeret semicircular arches forming the division
between the sides and the central nave, which is higher and lit by a broad clerestory.
The roof is finely rib-vaulted, a characteristic of Manueline art, with a decorative
interplay between the keystones and the corbels and capitals, where we find subjects
dear to the medieval imagination such as mermaids, snakes and biblical motifs, such
as Daniel in the Lions' Den. Particularly noteworthy is the vault of the central nave,
supported by an intricate system of 7 bundles of ribbing and grotesque paintings,
further vitiated by mannerist subjects. Among the paintings still to be seen in the
church, a St. Anthony and Child by Bento Coelho da Silveira of 1707, and the one in the
Chapel of the Conception, painted in 1779 and attributed to Cyrillo Wolkmar Machado,
stand out.
The chancel, by Pro Vaz Pereira and Manuel Ribeiro, 1599, was replaced in 1749,
after its demolition in 1734, because it was thought too small and did not reflect the
taste of the time, and the marble altarpiece displays the pontifical arms of Bishops Dom
Pedro and Dom Baltasar de Vllas-Boas, the family that commissioned the work. This
altar includes a panel by the Italian painter Lorenzo Gramiera, representing the
Assumption of the Virgin, datable to 1748, which replaced one by Luis de Morales.
Note finally the 17th century carpet-style polychrome azulejos, commissioned by
Bishop Antnio Matos de Noronha, and especially the monumental organ, which
Robert Smith considers the greatest piece of gilded wood-carving in the Alentejo -
commissioned by Bishop Loureno de Lancastre, in 1762, from the Italian organ
maker Pasquale Ordoni, but not completed and installed until 1777.
Behind the former Cathedral is the Church of Nossa Senhora da Consolao, also
known as the Domnicas because it was built for nuns of the Order of S. Domingos,
bordering the place that used to be called the Largo das Freiras ('of the Nuns'). It is the
only building that survives from the former convent complex which made way for the
construction of the chancel of the Cathedral in 1599. The church is built on the site of a
5
medieval Templar church dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, and has an unusual
octagonal plan that may have been inspired by an earlier Knights Templars rotunda
(round) church, similar to those of Segovia or Tomar, to cite nearby examples, and is
directly inspired by the plan of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The monastery,
founded in 1528 by the sisters Maria do Rosario and Madalena da Cruz, was begun in
1543 and completed around 1557, it has a markedly Renaissance aspect, immediately
obvious in the classical doorway that is its main exterior decorative feature. The
unusually high interior is marked by the eight fine marble columns that define the
octagon and support an entablature at the base of the elegant octagonal cupola that,
like the interior walls, is completely covered by 17th-century azulejos, dating from 1659,
an initiative of Sor Luisa Bautista. The decoration is completed by the grotesque
paintings ordered by Sor Catarina de Cena, in 1676, and a unique sculptural
decoration dating from 1552 in the dome above the main altar, with five segments
showing motifs in stucco, ranging from grotesques to putti, helmets and shields,
showing strong similarities with the reliefs of S. Pedro's, although the later are more
erudite. Note finally a canvas representing St. Catherine of Siena, which Vitor Serro
attributes to the vora Mannerist painter Pedro Nunes.
Beside the Cathedral the Chapter House, an annex built around 1609, still stands. Its
main room is decorated with stucco and 18th-century paintings by Antonio de Sequeira,
representing the Four Cardinal Virtues. Not far away is the former Bishops' Palace, a
work of the late 16th century, much modified in 1785, notable for the decorated dressed
stone of its doors and outside windows, and for its panels of azulejos from 1627, mainly
in a carpet-styled decoration and one figurative, with the arms of Bishop D. Sebastio e
Matos de Noronha, attributed by Reinaldo dos Santos to Miguel Martins.
Of the convents which survive in the city, we may first mention Nossa Senhora da
Conceio, seat of the Xabregana sisters of Saint Clair, founded in 1526 from a legacy
by D. Margarida Pereira and D. Joana de Brito. What remains of the complex, greatly
altered from the 17th century, is notably the church, of simple design, with the side
entrance that is usual in Clarissan churches, and displaying a significant series of 17th-
century azulejos inside, those in the main body of the church dating from 1630-40 and
those in the chancel from the end of the century between 1685 and 1698. The latter
are the most interesting, in a blue and white carpet-style decoration, incorporating four
panels of albarradas with the arms of the Britos e Farias, patrons of the chapel.
Almost in front of the Clarissan convent church is the remarkable Church of the
Terceiros, headquarters of the Third Order of St. Francis in Elvas, which was
established in 1663, although the church itself was not begun until 1701, in a first
6
campaign of works completed in 1719. Badly damaged in the earthquake of 1755
(which ruined the other convent buildings) the church was rebuilt in the 18th century, at
which time the extraordinary gilded wood-carving was added in the chevet, of an
exceptional quality, giving the chancel an air of a genuine gilded cave. The church is
otherwise very simple, with a modest Baroque doorway of 1761 and an interesting
series of ten narrative azulejo panels on the bare walls of the single-nave building,
dateable to 1760-65 and depicting events in the Life of St. Francis.
Of the convents of S. Joo da Corujeira, S. Joo de Deus, and S. Paulo no more than
ruins survive, or at most remains that have been greatly altered and reused for other
purposes. The 18th century faade of the last mentioned is particularly interesting and
is redolent of the early Joanino Baroque. The earlier (1518) buildings of the Convent of
S. Francisco suffered some vicissitudes and it was 'relocated' in 1591 to the more
salubrious hill opposite the city where it stands today. A simple building, its main merit
lies in the architectural ensemble, of markedly 18th century character.
The former College of Santiago, of the Society of Jesus today the Church of Salvador
deserves special mention, not only for its artistic merit but also because it houses the
richly endowed Municipal Museum. The Jesuits settled in Elvas in 1659, when D.
Afonso VI made them a gift of the Chapel of Santiago, and built their College,
consecrated in 1692, of which virtually only the church survives. This follows the
Society of Jesus model, consisting of a faade with three simple doors and an equally
simple single-nave interior covered by a tunnel vault. The decoration is confined
mainly to the chevet, with a rich gilded wood-carving in the chancel, built at the time of
foundation, which Robert Smith classes as of national style, and especially the original
tempera painting on the triumphal arch, representing, in the form of a Tree of Life the
genealogy of the main Saints of the Society of Jesus.
The Santa Casa da Misericordia of Elvas, founded between 1501 and 1540, remains
essentially in place, though it was much altered in the 18th century. It consists of the
church and an annex building housing the Governing Board Headquarters and
Hospital, and it had its own pharmacy from 1721, planned by the architect Jos
Francisco de Abreu. In the axis of the main entrance there is a stairway giving access
to the upper storey, where the artistic highlight is the notewothy Consistory Hall, with its
marble altar in the rear wall and especially the rich series of ten azulejo panels, painted
in blue and white and dateable to around 1740, depicting events in the Life of Saint
Elizabeth, with explicit references to her closeness to the Virgin and the birth of her
son, John the Baptist.
7
The Fonte da Vila (Town Fountain), to where water from the Aqueduct first ran (1622),
was built in the Largo da Misericordia to a design by the architect Pro Vaz Pereira, the
last of the architects working on the completion of the aqueduct. It is in one piece, all in
marble, consisting of a cylindrical body, on top of which are six columns supporting a
hemispherical cupola sporting a ball on its pinnacle. The whole is a kind of miniature
temple in honour of D. Sancho II, who is represented inside as an equestrian statue,
together with the Portuguese coat of arms. Water issues from six spouts in the form of
dolphins, into a lobulate tank surrounded by an iron grille with balusters.
Elvas, in addition to this symbolic Fountain, has an important series of smaller

fountains (S. Loureno, Prata, Del Rei, Gil Vaz and Senhor Jesus da Piedade) that
could form the basis of an interesting themed walk.
We conclude this overview of Elvas's most important religious monuments with the
Church of Senhor Jesus da Piedade, located near the grounds outside the gates of the
city where the Fair of S. Matthew is held. The church was built between 1753 and
1779, by order of Bishop Baltazar de Faria e Villas-Boas, and is the destination of one
of the Alentejo's major pilgrimages, held between 20 and 23 September. Before the
entrance is a walled churchyard lined with neoclassical azulejos, with a faade
including a dressed stone doorway and a window above it with stucco decoration,
flanked by two towers, with bulbous domes, square but positioned diagonally, recalling
nearby models those at Campo Maior or Crato or from further afield, such as, the
churches of Nossa Senhora da Conceio in Praia de Salvador, Brazil, or St. John of
the Rocks in Prague. Inside, two oil paintings by Cyrillo Wolkmar Machado stand out,
representing Our Lady of Grace and The Repentance of St. Peter, as does the
collection of 18th and 19th century ex votos, in adjoining rooms.
Not far from this gate into the city, we can admire one of its most notable engineering
works: the Amoreira Aqueduct. The ability to store water and to control it and ensure its
supply, are of course even more important concerns to a community that lives within a
walled enclosure and, hence, in the event of a military siege, has to survive on its own
resources. Often, apart from wells and cisterns, the fortified system itself created
extensions to protect access, by means of a wall which ended in a tower that protected
the source here it was the Couraa Tower, whose name still survives in Estremoz,
Alenquer, Mrtola and other places, or else survives in toponymic features, such as the
Couraa in Lisbon, in Coimbra, or the side passage known as the Couraas in Chaves.
In an inventory carried out in 1875, 106 cisterns were counted in the city of Elvas.
8
Elvas, the frontier city, bleakly exposed to the possibilities of military harassment,
relied, until the 15th century, on the "Poo (Well) d'Alcal" for its water supply. The
growth of the population of the city made this insufficient and the scarcity of water led to
a search for alternatives, and the solution was about 7 km away in Amoreira where
water was abundant. This is how the idea of an Aqueduct arose to carry water into
Elvas.
The Amoreira Aqueduct is associated with the consumption tax levied on canadas (= 3
English pints) of wine and pounds of meat and fish, the famous "Real d'gua" set up to
support the works that should bring water into the City of Elvas it was originally
imposed in 1498 to pay for rehabilitation of the well - and subsequently extended to
cover the entire country, only to be abolished after the establishment of the Republic.
In 1537, D. Joo III entrusted to Francisco de Arruda the task of "seeing in what way we
can build the work to allow the water of Amoreira to be brought to this city." After many
difficulties and delays of a financial, technical and political nature, in 1622 water from
the source at Amoreira flowed for the first time into the Fonte da Vila, in the Largo da
Misericrdia, a distance of 7504 metres. The monumental nature of the Aqueduct is
best seen in the valley of S. Francisco, with its four tiers of arches and their buttresses,
but we must not ignore its technical and formal splendor throughout every stage of its
journey.
Self-sufficiency of supply could easily be put at risk with any interruption to flow along
the Aqueduct. It was precisely to avoid this that at a time of later military threat, a
monumental Cistern was built that could store water in sanitary conditions, for four
months of siege, in case of rupture of supply. The bomb-proof Cistern, designed by
Nicholas Langres and completed in 1650, receives water from the Aqueduct and is a
remarkable work and an inseparable part of the city's military character, epitomised by
the water supplied from the Amoreira Aqueduct.
9
General view of the gothic chevet and transept of the Church of N Sra. dos Mrtires (Our Lady of the Martyrs), Dominican Convent
General view of the Amoreira Aqueduct
10
Front view of the Cathedral Church of N Sra. da Assuno (Our Lady of the Assumption), overlooking Praa da Repblica (Republic Square)
General interior view of the Cathedral Church of N Sra. da Assuno, looking from the faade towards the chevet; the central nave
vault and the row of formeret arches separating it from the side naves can be seen
11
General view of vault with painted stucco in the Church of S. Pedro
General view of the interior of the Church of the Domnicas
12
General view of the 16th century Old Guildhall
General view of the Chancel in gilded carved wood in the Church of the Terceiros de S. Francisco
13
View of the Largo Fonte da Vila (Town Fountain) with the Misericrdia in the background
General view of the Church of Senhor Jesus da Piedade (Jesus of Piety)
14
Essential Bibliography l
CHIC, Mrio Tavares, A Arquitectura Gtica em Portugal, Lisbon, Horizonte, n.d.

GAMA, Eurico, A Santa Casa da Misericrdia de Elvas, Coimbra Editora, 1954
KEIL, Luis, Inventrio Artstico de Portugal. Distrito de Portalegre (vol. I), Lisbon,
A. N. B. A., 1943
RODRIGUES, Jorge and PEREIRA, Mrio, Elvas, Lisbon, Presena, 1995
SANTOS, Reinaldo dos, O Azulejo em Portugal, Lisbon, 1957
SIMES, Joo dos Santos, Azulejaria em Portugal no Sculo XVIII, Lisbon, F.C.G.,
1979
SMITH, Robert Chester, A Talha em Portugal, Lisbon, Horizonte, 1962
VARELA, Aires, Teatro das Antiguidades de Elvas, Elvas, 1915
15
THE GARRISON
BORDER TOWN
OF ELVAS AND ITS
FORTIFICATIONS

Volume III
4. State of Conservation and factors affecting the property
5. Protection and management of the property
6. Monitoring
7. Documentation
8. Contact information of responsible authorities
9. Signature on behalf of the State party
Annex II Management Plan
Annex VIII Inventory of photographs, slides and other
audiovisual materials and the appropriate authorisation for use
THE GARRISON BORDER
TOWN OF ELVAS
AND ITS FORTIFICATIONS

Volume III
4. State of Conservation and factors affecting the property
5. Protection and management of the property
6. Monitoring
7. Documentation
8. Contact information of responsible authorities
9. Signature on behalf of the State party
Annex II Management Plan
Annex VIII Inventory of photographs, slides and other
audiovisual materials and the appropriate authorisation for use

TABLE OF CONTENTS
4. STATE OF CONSERVATION AND FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY ...................................... 440
4.a GENERAL STATE OF CONSERVATION ............................................................................................. 441

4.a.1 FORTIFICATIONS IN THE HISTORIC CENTRE.................................................................. 442
4.a.1.1 MEDIEVAL FORTIFICATIONS.......................................................................................... 442
4.a.1.1.1 CASTLE......................................................................................................................... 442
4.a.1.1.2 MEDIEVAL CITY WALLS................................................................................................ 444
4.a.1.2 BULWARKED FORTIFICATIONS...................................................................................... 445
4.a.2 FORT OF SANTA LUZIA........................................................................................................ 448
4.a.3 FORT OF GRAA................................................................................................................. 450
4.a.4 FORTLET OF SO MAMEDE............................................................................................... 452
4.a.5 FORTLET OF SO PEDRO.................................................................................................. 453
4.a.6 FORTLET OF SO DOMINGOS OR PIEDADE..................................................................... 454
4.a.7 BUILDINGS WITH A MILITARY FUNCTION.......................................................................... 455
4.b FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY............................................................................................ 456

(i) PRESSURES CAUSED BY DEVELOPMENT................................................................... 456
(ii) ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS................................................................................ 457
(iii) NATURAL DISASTERS.................................................................................................... 457
(iv) TOURIST PRESSURE..................................................................................................... 457
(v) DEMOGRAPHIC CONSTRAINTS.................................................................................... 460
4.b.1 URGENT DECISION ON POTENTIAL THREATS.............................................................................. 461
4.b.2 HOW TO CONSERVE AND MAKE THE MOST OF THE HERITAGE AS A WHOLE............................ 462
5. PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PROPERTY................................................................... 463
5. a STATUS AND STRUCTURE OF THE PROPERTY............................................................................... 464

445
I. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... 464
446
II. PUBLIC STAKEHOLDERS........................................................................................................... 465
448
III. PRIVATE INSTITUTIONAL STAKEHOLDERS............................................................................. 467
449
IV. OTHER PRIVATE STAKEHOLDERS........................................................................................... 468
5. b LEGAL STATUS OF PROTECTION OF THE FORTIFICATIONS OF ELVAS AND THE
SURROUNDING AREA....................................................................................................................... 470
I. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... 470
II. LEGAL STATUS OF THE PROTECTION OF THE CULTURAL HERITAGE................................... 470
III. LEGAL STATUS OF THE PROTECTION OF NATURAL ASSETS IN THE SICA........................... 473
IV. LEGAL STATUS OF PROTECTION RESULTING FROM LAND-USE PLANNING AND

MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS AND FROM NATIONAL DEFENCE CONSIDERATIONS......... 474
5. c MEANS OF IMPLEMENTING PROTECTION MEASURES ................................................................. 475
I. MEANS OF IMPLEMENTING PROTECTION OF THE CULTURAL HERITAGE............................... 476
II. MEANS OF IMPLEMENTING PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND
NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE SICA........................................................................................... 476
III. MEANS OF IMPLEMENTING PROTECTION MEASURES IN THE FRAMEWORK OF URBAN
ADMINISTRATION........................................................................................................................ 477
5. d PLANS IN FORCE RELATING TO THE AREA OF THE PROPERTY..................................................... 479
5. e MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ................................................................................................................... 481
5. f SOURCES AND LEVELS OF FINANCE................................................................................................ 486
5. g SOURCES OF EXPERTISE AND TRAINING IN CONSERVATION AND
MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES.......................................................................................................... 490
5. h VISITOR FACILITIES AND STATISTICS.............................................................................................. 493
5. i POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES RELATED TO THE PRESENTATION AND PROMOTION
OF THE PROPERTY............................................................................................................................ 495
5. j STAFFING LEVELS.............................................................................................................................. 499
6. MONITORING........................................................................................................................................ 502
6. a INDICATORS FOR MEASURING THE STATE OF CONSERVATION.................................................. 503

6. b ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR MONITORING PROPERTY............................................ 517
6. c RESULTS OF PREVIOUS INSPECTIONS........................................................................................... 519
7. DOCUMENTATION................................................................................................................................ 520
7.a INVENTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHS, SLIDES AND OTHER AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS AND

THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORISATION FOR USE............................................................................... 521
7.b DOCUMENTS RELATING TO PROTECTIVE DESIGNATION, COPIES OF
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PLANS OR DOCUMENTED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
AND EXTRACTS OF OTHER PLANS RELEVANT TO THE PROPERTY............................................... 522
7. c FORM AND DATE OF THE MOST RECENT RECORDS OR INVENTORY OF PROPERTY................. 528
7. d ADDRESS WHERE THE INVENTORY, RECORDS AND ARCHIVES ARE HELD................................ 529
7. e SOURCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY........................................................................................................ 530
8. CONTACT INFORMATION OF RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITIES........................................................... 537

8. a FILE COORDINATOR.......................................................................................................................... 538
8. b OFFICIAL LOCAL INSTITUTION......................................................................................................... 538
8. c OTHER LOCAL INSTITUTIONS........................................................................................................... 538

8. d OFFICIAL WEB ADDRESS.................................................................................................................. 539
9. SIGNATURE ON BEHALF OF THE STATE PARTY................................................................................. 540
ANNEX II MANAGEMENT PLAN.............................................................................................................. 542

ANNEX VIII INVENTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHS, SLIDES AND OTHER AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS
AND THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORISATION FOR USE
4. STATE OF CONSERVATION
AND FACTORS AFFECTING
THE PROPERTY
440
4. STATE OF CONSERVATION AND FACTORS AFFECTING THE

PROPERTY
4.a GENERAL STATE OF CONSERVATION
To define the current overall state of conservation of each of the fortifications, and given the
previous lack of established indicators that could have served as benchmarks, we shall use
three adjectives whose meanings will be defined as follows:
- Poor: fortifications with a level of integrity and/or authenticity that has been severely
compromised; in general they have been vandalised through being abandoned, there has
been a general lacking of cleaning and major interventions, specifically structural; they are
difficult of access and do not have reception or interpretation facilities.
- Good: fortifications with an adequate level of integrity, making them readily recognisable,
and their authenticity has not been compromised; their state of conservation and their use for
tourist and cultural purposes is supervised or monitored; access to them is easy and there are
reception or interpretation facilities.
- Fair: a concept part way between the two defined above, but where the level of integrity and
authenticity allow scientifically based conclusions to be drawn; access and visits to the
monument, though subject to conditions, must be possible, both physically and as regards
authorisation from those who own/manage/use it.
In completing the item regarding the state of conservation on the technical information sheet
for each of the fortifications, we shall set down, without predetermined mechanical criteria,
our overall qualitative assessment from the quantitative data of the indicators now used (a
first experiment, just to test the indicators, was made in 2007, and then repeated, reaching the
same results, in 2009). In future, the state of conservation of each of the fortifications will be
monitored from the database of indicators now constituted. As these indicators are almost
entirely quantitative, positive developments will strengthen the state of conservation now
classified as good and improve those considered as reasonable or poor. The reverse
situation, though not desirable, may also occur as a result of a negative trend in the indicators.
441
4.a.1 Fortifications in the historic centre
4.a.1.1 Medieval fortifications
4.a.1.1.1 Castle
Technical information sheet:

Inventory no./DGEMN (www.monumentos.pt): PTO41207020005
Property: public (state-owned)
Classification: National Monument (Decree of 27-09-1906, Government Decree (DG)
228 of 9 October 1906; Decree of 16-06-1910, DG 136 of 23 June 1910)
SPA: none applicable
Assignment: IGESPAR (Legislative Decree (DL) 106F/92 of 1 June)
User: IGESPAR
Function: tourist and cultural
Tourist access: permanent
Reception facilities: storage; toilets; bar; IGESPAR shop, outside car park
Interpretation: explanatory display; leaflet; guided tour
Interventions since 1974: (See section 2.b.2.3.2)
Current general state of conservation: good.
Projects: Recovery and improvement project undertaken by IGESPAR. The aim of the
intervention in the Castle of Elvas is to be improve public enjoyment by various improvement
schemes in the outside public spaces; installation of an interpretation centre; education and
museum services in the Homage Tower; improvement of monument lighting; restoration of
existing buildings (1st phase, 2001-2003, IGESPAR).
Indicators of the state of conservation on which future monitoring will be based:
1) Indicator: length of missing wall (0 m)

Observation period: 3 years
Information location: CEC (City of Elvas Council) /IGESPAR
2) Indicator: extension of wall walk not practicable (0 m)

Information location: CEC/IGESPAR
3) Indicator: number of battlements in need of conservation/restoration or total reconstruction

(0)
442

Information location: CEC/IGESPARR
4) Indicator: number of loopholes or observation slits, gun ports and embrasures in need of
conservation/restoration (0)
5) Indicator: number of outside openings (doors and windows) in need of conservation /

restoration (0)
6) Indicator: total area of wall masonry, towers and alcaidaria (governor's house) (apart from
battlements) in need of:
6.1 Minor conservation and restoration work (191 m2)
6.2 Work to reconstruct areas of sizeable dimensions (0 m2)
7) Indicator: number of towers in need of work to render roofing and terraces waterproof or to
conserve paved areas (0)
8) Indicator: number of points/zones in need of structural reinforcement work (0)

9) Descriptive photographic register of work carried out involving1:

a) A change in materials and construction techniques
b) A change in the formal character of significant elements of the fortification
c) Renovation or new construction either as pastiche or in a contemporary style
d) A change in the internal division of spaces, covered or uncovered
e) Demolitions
1
These records, qualitative in nature, do not necessarily constitute a negative indicator; they are an essential aide-memoire to further evaluation, after an
elapse of time. All events subsequent to that monitoring (2007), which this paragraph does not address, should be recorded as the situation in this area is
set out in section 2.b.2.3.
443
f) Other interventions which could give rise to doubts concerning the conservation of
the integrity and authenticity of the fortifications.
4.a.1.1.2 Medieval city walls

Inventory no./DGEMN (www.monumentos.pt): PTO 41207020011
Property: private and public
Classification: National Monument (Decree no. 28536, Government Decree (DG) 66
of 22 March 1938; Decree no. 30762, DG 225 of 26 September 1940; Decree no. 37077, DG
228 of 29 September 1948)
SPA: none
Assignment: private owners and CEC (Fernandina Tower)
User: private and CEC (Fernandina Tower)
Function: consists partly of private - specifically the Catholic Church - and public
buildings; tourist and cultural (Fernandina Tower)
Tourist access: occasional (Fernandina Tower); subject to conditions (private
properties)
Reception facilities: Fernandina Tower: storage; toilets; occasional tourist and cultural
services; car park in the Praa da Repblica, among others.
Interpretation: guided tour by the municipal tourist services
Current general state of conservation: 1) Walls: poor, due to constant rehabilitation
and incorporation into dwellings throughout the centuries; 2) Towers: good, except where
they have been rehabilitated and incorporated into dwellings and at the Church of So Pedro;
3) Gates and arches: good
Projects: there are none
1.1 Indicator: extent of existing wall (or vestiges of it)

1.2 In the 1st wall: 305m
1.3 In the 2nd wall: 561m
Information location: CEC
2) Indicator: number of towers (or vestiges of them) existing
444
2.1) In the 1st wall: 2

2.2) In the 2nd wall: 8
3) Indicator: number of gates (and arches) existing

4) Indicator: number of towers in need of conservation and restoration work (10)

5) Indicator: number of points/zones in need of structural reinforcement

6) Descriptive and photographic record of works where the following have taken place2:
a) Change of materials and construction techniques
b) Change in the formal character of significant elements of the fortification
e) Demolition
4.a.1.2 Bulwarked fortifications

Classification: National Monument (Decree no. 28536, DG 66 of 22 March 1938
2
See note 1
445
Walls of Elvas; Decree no. 30762, DG 225 of 26 September 1940 Walls, Forts and
Fortlets of the Stronghold of Elvas; Decree no. 37077, DG 228 of 29 September 1948
Walls of Elvas)
SPA: none
Assignment: Ministry of Defence
User: RI8 (8th Estremoz Infantry Regiment)
Reception facilities: various car parks adjoining the curtain wall
Interpretation: guided tour by the municipal tourist services and by RI8
Interventions since 1974: (See note 2.b.2.3.4)
Current general state of conservation: good; in some areas, especially the west,
clearance work is still to be done on rubble and remains of former buildings, which probably,
given their enormous size, had a non-military function and have been encroached on by
vegetation which is costly and difficult to control; minor conservation and restoration work is
also necessary, at various points along the whole perimeter.
Projects: none existing
1) Indicator: extent of interrupted curtain (0 m)

Information location: Ministry of Defence/CEC
2) Indicator: extent of interrupted parapet of the magistral line (14 m = viaduct)

Information location: Ministry of Defence /CEC
3) Indicator: number of embrasures/merlons/platforms in need of conservation and

restoration (20)
4) Indicator: number of sentry boxes in need of conservation and restoration (20)

5) Indicator: total area of masonry in need of:
446
5.1) Minor conservation and restoration work: 449 m2

5.2) Reconstruction work over substantial areas: 0 m2
6) Indicator: number of points/zones in need of structural reinforcement (0)

7) Indicator: percentage of the ditch area built on (1.63 %)

8) Indicator: percentage of the area up to 233.88m (the effective range of a musket) from the
magistral line that has been built on (ditch: 1.63 %) (between the covered way and 233,88m:
4.52 %)
9) Indicator: number of gates and postern gates in the magistral line and ravelins in need of
conservation/restoration/reconstruction (0)
e) Demolition
3
See note 1.
447
4.a.2 Fort of Santa Luzia

Property: public (state-owned); Ministry of Defence
Classification: National Monument (Decree no. 30762, DG 225 of 26 September 1940
Walls, Forts and Fortlets of the Stronghold of Elvas )
SPA: none
Assignment: CEC (management handover protocol, between the CEC and the Army
General Staff/Military Museum, dated 21 April 2001)
User: City of Elvas
Function: tourist and cultural (Military Museum)
Reception facilities: storage; small museum shop; toilets; bar facilities (self-service);
outside car park
Interpretation: leaflet; guided tour by the museum services
Current general state of conservation: good; recent extensive conservation and
rehabilitation works have been carried out by the Military Museum; conservation work is still
required in the southern zone, above all on the curtain facings.
Projects: continuing conservation of the fort and development of the Military Museum.

2) Indicator: extent of interrupted parapet (0 m)


restoration (6)
448

5) Indicator: total area of masonry in curtains, bulwarks, scarp and counterscarp in need of:
5.2) Reconstruction work in areas of a significant size and corresponding locations: 0 m2
6) Indicator: number of points/zones in need of structural reinforcement (0)

7) Indicator: area of glacis built on up to a distance of 200m from the magistral line (0 m2)
8) Indicator: number of gates and posterns in the magistral line and on the covered way in
need of conservation/restoration/reconstruction (0)
9) Indicator: state of conservation of access to the fort (good)

Observation period: annual
10) Descriptive photographic record of work carried out involving4:

e) Demolitions
4
See note 1.
449
4.a.3 Fort of Graa

Property: public (state-owned: Ministry of Defence)
Classification: National Monument (Decree of 16-06-1910, DG 136 of 23 June 1910)
SPA: none
User: Ministry of Defence
Function: unoccupied
Tourist access: visits subject to conditions set by RI8 (8th Estremoz Infantry Regiment)
Reception facilities: storage (RI8); outside parking facilities; no tourist reception
services
Interpretation: none
Current general state of conservation: good in structural terms; fair, in general, a lack
of regular clearing of vegetation, and of cleaning in the interior of buildings and works of
conservation in various adjoining buildings, especially those opening onto the ditch of the
central redoubt and those situated in the entry ravelin and underground passages. The fort
has no electricity or toilets, and access is difficult due to the narrowness of the road and its
state of conservation; near the entrance, free parking space is available but there is a need for
a properly organised park. Fundamentally, the fort needs a function.
Projects: attempts at providing tourist and cultural functions

2) Indicator: extent of interrupted parapet (0 m)


restoration (0)
450

5) Indicator: total area of masonry in curtains, bulwarks, scarp and counterscarp, in need of:
5.2) Reconstruction work in areas of a significant size: 0 m2
6) Indicator: area of esplanade (built glacis) built on (0 m2)

need of conservation/restoration/reconstruction (0)
8) Indicator: state of conservation of access to the fort (narrow road in poor state of
conservation)

e) Demolitions
5
See note 1.
451
4.a.4 Fortlet of So Mamede

Walls, Forts and Fortlets of the Stronghold of Elvas)
SPA: none
User: CEC/inhabited by a family
Function: dwelling
Tourist access: free visits
Reception facilities: none
Interpretation: leaflet available at the tourist office
Current general state of conservation: fair; lack of regular cleaning, above all regarding
the vegetation in the ditch; it will be important to make a feasibility study for the restoration of
its embrasures.
Projects: none
1) Indicator: extent of wall in need of conservation, restoration or reconstruction (3 m)

Information location: CEC/Ministry of Defence
2) Indicator: number of embrasures/merlons/platforms damaged or obstructed (10)

3) Indicator: state of conservation of access to the fortlet (good)


6
See note 1.
452

e) Demolitions
4.a.5 Fortlet of So Pedro

SPA: none
User: CEC
the vegetation in the ditch; it will be important to make a feasibility study for the restoration of
its embrasures.
Projects: none
1) Indicator: extent of wall in need of conservation, restoration or reconstruction (0)


453
3) Indicator: state of conservation of access to the fortlet (good)


e) Demolitions
4.a.6 Fortlet of So Domingos or Piedade

Classification: National Monument (Decree no. 30762, DG 225 de 26 September 1940
Walls, Forts and Forlets of the Stronghold of Elvas)
SPA: none
User: CEC
Interventions since 1974: (See section 2.b.2.3.5)Current general state of
conservation: fair; lack of regular cleaning, above all regarding the vegetation in the ditch; it
will be important to make a feasibility study for the restoration of its embrasures.
Projects: none

7
See note 1.
454

3) Indicator: state of conservation of access to the fortlet (poor)


e) Demolitions
4.a.7 Buildings with a military function
Of the buildings with a military function, already listed in paragraph 2.a.5 and mapped in Fig
1.e.8, we note here those that are in a poor state of conservation, as a result, primarily, of
being unoccupied:
- Retired Men's Barracks
- Corujeira Barracks
- Powder-magazine of Santa Barbara
- General Command Building
According to information from RI8, the Ministry of Defence is attempting to sell these
buildings. Indeed, in the absence of any military function, only their rehabilitation for another
use can save them from ruin. The characteristics of the Corujeira Barracks lend them to the
social housing use to which they are in part already being put. Complete rehabilitation for this
purpose - which would mean combining units to increase their areas - would help to
counteract the depopulation of the historic centre. Also, the General Command Building has
all the conditions required for use as dwellings, albeit of a different type, given its size. The
Retired Men's Barracks and the Powder-magazine of Santa Barbara need to fulfil a different
function, one of a tourist and cultural nature.
As for the Amoreira Aqueduct, classified as a National Monument by the Decree of 16-6-1910
8
See note 1.
455
and benefiting from a Special Protection Area established by DG, 2nd series, No. 210, of 5-9-
1956, its state of conservation is good.
4.b FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY
(i) PRESSURES CAUSED BY DEVELOPMENT
a) Intentions to demolish or reconstruct or new construction plans that jeopardise the

integrity of the property
There are no projects with the above characteristics affecting the fortifications and
threatening the integrity of the fortifications.
b) Rehabilitation work which may put in question the authenticity or integrity of the
property
There are no projects with the above characteristics affecting the fortifications and
threatening the integrity of the fortifications.
c) Urban development that may affect the prospect of the field entrenchment,
particularly through building on the glacis and ditches of the fortifications or building
to such a height as to obscure the view between the fortifications
There is no project with the characteristics in question. The classified fortifications have a 50-
metre protection zone; all the others have areas of protection defined in the Urbanisation
Plan.
d) Inappropriate agricultural use of the land
There is no inappropriate agricultural use of the land and no plans are known about that can
be classified as such. The agricultural land in question is used for traditional crops with
horticulture, olives and cereals predominating . 9
e) Mining
There are no extraction industries in the region where the city of Elvas is located .10
9
Os Municpios do Alentejo, INE, Direco Regional do Alentejo, Lisbon, 1997.
456
(ii) ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
There are no known sources of deterioration of the environment in general or directly

involving the fortifications, either at present or in the history of the region.
(iii) NATURAL DISASTERS
There have been no known natural disasters that could threaten the property, either in the
present or in the history of the region. Neither have fires posed a threat to the property, since
Elvas is located in a region of agriculture, not of forestry.
(iv) TOURIST PRESSURE
a) Current number of visitors and recent trends
There has been no count or sampling of visitors, or specifically of tourists. Only the following
indicators are available:
- Changes in the number of attendances on visitors at the municipal tourist office:

Year 2000: 26185
Year 2001: 26378 (Note: the year of '9/11')
Year 2002: 24404
Year 2003: 22845
Year 2004: 20481
Year 2005: 19361
Year 2006: 21652
Year 2007: 28875
Ranking by nationality (2007): 1 Spaniards / 2 Portuguese / 3 Britons / 4 French / 5 Germans
- Changes in the number of visitors to museums and monuments:
YEAR Military M. Photographic M. Castle MAE Sacred Art M. MACE11

2000 - - - 1822 - -
2001 - - - 1378 - -
2002 7814 - 41253 916 - -
2003 (works) - 40190 429 - -
10
Idem
11
Antnio Toms Pires Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum
457
2004 4953 - 39444 (works) - -

2005 4274 6778 27649 (works) 814 -
2006 5806 12078 9597 825* -
2007 3324 5049 11447 9430**
* Closed from 1st September ** Open from July
- Changes in hotel bed occupancy at the 'Pousada' in Elvas
YEAR rate of occupancy

2001 24.97%
2002 24.21%
2003 24.79%
2004 24.31%
Although the available figures show a stable, albeit relatively low hotel occupancy rate, other
indicators point to a decrease in visitors after 11 September 2001, i.e. from the year 2002,
which coincides also with the onset of the European, and above all the national, economic
crisis.
b) Current capacity for receiving tourists

b.1) Accommodation capacity 12
The municipality of Elvas has 15 enterprises providing accommodation in the categories of

agritourism, rural tourism, guest houses, country house and various other hotel categories,
with a total of 843 beds. The occupancy rate is very variable (from less than 20% to 70%),
where the units that disclose their statistics, the main hotels in the city itself (Hotel So Joo
de Deus, 4 stars, with 112 beds, and the Pousada de Santa Luzia, with 50 beds), have
occupancy rates of 18.7% (2005) and 24% (2004), respectively. Elvas also has a campsite -
open from 1 April to 15 September each year - with capacity for 225 people, giving an
occupancy rate of 60%.
According to the national tourism statistics for 2003 , the Alentejo has only 3.7% of the
13
nationwide hotel accommodation capacity, although this capacity increased by 8.3%

compared to 2002, and has a 5.3% share of guests nationally.
12
Survey carried out by CEC, in 2005/2006, among accommodation establishments..
13
Estatsticas do Turismo, INE, Lisbon, 2004.
458
In terms of totals for Alentejo, in 1994 , the municipality of Elvas had 6% of its hotel facilities, 6%
14
of accommodation capacity and 10% of the numbers of staff. That year, the municipality
accounted for 7.8% of the guests and 6.1% of the overnight stays in Alentejo, with an average
stay of 1.4 days and an occupancy rate of 27%.
The available data allow us to conclude that Elvas has a remarkable accommodation capacity
in the regional context, and that tourist demand is not likely to impose pressure on the
available facilities.
b.2) Number of restaurants
The gastronomy of Elvas, which is part of that of the Alentejo, though with its own unique
particularities, is enriched by a range of fish and seafood dishes of a quality that is widely
appreciated. It is, at present, Elvas's major tourist 'product' since shopping - once very
important - by Spanish visitors suffered a significant drop with the opening of borders within
the EU.
The municipality has 64 restaurants and similar establishments, some of national renown and
in great demand by customers from the Spanish cities of Extremadura. It follows that the
reception capacity of Elvas is, at this level, beyond doubt, both as to the amount of restaurants
and their gastronomic quality.
b.3) Number of parking places
Although the city's historic centre is surrounded by a continuous girdle of fortifications, their
ability to host, the available parking capacity is impressive: in the central square (Praa da
Repblica) an underground car park with 230 spaces was recently opened, giving the tourist
a convenient place to park in the heart of the city. But inside the city, even more places are on
offer with 369 fee-paying and 1454 free spaces, a total (when on-street parking is added in), of
2053 spaces. The daily occupancy rates (averaged over a week) of paid parking is 27.3%,
and of free parking is 76%15.
Outside the fortifications in the historic centre, there is no difficulty in parking, particularly at
accommodation and catering establishments. For the two major fortifications outside the
historic centre the Fort of Santa Luzia and Fort of Graa we have already stated that both
have sufficient parking to meet current demand: an organised car park in the former case and
a non-organised open parking area in the latter. We may therefore conclude that under this
14
Os Municpios do Alentejo, ob. cit.
15
Survey carried out by CEC, in 2005.
459
heading the host city is technically ready to receive its visitors.
c) Plan (measures) for management of tourist flows
The current tourist flows do not require the city to prepare specific management plans.
Formerly, the main problem was parking in the city centre and that has been resolved with the
underground car park and the discipline imposed by introducing paid parking in areas of high
demand.
Also, a dispersal of visitors has been achieved by the continuous creation of new attractions,
specifically museums: the Military Museum, inaugurated in November 2001, the Municipal
Museum of Photography, opened in November 2003, and the Museum of Contemporary Art,
opened in 2007.
(v) DEMOGRAPHIC CONSTRAINTS
a) Population that lives within the walls: 4643 (2001)

b) Total population: 15,505 (2001)
c) Demographic developments
Statistical data on the resident population of the City of Elvas

YEAR CITY INTRAMURAL EXTRAMURAL
1527 c. 7664 c. 7664 ---

1620 15 to 20,000 15 to 20,000 ---
1820 10,000 10,000 ---
1864 10,271 10,271 ---
1900 13,981 13,981 ---
1930 12,413 12,413 ---
1940 14,615 14,615 ---
1950
1960
1970 10,64016 992317 717
1981 15,48418 12,88019 2604
16
11 Recenseamento da Populao, INE, Lisbon, 1973.
17
INE-RGPH (Place Elvas). From the 1981Census onwards the statistical base was changed.
18
XII Recenseamento Geral da Populao. Resultados Definitivos. Distrito de Portalegre. INE, Lisbon. 1983.
19
INE-RGPH (Total of intramural urban neighbourhoods)
460
1991 17,83220 560321 12,229

2001 15,50522 464323 10,862
a) Conclusion
While the resident population increased nationally by 5% between the censuses of 1991 and
2001, the Alentejo suffered a decrease by 2.4% over the same period24. In other words,
around one third of the national territory had only 776,585 inhabitants in 2001. All of the
District of Portalegre municipalities saw their populations decline - the municipality of Elvas
by 4.5%25 - with the exception of the municipality of Ponte de Sor, where the population rose
marginally. Despite this population decline, the number of households in the Alentejo
increased between 1991 and 2003, from 376,310 to 435,26526. This contradiction can only be
explained in one way: new construction rose on the outskirts of cities while the number of
unoccupied dwellings in the historic centres also rose. Elvas did not escape this truly national
scourge. Since the 1960s, Elvas has expanded extra muros and its historic centre has
undergone a gradual depopulation.
Thus, the demographic constraints that the property has been subject to are of a complex
nature:
- Loss of general vitality in the city due to demographic decline.
- Depopulation of the historic centre.
- Large demographic increase in the extra muros urban area since the 1960s, which
creates urban pressure on the field entrenchments, threatening the cohesion of the
landscape.
4.b.1 Urgent decision on potential threats
In addition to all the measures that are advocated in the Management Plan (Annex II), we
think that, in terms of the preservation of the fortifications and buildings with a military
function, they should be classified in their entirety as a "national monument", and the whole
intramural area should be designated, at the very least, as a "site of public interest," because
we cannot separate the fortifications themselves from the urban network of military sites and
the valuable civil and religious architectural heritage that so often also served a military
function. Clearly, within this area inside the walls, the buildings already classified as "national
20
Censos 1991. Alentejo. Resultados Definitivos. , INE, Lisbon, 1993.
21
22
Censos 2001. Resultados Definitivos. Alentejo, INE, Lisbon, 2002.
23
24
Portugal Social (1991-2001), INE, Lisbon, 2003.
25
Censos 2001. Resultados Definitivos. Alentejo, op. cit.
26
Estatsticas da Construo e Habitation (2003), INE, Lisbon, 2004.
461
monuments" should maintain that classification. It is also essential to define as non

aedificandi areas all ditches, the covered way and the glacis of the bulwarked fortifications.
This proposal will be presented by the municipality as part of the present application.
4.b.2 How to conserve and make the most of the heritage as a whole
The City of Elvas, through all its actions, will ensure that the city is kept in a good state of
conservation. All the actions that it takes, including day to day administrative actions, are
aimed at ensuring the conservation of the city. This is why the City of Elvas has a strong sense
of authenticity at all levels.
The methodology to adopt regarding the overriding objective of conserving and making the
best use of the heritage as a whole will clearly be the implementation of the Integrated
Management Plan for the Fortifications of Elvas, together with other related instruments of
administration such as the global Fortifications of Elvas Project, the Bodies and
Instruments of Management and the Sources and levels of financing preview in the
Management Plan (ANNEX II). We emphasise that this plan defines 71 priority actions for
management which includes the creation of the two main management bodies.
Action 23 (ST). Establishment of a local company, or a foundation, here called "The Fortifications of Elvas
Company (SFE)", including public and private partners which will develop the management objectives defined
in this IMPFE to establish modes of cooperation with external bodies, identify and attract funding for the project
and coordinate the dependent operational structures. The SFE will allow the strengthening of capacity for
intervention of local management, with the inclusion of objectives and actions of the "Fortifications of Elvas
Project" in the operational tools of the municipality.
Action 24 (ST). Creation of an executive body of operational management, its technical infrastructure dedicated
to and integrated in SFE, here called the "Office of the Fortifications of Elvas" (OFE), for the management of
the fortifications and the surrounding area. It will have the task of defining and implementing the objectives of this
IMPFE as well as the instruments and actions hereunder, and monitoring and evaluating the whole process of
integrated conservation. It will thus be responsible for the coordination of public projects and the implementation
of municipal programmes and will be a channel dedicated to the appraisal of private works in SICA.
In addition to the operational objectives and the 71 priority actions identified, it must be
acknowledged that the process defined, now begun, is dynamic and interactive, and it is
therefore natural that other objectives and actions arise, or need revision as part of a
reassessment and permanent monitoring of the identified and relevant systems of the
"Fortifications of Elvas Project." In the same way, it is important to constantly assess the
impact of the implementation of the policies directed here and the public actions taken.
462
5. PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT

OF THE PROPERTY
421
463
9
5.a. Status and structure of property
i. Introduction
The right to enjoy the heritage assets that constitute the Fortifications of Elvas as a whole and
their surrounding area, and to appreciate their beauty, are a common good that belongs to
Humanity, and this candidacy is predicated on that belief.
The ownership of the buildings and spaces that make up this heritage is public, concerning
the heritage monuments that are subject of the application, they are mostly private, if we
consider the natural and urban assets in which it is inscribed, contained in the surrounding
integrated conservation area (SICA) defined in this IMPFE. In this context, note the
particularly interesting case of the existing sections of the Muslim wall, included in many of
the domestic dwellings in the area within the walls. It is important to discuss here these
situations that have implications at the level of management of the Fortifications of Elvas and
their surrounding area and the tools upon which they rely.
In devising a management model for a project based on the principles of integrated

conservation and targeted at systems heavily determined by their heritage assets, such as
the case of the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area, the issues concerning the
structure and the right to property assume a decisive role. The prevalence of collective over
the individual interest, inherent in systems of heritage protection, confronts the problem of
property with management objectives and performance, a dialogue of particular sensitivity
because we live in a democratic society and in an open economy.
The right to property is one of the fundamental rights of private stakeholders, limited only in
exceptional circumstances and for the purpose of overriding public interest. The
administrative easements created in Elvas, as part of the arrangements for protecting cultural
heritage and the natural assets of its surrounding area, introduce some restrictions on this
right. However, from a management perspective, we can discuss the real contribution of
these restrictions to an increase in the operational capabilities at the local level, as they are,
mostly, managed by external bodies, on a national or regional scale.
By structure of ownership we mean the nature and characteristics, the spatial distribution and
the relative weight of the various stakeholders who own the buildings and land, namely, the
State, the municipality, institutions and public and private enterprises and private individual
owners. Associated with this structure, it is important to consider the occupation regime, that
is, the kind of relationships that exist in land law, as to possession and use, including the issue
464
9
of leases. This issue, in Portugal and, above all, in historical areas, constitutes a central
problem, and is the source of much of the unsustainability of built heritage.
The balance of the structure and relationships of ownership is an important element in the
operational management of heritage, not only because it contributes to the sustainability of
the local systems, but also because it is a decisive factor in mobilising the private
stakeholders involved. The pattern of this consolidated structure is in itself an element that
contributes to the formation of the urban heritage, and the diversity and the settled condition
of local stakeholders are values to be defended.
ii. Public stakeholders
The structure of ownership, as well as the responsibilities for property management

associated with it, is divided in the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area, among
local, public, regional and central authorities, and institutional stakeholders of various kinds,
whether locally, regionally or centrally based, as well as private owners.
It is important to consider the structure and right to property in the heritage system and in its
surrounding area, with emphasis on the intramural area and up to the SICA boundary, as well
as some of the aspects of the urban dynamic process, specifically the situations and their
relevance to management.
The main elements that comprise the complex of the Fortifications of Elvas are in public
ownership, part of the public domain of the Portuguese State. They are maintained, almost
entirely, by the Ministry of National Defence, with the exception of the Castle and the Amoreira
Aqueduct, maintained by IGESPAR - Institute for the Management of Architectural and
Archaeological Heritage, which after its creation by Decree-Law no. 96/2007 of 29 March,
received the remits of both the former IPPAAR and DGEMN, neither of which no longer exists.
From this heritage complex we should also mention that use of the Fort of Santa Luzia, where
the Military Museum is housed, and also held by the State, has been granted to the
Municipality of Elvas.
The history of Elvas and the nature of its heritage require us to consider the military as a key
player in the heritage and territorial systems under consideration, despite the predictable
curtailing of this role, arising from the announcement of the disbanding of IR 8 (Infantry
Regiment no.8).
465
9
It should be noted that several military buildings, forming part of the complex of the
Fortifications of Elvas, mostly in the intramural area, such as barracks, powder-magazines,
warehouses and others, are, either owned by the State, or are in the possession of the city
council, or still privately owned.
The quantity and diversity of real estate held by the Army, its location and the social and
economic importance of this institution in Elvas, justify its participation in the management
guidelines of the Fortifications of Elvas Project. Note that this role of military, and also, public
security institutions, does not derive from their status as holders of the buildings, but because
they are a major presence in Elvas, especially inside the walls, and central to the city's
functioning.
Apart from the buildings that make up the fortifications system and considering its
surrounding area, the City Council emerges as an important urban owner in the intramural
area of Elvas, and possesses some notable buildings, such as the City Hall (Guildhall), which
was recently rehabilitated. It also owns several examples of civil architecture, part of this
urban fabric, some of which have value only as part of the whole context.
The possibility of expanding the amount of the built environment in the hands of the
municipality and thus increasing the municipality's capacity for strategic management is,
however, limited, because of the shortage of supply, the expectations of profit and the
difficulty in the use of fast track planning mechanisms (See Management Plan IMPFE,
Chapter III. 4, Plans adopted and under development").
Moreover, the City Council has been an important participant and has been developing and
carrying out a strategy to implement the defined management objectives, and it should
continue to do so.
The assets of the Fortifications of Elvas which are held by public bodies may be subject to
public conservation initiatives, whenever it is deemed useful and all the necessary means are
to hand. However, it should be understood that this apparent operational capacity is limited, in
a context where competencies are sometimes not clear and reside in different and
uncoordinated bodies. These bodies are not local and their priorities are set in terms of their
own resources, which are always scarce, and of their wider territorial horizons.
The identified situation calls for implementation of mechanisms for coordination and
integration of local skills, which will be discussed in Chapter III. 3 of the IMPFE, "Bodies
involved in management."
466
9
iii. Private institutional stakeholders
In the area surrounding the Fortifications of Elvas, within the boundaries defined by the SICA,
in addition to the public authorities, other institutional stakeholders, of a private nature, form
part of the ownership structure, and represent distinct roles in the territorial system.
In this group, the Church, through the Archdiocese of Evora, should be mentioned first, as
proprietor of some examples of religious architecture (See Annex VII, Vol. II), which remain
open for worship, an instance of the continuing connection between the local community and
built heritage. Under agreements with the State and, wherever applicable, the bodies
responsible for classified cultural heritage, conservation initiatives, as well as day-to-day
management of properties, fall now to IGESPAR.
Another private institutional stakeholder of some importance that is represented in the local
ownership structure is the Santa Casa da Misericordia of Elvas, which has properties in the
Intramural area and owns 60 items of civil architecture, both housing and services stock,
including entire buildings and parts of buildings. In addition to these it owns religious
architecture, including the eponymous church in Largo da Misericrdia, as well as the
Mortuary Chapel in Largo de Nossa Senhora das Dores, both open for worship.
This stakeholder also stands out because of its role in social action, assuming special
importance within the local community, which strengthens the virtue of its participation in
decision making that affect this community and, therefore, in the process of integrated
conservation. Although we are talking about a private stakeholder, some proposed uses of its
property, are subject to protocols with the State, especially when it comes to public facilities
and classified buildings and those in the protection areas.
Another private institutional stakeholder with a prominent presence in SICA is ENATUR, a

private enterprise with mostly public capital, which operates a national chain of Pousadas,
quality hotel establishments in cultural, heritage and natural value sites. The importance of
this stakeholder in SICA stems not so much from the assets it owns here a piece of civil
architecture, built according to the canons of the Estado Novo (1932-1974), located in the
extramural area and inaugurated on April 19, 1942 - but particularly from its functional
relevance, being the fruit of the role of tourism in local development and because it is the first
Pousada to be built, and has had its own protection area since 1953.
It is ENATUR that pays for the investments made in the conservation and rehabilitation of
buildings it uses, and according to its guidelines it seeks exemplary architectural
467
9
interventions, which respect the context in which the heritage belongs.
As mentioned, in the context of the city of Elvas and because of the relative loss of importance
of other economic activities, tourism is an important contribution to sustainability, both in
generating revenue and in creating local employment. Thus, it is justifiable that this
stakeholder, through its representative associations, should be called upon to participate in
the Fortifications of Elvas Project.
It should be noted, however, that in the intramural area there remain, other outstanding major
urban functions such as schools, with three institutions, one of which is of higher education6
and the media, with four bodies located in this space.
Relating to the social and demographic problems noted here (See 4.b.Factors affecting the
property), it is not surprising that social support institutions social have an important role in
the intramural area, with the existence of seven such units. We should also note the
presence, of institutional stakeholders that reflect spontaneous forms of social organisation,
as well as the ability to participate in issues of interest to the community. This fact can be seen
in the presence of sixteen sports and recreation associations in this area.
iv. Other private stakeholders
In the area covered by SICA, and especially in the intramural area in Elvas, as in the vast
majority of Portuguese historical centres, most of the civil architecture is privately owned.
According to the latest statistics, there are within the walls of Elvas 5013 buildings, with a total
of 7339 homes. These buildings, which are the essential components of the urban fabric, may
have an intrinsic heritage value, or only as part of their context. Whatever their characteristics,
the property situation poses a set of specific problems at the level of heritage management,
which we would like to emphasise.
We would like to address, first, the business owners. Of some relevance in the intramural
area, here they are essentially linked to the activities of trade and services, with emphasis on
the hotel and restaurant sector. These stakeholders are more likely to adopt a dynamic
posture regarding conservation and rehabilitation of the heritage they hold. This attitude,
which extends to the participation in options related to local development, reflects the fact that
they consider such initiatives as a direct and remunerative investment in their activity.
However, the structure of ownership in the intramural area is mostly made up of domestic
468
9
owners and, above all, private individual tenants, whose profile reveals more complex
features for the management objectives.
Equally serious for an integrated conservation plan is the fact that a considerable number of
the owners are absent, or are not identifiable, and often the ownership of property
complicated, as a result of successive owners and poorly documented transactions. This last
situation leads to a real operational block in many management activities, with repercussions,
especially at the level of urban heritage.
The standard of the property regime points to a large percentage of housing leased by private
owners, usually with very low rents. The low level of owner occupation is another adverse
factor in motivating conservation and participation in the options for management of this
heritage. In this context it is not surprising that the existing housing shows worrying levels of
degradation.
In this context, there is a low level of investment in buildings, which can be confirmed by the
financial support programmes for rehabilitation that are resorted to, and also by the volume of
private works in the intramural space. According to data obtained from the City of Elvas, the
total number of rehabilitation interventions carried out with the help of the RECRIA and
SOLARH support programmes, does not exceed, respectively, 81 and 7 homes. On the other
hand, the number of cases of private works for the area within the walls, registered by
municipal services from 1997 to the end of 2006, is 168, that is, works were only carried out in
little more than 3% of the total buildings in this space.
As mentioned earlier, the sustainability of the Fortifications of Elvas Project is inextricably

linked to the urban sustainability of the historic centre, which this application and its tools must
address with policies and instruments directed at the regeneration of the area within the walls.
In the SICA area outside the walls of the city of Elvas, the space is, in general, not built up, and
consists mainly of private property, with plots of small dimensions maintaining rural uses. The
protection regimes in force here strongly constrain the transformation of land-use, which is
reflected in the low dynamics of property in this area. However, there has been a tendency for
scattered occupation with buildings for housing and industry, with access points surrounding
the base of the hill where the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graa stands. This is a situation that
needs to be controlled, and the necessary legal instruments for this purpose are already in
effect.
The diversity of activities and inherent problems with private individual stakeholders in SICA
469
9
justify and make desirable the participation of these individuals in its management. This
participation must be structured and assumed by the associations representative of the
interests at stake.
From this brief description of the structure of ownership and associated rights, as well as the
recent urban process, it follows that the diverse stakeholders in SICA have different
motivations and dynamics, served by unequal means, and there must be some reservations
as to the role some of them might play in the process of integrated conservation. It follows,
equally, that the capacity of intervention by the public authorities currently responsible for the
management of this area, especially the City of Elvas Council, is limited by these factors.
5.b. LEGAL STATUS OF PROTECTION OF THE FORTIFICATIONS OF ELVAS AND THE

SURROUNDING AREA
i. Introduction
The legal status of the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area, defined as SICA in this
application (See boundary of the buffer zone, Fig. 1.e.4, Vol.I), is the result of various
overlapping legal regimes. Of these, some are specific, relating to the protection of cultural
heritage and natural assets in the surrounding area, while others stem from rules related to
land and urban management, and yet others are related to National Defence.
The implementation of these regimes lacks coordination, because the first and the last of
these depend on central public management, some devolved to the regional level, while the
powers in the management of the territory lie, essentially, with the local government. The
various bodies involved in the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area, as well as their
remits are identified in section 5.c. of this application file.
ii. Legal status of the protection of the cultural heritage
This status applies to elements of the heritage system and the corresponding legally defined
protection areas that are in force and which constitute the Fortifications of Elvas system, as
well as the assets of built heritage classified under Portuguese law and their corresponding
protection areas in SICA, defined within this application.
As mentioned above, within the whole complex that comprises this heritage system, a true
field entrenchment," all the fortifications are classified as National Monuments, including the
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Amoreira Aqueduct.
However, because of the way the areas were defined to protect built heritage in Portugal since
its establishment, the territory covered by the land- use controls in the surrounding area of this
heritage assets complex is discontinuous. This situation is consistent with the nature of the
Fortifications of Elvas system and leaves extensive intermediate areas, which are an
essential complement, without any legal protection as for built heritage.
Of the heritage assets mentioned, only one the Amoreira Aqueduct enjoys the more
effective and territorially coherent special protection area (SPA), status, with higher efficiency
and territorial coherence. Note the case of the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graa, whose
"automatic" protection area of 50 metres is completely inadequate to that monument's
importance and prominence in the landscape, and is not conductive to connecting it with the
rest of the complex.
The classifications referred to place these heritage assets and the nearby surrounding area
under the close supervision of the IGESPAR.
Here, the legal status of the Fortifications of Elvas and their surrounding area was established
with successive classifications of the properties in question and the constitution of their
corresponding protection areas, is as follows:
- In the heritage system of the Fortifications of Elvas

a Classification of the Castle of Elvas as a National Monument:
- by Decree of 27 September 1906, published 9 October 1906;
- by Decree of 16 June 1910, published in the Government Gazette, 1st. series, No. 136,
23.06.1910.
b Classification of the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graa, or of Lippe as a National Monument,

by Decree of 16 June 1910, published in the Government Gazette, 1st. series, No. 136,
23.06.1910.
c Classification of the Amoreira Aqueduct as a National Monument, by Decree of 16 June

1910, published in the Government Gazette, 1st. series, No. 136, 23.06.1910.
c1 Constitution of the special protection area (SPA) of the Amoreira Aqueduct, which
includes an area of non aedificandi, published in the Government Gazette, 2nd. series, No.
210, 05.09.
d Classification of the Walls, Forts and Fortlets of the Stronghold of Elvas (includes the
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medieval city walls, the bulwarked fortification of the Sronghold of Elvas, Fort of Santa Luzia,
the fortlets and the field entrenchment - Fortlet of S. Domingos, Fortlet of S. Pedro and Fortlet
of S. Mamede) as a National Monument, by Decree No. 28,536, published in the Government
Gazette, 1st. series, No. 66, 22.03.1938, Decree No. 30,762, published in the Government
Gazette, 1st. series, No. 225, 26.09.1940 and Decree No. 37,077, published in the
Government Gazette, 1st. series, No. 228, 29.09.1948.
- In the surrounding integrated conservation area - SICA

a - Classification of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assuno, the former Cathedral of
Elvas, as a National Monument by Decree of 16 June 1910, published in the Government
Gazette, 1st. series, No. 136, of 23.06.1910.
a1 - Constitution of the special protection area (SPA) of the Church of Nossa Senhora da
Assuno, published in the Government Gazette, 2nd. series, No. 82, 07.04.1953.
b - Classification of the Church of S. Pedro as a National Monument, by Decree of 16 June

b1 - Constitution of the special protection area (SPA) of the Church of S. Pedro, published in
the Government Gazette, 2nd. series, No. 42, 19.02.1960.
c - Classification of the Church of Dominicos as a National Monument, by Decree of 16 June

c1 - Constitution of the special protection area (SPA) of the Church of Dominicos, published in
d - Classification of the Church of Dominicas, or Church of the former Convent of the Sisters of
St. Dominic, in Elvas, as a National Monument, by Decree of 16 June 1910, published in the
Government Gazette, 1st. series, No. 136, 23.06.1910 and Decree No. 14,985, published in
the Government Gazette, 1st. series, No. 28, 03.02.1928.
e - Classification of the Elvas Pillory, parish of Alcova, as a Building of Public Interest, by

Decree No. 23,122, published in the Government Gazette, 1st. series, No. 231, 11.10.1933.
f - Classification of the Church of the Ordem Terceira de S. Francisco, in Elvas, as a Building of

Public Interest, by Decree No. 129/77, published in the Journal of the Republic, 1st. series,
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No. 226, 29.09.1977.
After several developments, the legal status of the cultural heritage property is governed by a
new instrument of Portuguese cultural heritage policy, Law No. 107/2001, of 8 September. In
summary, a control regime is enforced in respect of classified property and their
corresponding protection areas, applying both to modifications on the built property, and to
the change of land- use, as well as to property rights, which are subject to the binding
authority of the Ministry of Culture, through IGESPAR.
It should also be noted that in the Portuguese legal system of cultural heritage, the
classification of property requires the demarcation of an SPA, as well as the drawing up of a
Detailed Preservation Plan (DPP), executed through the competence of the municipal
authority, in partnership with IGESPAR. The implementation of these actions involves, in
principle, local authority bodies which are responsible for managing the territory, together
with the guardianship bodies for cultural heritage.
iii. Legal status of the protection of natural assets in SICA
The SICA, or buffer zone, is defined within the scope of this candidacy, and its plan is shown
in the annexed map and plans. This definition is based on the aggregation of several plots
subject to various protection measures, delimited by the SICA perimeter. A breakdown of
these is given in the plans in the annex.
Two points should be noted concerning the legal status applied to the natural assets making
up the SICA, considering the environment and natural resources, and these in some
instances overlap in the surrounding space of the historic centre of Elvas.
Firstly, because they are extensions to SICA and because of their nature, the areas of the
National Ecological Reserve (NER) which are in the nearby surrounding area of the
Fortifications of Elvas system, and are controlled-use areas. The legal status of the NER is
defined by Decree-Law No. 93/90, of 19 March, subsequently amended by Decree-Laws
Nos. 316/90, of 13 October, 213/92, of 12 October, 79/95, of 20 April and 180/2006, of 6
September.
The legal status of this area, here classified as rural, introduces major constraints in regard to
land-use and is subject to the authority of the Ministry of the Environment, through its regional
bodies, especially the Regional Directorate for Environment and Land-use Planning of
Alentejo (RDELPA).
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Secondly, the areas of the National Agricultural Reserve (NAR) in SICA that are also
classified as rural. The legal status of the NAR is defined by Decree-Law No. 196/89, of 14
June, subsequently amended by Decree-Laws Nos. 274/92, of 12 December and 69/92, of 27
April.
The legal status of this area authorises its use for intensive farming and introduces
constraints on other land uses, subjecting it to the authority of the Ministry of Agriculture,
through its regional bodies, especially the Alentejo Regional Directorate of Agriculture
Alentejo (ARDA).
The boundaries of the NER and NAR areas are given on the restrictions map of the Municipal
Master Plan (MMP) of the municipality of Elvas, ratified by the Council of Ministers Resolution
No. 11/97, of 22 January.
iv. Legal status of protection resulting from land-use planning and management
regulations and from national defence considerations
Besides the legal status defined by the special regimes already mentioned, the Fortifications
of Elvas and surrounding area are subject to the territorial planning and urban management
regulations in the MMP of Elvas, as well as the legislation ensuring the role of its military
installations in national defence.
As already mentioned, the MMP, which typologically speaking is a municipal structure plan,
came into effect on being ratified by the Council of Ministers Resolution No. 11/97, of 22
January. This plan falls within the legal regime governing instruments of territorial
management, established by Decree-Law No. 380/99, of 22 September, which derives from
the national policy on land management and urban planning, defined by Law No. 48/98, of 11
August.
The Fortifications of Elvas and surrounding area are included in the MMP in the "urban space"
classes in the intramural area, and in the "cultural space" and "natural area, or of protection"
classes in the areas subject to classified cultural heritage regimes and their protected natural
assets. In each case, measures of protection provided by the applicable regimes are part of
the regulations of the MMP, under the plan's current legally binding status.
Also included In the boundaries of SICA were the spaces with restricted permitted use in the
nearby surrounding area of the Fortifications of Elvas, corresponding to the "cultural space"
class in the legislation of land-use and urban management established in the MMP.
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The implementation of this plan, a single measure for planning and management, fully legally
effective within the territory of the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area, is the
responsibility of the City of Elvis Council, under the terms of land-use planning policies.
Also in force within the SICA territory are the national legal rules governing town planning and
building regulated by Decree-Law No. 555/99, of 16 December, as amended by Decree-Law
No. 177/2001, of 4 June. The principal responsibility for their implementation lies with the City
of Elvas Council.
There are still other areas in the nearby surrounding area of the fortifications affected by the
military easements of the MP (Municipal Plan) 91 / Elvas Stronghold of Elvas, established
by Decree No. 36,937, of 25 June 1948. The implementation of this regime is the
responsibility of the Ministry of National Defence.
From the legal status resulting from the totality of the regimes that apply to the Fortifications of
Elvas and the surrounding territorial system occur a series of protective measures, whose
implementation we shall discuss in the next section.
5. c MEANS OF IMPLEMENTING PROTECTION MEASURES
The legal status and protection measures (See section 5.b.) that are in force in the
Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area, cumulatively covering the whole territory
considered in the Surrounding Integrated Conservation Area SICA, define a framework of
constraints on the activities of private stakeholders, with the aim of protecting the integrity of
the existing cultural heritage and natural assets. The measures are not specific to this area,
but reflect the local variety of the assets which enjoy protection regimes arising from national
policies. The protection is established by State, and is based on the recognition of a collective
interest, imposing a set of obligations on the stakeholders, as well as restrictions on the right
of ownership.
The process of implementing these measures involves the intervention both of the bodies
involved that manage the protection measures of the cultural heritage and natural assets on
which we are focusing here, which are outside the remit of local management, in particular,
IGESPAR, RDELPA and ARDA, as well as that of the City of Elvas Council (CEC), which is the
managing body of the territory par excellence. In some specific local development initiatives,
as in the case of tourism, other external bodies intervene in the process of land management,
namely the Committee for the Coordination and Regional Development of Alentejo (CCRDA)
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and Tourism Portugal, I.P. (TP).
Next we will show the monitoring process covering change of building and land-use that is in
force in the Fortifications of Elvas and surrounding area, both through the protection regimes
and administrative easements, and through territorial management, as well as the bodies
competent to participate in this process.
i. Means of implementing protection of the cultural heritage
The legal status of the cultural heritage property in Portugal is governed primarily by an
instrument of cultural heritage policy, Law No .107/2001 of 8 September.
In summary, in situations in which this statute applies classified property and their
corresponding protection areas - a control measure is enforced applying both to
modifications on the built property, and to change of land-use, as well as to property rights,
which are subject to the binding authority of the Ministry of Culture, through IGESPAR. This
measure applies, not only to classified buildings, but also to all others which are included in
the SPAs and PAs.
As mentioned in the management plan (IMPFE), the application of the Fortifications of Elvas
to the UNESCO World Heritage List proposes the classification of the whole complex system
of fortifications, incorporating additional complementary elements dispersed within the
intramural area. Also proposed is the creation of a SPA for the surrounding area of this
complex, coinciding with the boundaries of SICA, the buffer zone, as defined in the IMPFE
and the drawing up of a corresponding Preservation and Enhancement Plan for the
Fortifications of Elvas and Surrounding area (PEPFE).
The responsibility for drawing up the Preservation and Enhancement Plans (PEP) lies, at
present, with the municipalities, pursuant to the law covering territorial management
measures, established by Decree-Law No. 380/99, of 22 September, which includes them
under the municipal plans for land management. Note that the former IPPAR is similarly
assigned, by virtue of Decree-Law No. 106-F/92, of 1 June, now applicable to IGESPAR. It is
thus important to coordinate between the IGESPAR and City of Elvas Council in drawing up
the PEPFE, a task undertaken by the local management structure proposed in this IMPFE,
the Fortifications of Elvas Company (SFE).
ii. Means of implementing protection of the environment and natural resources in SICA
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Measures to protect the existing natural assets in SICA are imposed in two distinct ways,
namely, by areas being included, respectively, in the NER and the NAR.
The inclusion of areas in the NER leads to the implementation of their corresponding legal
status, defined by Decree-Law No. 93/90, 19 March, subsequently amended by Decree-Law
No.316/90, 13 October, Decree-Law No. 213/92, 12 October, Decree-Law No. 79/95, 20 April
and Decree-Law No. 180/2006, 6 September. This application consists in the total constraint
of change having regard to the characteristics of the natural ecosystems and land-use and is
subject to the authority of the Ministry of the Environment, through its regional bodies,
especially the Regional Directorate for Environment and Land-use Planning of Alentejo.
The inclusion of areas in the NAR leads to the implementation of their corresponding legal
status, defined by Decree-Law No. 196/89, 14 June, subsequently amended by Decree-Law
No. 274/92, 12 December, and Decree-Law No. 69/92, 27 April. This regime restricts land-
use, favouring intensive agricultural use at the expense other uses. The areas in question are
subject to the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, through its regional bodies,
specifically the Regional Directorate for Agriculture in Alentejo.
iii. Means of implementing protection measures in the framework of urban administration
The implementation of the Municipal Master Plan (MMP) of Elvas falls to the City of Elvas
Council, in accordance with the legal regime governing instruments of territorial
management, established by Decree-Law No. 380/99, of 22 September.
All initiatives with territorial impact from private stakeholders are subject to the discipline of
land planning and management of the territory defined in the MMP, applicable by virtue of
their legally binding nature. The City of Elvas administers this protection legislation in respect
of initiatives by means of licensing and administrative authorisation procedures, and the
CCRDA (Committee for the Coordination and Regional Development of Alentejo) may
intervene in specific cases. In this context, and with regard to the legal statutes in the fields of
Cultural Heritage and Environment and Natural Resources, once such initiatives have been
declared compatible with the objectives of the relevant regimes they are referred back to the
bodies responsible for their implementation.
The implementation in SICA of the legal regime of town planning and building, at the national
level, of which local implementation falls to the City of Elvas, ensures the protection of the
buildings and the transformation of land-use, ensuring that no new buildings are permitted,
nor any physical modifications or changes of use without the necessary municipal licence.
The process of licensing or administrative authorisation, currently governed by Decree-Law
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No. 555/99 16 December, with amendments introduced by Decree-Law No. 177/2001, 4

June, contributes to the protection, by ensuring that projects comply with the general law, with
land-use planning measures in force and with the implementation regulations. Of these we
may highlight the General Regulation of Urban Buildings (GRUB), along with those that
establish legal regimes specific to the building intended for the various economic activities.
Among these latter we should here mention, because of its local relevance, the measures
covering on tourism enterprises, which imposes complex and demanding legislation to
ensure compliance with its building and operational regime. This regulation thus contributes
to the protection of buildings on which work is proposed, as well as the urban image profile,
and was established by Decree-Laws Nos. 54 to 57, all of 11 March 2002. The implementation
of this regime is governed by the former Directorate-General of Tourism, now Tourism of
Portugal, I.P, a government body, which intervenes in municipal licensing issues.
This legal and institutional framework provides protective measures in force for the
Fortifications of Elvas and surrounding area adequate to ensure the monitoring of changes
made to the cultural properties and natural assets involved.
5. d PLANS IN FORCE RELATING TO THE AREA OF THE PROPERTY
The plans, in force and under development, covering the area in which the complex of the
Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area are situated are exclusively of the "land-use
plans" type; other types such as "development plans", "strategic plans" and these of any other
nature are not applied locally.
The planning tools applied here are not specifically of the heritage type. It should be noted
that, currently in Portugal, the special plans directed at the protection of cultural heritage
buildings fall under the category of land-use planning. This results from a comparison of the
land-use planning and cultural heritage regimes which have not yet been fully legislated. In
fact, the latter regime defines the plans targeted at the protection areas of classified buildings
as "detailed plans for preservation", referring specifically to the legal instruments of territorial
management. For its part, the land-use planning regime refers to the detailed plans as being
within the scope of the municipal plans.
The current land-use planning regime and its associated measures was established by
Decree-Law No. 380/99, 22 September, which develops the basis for the policy of land-use
planning and urban development, established by Law No. 48/98, 11 August. In this regime the
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management system and the territorial scopes, namely, the national, regional and municipal
levels, are defined for the different types of plans. The effective intervention of bodies in these
three areas of the territory of the Elvas Fortifications and in the areas covered by SICA, under
the terms already indicated, should provide for the existence of the corresponding planning
measures in this area. In fact, this is only true for measures at the local level.
It should be noted that none of the plans, whatever their scope, are approved at government
level: they only produce legal effects and are then deemed "in full effect" after their
publication in the Journal of the Republic.
Since there are regional level plans that focus on the Fortifications of Elvas and its
surrounding area, it is at the municipal level that we find the only applicable structure plan.
This is the MMP of the municipality of Elvas, which is in full effect (see Chapter II.3); it is
important for regulating the occupation, use and change of use of the land surrounding the
Fortifications of Elvas and the municipal territory, and also because it plays a synthesising
role. This planning measure, which is applied to the entire municipality, provides a model of
spatial structure of its territory, classifying and describing the land. It incorporates the specific
regimes mentioned above.
Ratified by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 11/97, 22 January, the MMP is a summary of
the development and local planning strategy and incorporates national and regional level
options which impact on the municipality. Thus, it fosters the adoption at the local level of
objectives and policies on various planes, especially in this case, those relating to cultural
heritage and the natural assets that occur in its surrounding area.
These plans remain in force for ten years, so we consider that the current revision of the MMP,
launched in 2006, will be an opportunity to incorporate the proposals of this IMPFE. Among
these, in particular, we emphasise the proposal for the overall classification of the complex of
the Fortifications of Elvas and the buildings with a military function, as a National Monument, a
review of the existing SPAs and PAs to coincide with the SICA, the extension of the
intervention area of UPHCE and its development as PEPFE. We also propose that the
territory boundary defined for the SICA constitute an operating unit for planning and
management (OUPM).
Adding to the managerial capacity of the local municipal authority, the full effectiveness of the
MMP allows for a considerable autonomy over the administration of its territory, exercising the
power to implement the plan. The assessment of private initiatives in the use and
transformation of the land is made, in the first instance, by the inclusion of its framework in the
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legislation of the MMP. This assessment is complemented by ensuring compliance with other
laws and applicable regulations, which is also a municipal responsibility.
It should be noted that the drawing up of the PEPFE, proposed in this IMPFE, will address the
lack of a "safeguard plan", which is now long overdue in light of the protection regime for
classified heritage, due to the existence of several SAPs, which require that such a plan be
drawn up.
When preparing for the World Heritage candidacy process it was decided to propose the
redefinition and merger of the existing SPAs and PAs, in order to coincide with the SICA,
which also includes the corresponding redefinition of the intervention area of the "safeguard
plan". The process of these redefining proposals, which should merit the agreement of the
bodies that supervise the classified heritage, will follow the legal procedures, regardless of
the candidacy. While this plan is a municipal initiative, bodies outside the municipality will
participate in the development of the PEPFE, in particular the Directorate General for Land-
Use Planning and Urban Development (DGLUPUD), as well as IGESPAR, under the terms of
its legal remit.
The development of the PEPFE represents an opportunity to introduce some legal provisions
to increase the capacity of the municipal authority to intervene in the systems of management
that are considered in the Fortifications of Elvas Project. Particular attention should be paid to
the introduction to the legal system of land-use planning mechanisms for the programming of
the implementation of the plans, as well as the promotion of an equitable distribution of
benefits and costs generated by its implementation.
The diverse centres of responsibilities relevant to the management of the Fortifications of

Elvas and its surrounding area, as well as the hierarchy which spreads the practical tasks
across all levels from the national to local, poses some problems for management at the local
level. One of the solutions to this coordination problem is contained in the legal and technical
rules for drawing up for land-use management plans that incorporate aspects of higher level
regimes, serving hierarchically superior objectives in local-level plans.
The availability of planning tools focused on the intervention area of the Fortifications of Elvas
Project is considered a priority, achieving the merger of the operational aspects of its
management with the implementation and elaboration of those policies of broader scope that
are being applied. It is up to the bodies of local management to include and develop in the
objectives of the IMPFE in the contents of the PEPFE, as well as the rules and regulations
defined in the MMP and in the general regimes in force. When completed, and incorporated in
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the management structure, this will be a privileged instrument for operational intervention in
the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area, by promoting an integrated approach to
the heritage, territorial and administrative / institutional management systems.
5. e MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The Management Plan of the Fortifications of Elvas is part of the process of the application of
the Fortifications to the World Heritage List and is annexed to this dossier. The objectives,
strategy and organisation that guide this Management Plan follows the principles of
"integrated conservation", widely accepted in the doctrine and practice of built heritage, as
well as the "Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage
Convention".
We will present this plan here briefly, which, in the light of the above-mentioned principles, we
shall designate as the Integrated Management Plan of Fortifications of Elvas (IMPFE). It fits
into a broader project which, as we will try to demonstrate, goes beyond the strict objectives of
the application.
The operating concept which the model of action proposed in this IMPFE (Integrated
Management Plan for the Fortifications of Elvas) is based on is that of "integrated
conservation", to be understood as the result of the joint, integrated, and appropriate
application of the principles of conserving heritage, in today's society and in urban and
regional planning.
In devising a management plan for the Fortifications of Elvas that leads to its integrated
conservation, which will promote the understanding, full enjoyment and the sustainability of
its assets, issues of social, territorial and institutional dynamics should be considered
alongside the specific problems of built heritage.
As a basis for action, the prospect that guides this IMPFE does not rely too much on protection
schemes, nor in the proposition of investments a priori in widespread actions and "heavy"
physical conservation of built heritage. Without disregarding these approaches, which should
be viewed pragmatically, three main areas of action should be privileged in this particular
case, namely:
i. selective and exemplary interventions of built heritage of the Fortifications of Elvas, in

defence of its integrity and enhancing its potential use;
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ii. control of transformation and of the environmental and infrastructural adaptation of its close
surroundings, with emphasis on the intramural area, in the sense of strengthening the
consistency and continuity of the enjoyment of the heritage complex and to promote
conditions for its harmonious and balanced integration into urban process;
iii. action on "intangible" elements, with an emphasis on organisational issues, institutional

cooperation, involvement of private stakeholders, educational, scientific and cultural
initiatives and dissemination of information.
The launch of such a process, which should be conducted strategically, based on property
assets and lead to its protection and integration into a model of sustainable local
development, constitutes the central objective of this IMPFE. It should take into account
some critical factors that occur here, seek synergies with stakeholders and support itself in an
operational structure and in a set of tools and actions that we are going to propose.
Thus, this application and the possible inclusion of the Fortifications of Elvas on the World
Heritage List do not constitute, alone, ends in themselves, but are also part of a broader
project and a stimulating opportunity. The added responsibility that arises here is another
incentive for conserving and classification of this heritage and for seeking solutions of
excellence in its development.
The management of the complex of the Fortifications of Elvas, in an integrated conservation

perspective, should be directed at strategic areas of action and to the objectives that they are
associated with, as well as establish an operational framework of structures and instruments
of action.
The structuring of a methodology for integrated management starts, thus, identifying the
areas that are critical to the sustainability of this heritage complex. In light of the ideas
presented above, these areas of action include, in addition to the heritage complex of the
Fortifications of Elvas itself:
i. the nearby surrounding area, with emphasis on the intramural area;

ii. the public institutions with expertise on heritage and its surroundings;
iii. local stakeholders whose goals converge with the integrated conservation of the
Fortifications of Elvas, including those representing social and economic interests;
iv. the production of initiatives within the scientific and cultural sphere, as well as the
dissemination of information.
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Bearing in mind the need for the integration of policies and tools and their respective
implementation, these areas of action, in the different elements they consist of, may be
organised into systems, for which a set of objectives and critical issues are defined, as well as
actions to be implemented.
The IMPFE must, thus, in a systemic perspective, focus on four key areas for essential action
that we designate as:
- the heritage management system, which corresponds to the property that is being
proposed for inclusion on the World Heritage List and is the main reason for the IMPFE being
drawn up, applies to the entire corpus of built military heritage made up of the Fortifications of
Elvas. These are, almost in their entirety, classified and subject to protection regimes;
- in the management of the surrounding area system, what is at stake is, essentially, the
use and control of the transformation of land use in the territory that supports and gives
expression, either among its elements, or with the city, to the complex of the Fortifications of
Elvas. Equally, as a starting point, it is important to establish a precise definition of the territory
in question, defined as the buffer zone, or the surrounding integrated conservation area
(SICA), based on its relevance to the heritage system and the operational method to be
adopted in its management. Thus, it seems clear that the sustainability of the Fortifications of
Elvas is inextricably linked to the very heart of urban sustainability of the historic centre, which
emphasises the interdependence of the fortifications with the development of the city and is
crucial to the policies and tools aimed at its regeneration;
- the management of the administrative / institutional and stakeholder system, the main
objectives consist of, firstly, the definition of a management model and its organisational
structures; secondly, the effective involvement of the various institutions that deal with
heritage elements and the surrounding area; thirdly, the mobilisation of the local stakeholders
at different levels, to participate in the process of integrated conservation;
- the management of the interpretation, presentation and information system, given the
desired status of "World Heritage", assumes an added responsibility of the managing bodies
of the Fortifications of Elvas together with a central role in creating the value and sustainability
of the project.
Essentially, four factors should be considered: the production and dissemination of science
and culture, to be in liaison with the educational system, the strengthening of the cultural
identity and the feeling of belonging in the community and support for Tourism.
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The organisation of the contents of the IMPFE is as follows:
- in this first chapter, we present an approach of the Fortifications of Elvas Project and
surrounding area and the strategy of action that flows from it, as well as the objectives and
principles that guide its management;
- in the second chapter, we deal with the factors taken as constraints on the identified heritage
and territorial management systems, and critically address how they can be integrated into
the proposed model; the factors considered are the structure of the property and the urban
dynamic, the legal status of the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area, as well as the
protection measures in force;
- then in the third chapter, we discuss the current framework of the public bodies and legal
instruments that are competing for the management of the Fortifications of Elvas,
characterising the situation current before the candidacy and mentioning the tools developed
within its scope; also mentioned are the levels at which the management of the Fortifications
of Elvas and SICA, as the intervening bodies, territorial plans both adopted and under
development, the means available, as well as the sources and levels of finance.
- finally, in chapter IV, the bases for the Fortifications of Elvas Project are developed, the
strategic guidelines, the process and the objectives are presented, as well as a summary of
the proposed model for the management of the fortifications and surrounding area. The
operational structure and its instruments, are set out in detail, highlighting the creation of a
management body, according to a business-type model (a municipal company or foundation),
having the City Council as its major participant, to whom would be entrusted the general
administration of the project, being supported by an executive responsible for operational
management. Finally, as to the model of implementation to be used, we point out the priority
lines of action and the projects that in an initial phase will be fulfilled by the four systems
identified.
The map and plans illustrating the territorial dimension of the issues presented here, as well
as the documents and studies used as the foundation for the proposed management model,
are presented in annex.
Besides IMPFE, which is primarily of a strategic nature, the launching and drawing up of a set
of instruments, as well as the completion of those already begun, is considered necessary for
the development of the integrated management process of the Fortifications of Elvas. These
tasks and the subsequent implementation of those instruments will be carried out under the
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OFE. The management tools considered and their contents are as follows:
i. The Integrated Management Plan of the Fortifications of Elvas and Surrounding Area
(IMPFE) this integrating document of the candidacy, establishes the strategic plan,
sets the objectives and framework for the management process. It identifies and
articulates its determinants, defining the management model to implement. It was
prepared under the responsibility of the Candidacy Committee. This stage having
been completed, there follows the review process and implementation of this
instrument by OFE, which includes putting in place the operational objectives,
processes and actions of the document. Not having legal force beyond that which it
has by virtue of being adopted by the municipality, it refers to the administration of the
territory by the PEPFE.
ii. The Preservation and Enhancement Plan for the Fortifications of Elvas (PEPFE)
establishes the regulatory planning regime and is the basis for the management of the
territory incorporated into the SICA, as well as initiatives relating to the buildings. It is
produced by OFE which answers to the City of Elvas Council and consults with the
Candidacy Committee. Once the drafting of this instrument has been completed, the
OFE will follow its implementation process.
iii. Programme of Integrated Conservation of the Fortifications of Elvas (PICFE), an

instrument of direct intervention that develops the specifics of this IMPFE in terms of
operational management. It sets out a number of public initiative projects and activities
organised to intervene in the relevant systems (Intervention Projects - IP) together
with administrative and budgetary support, and monitors its implementation. Ensuring
coordination between the central and local government, it will be developed and
managed under the OFE and also include:
- Monitoring System of the Fortifications of Elvas (MSFE), defining the
performance appraisal of project management and including a set of indicators
directed at the four systems involved, their criteria for measuring and feedback
devices.
- The Geo-referenced Information System of the Fortifications of Elvas
(GRIFE) to support the heritage and territorial management systems, based on
surveys.
- The Housing Programme of the Fortifications of Elvas (HPFE), which
develops and systematises the municipal initiatives in this area, with the
management of the supply of subsidised rented property, directed primarily at
young people.
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iv. The Tourist Development Programme of the Fortifications of Elvas (TDPFE), more
concrete and detailed than a "plan for tourism," elaborates local specifications from
municipality guidelines for tourism development and the guidelines of more
comprehensive sectoral plans. It will indicating the lines of development of this activity
of central importance to the project in its relationship with the assets concerned and a
sustainable model for their use, given the local carrying capacity. It will indicate actions
to be taken in relation to tourism, in conjunction with other instruments, dealing in
particular aspects of promotion and forms of organisation for visitors. It will be drawn
up within the OFE.
v. Other instruments foreseen within the framework of action of the OFE in the
management of the "Fortifications of Elvas Project," is the adapted use of other
planning and management, legislative and operational instruments, for optimising the
capacity for local intervention, including among others:
- the MMP of Elvas provides the OFE with indications for the review of this
territorial management instrument, in its areas of competence, particularly by
defining the SICA as a planning and operational management unit (POMU) and
including its regulations in its specific instruments;
- the Plan of Activities of the council, the management of the project by providing
a framework for action in the programming of locally-based action, independent
of reliance on other sources;
- programmes for urban rehabilitation and municipal regulation of buildings and
urban rents, supporting the possibility of additional interventions in place of the
owners;
- specific measures and legal provisions concerning the protection of cultural
heritage, which is applicable here, as well as the proposed definition of SICA as
a special protection area (SPA) and mechanisms for increasing public powers
such as the right of first preference in these areas;
- provisions of a fiscal nature, usable as incentives for private stakeholders,
such as assessments and registers, and the contributions and taxes of a local
nature.
5. f SOURCES AND LEVELS OF FINANCE
As mentioned in the Integrated Management Plan of the Fortifications of Elvas - IMPFE

(Annex II), the resources available and the sources and levels of finance, for ongoing
operations and planned for the project, involve several bodies and local, regional, national
and community sources.
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We shall briefly recapitulate the sources and levels of financing, either current, approved at
the application stage or envisaged from the start of the Fortifications of Elvas Project,
highlighting municipal and other sources. This distinction is essential, given the definition of
competence in this area and the orientation, propounded in the management plan, towards a
locally based strategy of development in the integrated conservation and sustainability of the
Fortifications of Elvas.
a) External Bodies
Financial resources from outside bodies, at the regional and national level, whether available
to or deployed in the management of this project, are directed to the areas of action indicated.
In these ways, which seek to provide a comprehensive view of a mobilised universe, note the
dispersal of sources and the different levels and sectors involved, emphasising the need for
advanced planning and integrated organisation.
In this context, the main sources of funding comes are from EU funds through various
interventions of an operational nature, are:
- Community Initiatives
- Sectoral national programs
- Regional programs
i. Operating Environment Program (OEP), with emphasis on measure no. 2.1 "Improvement
of the urban environment", which can finance urban regeneration actions in the intramural
area.
ii. Operational Program for Culture (OPC), relating both to Aim 1, "Valuing the Historical and
Cultural Heritage", and to Aim 2, "Promoting Access to Cultural Heritage."
iii. URBAN Community Initiative, with emphasis on the conservation of cultural heritage and
integrated systems of public transport in the area and Intramural SICA.
iv. POLIS programme, as part of urban regeneration and environmental improvement in the
intramural area and SICA.
v. INTERREG Community Initiative, under the various heads of cooperation concerning
interventions that have as objectives the promotion of urban development and good
management of cultural heritage.
vi. LIFE programme, under the LIFE-Environment head, applicable in the areas of NER and
SICA and the non altius tollendi transitional area.
vii. Operational Program for Economic Affairs (OPE), with particular reference to:
- The System of Incentives for Commercial Town Planning Projects - URBCOM
programme, applicable in the intramural area;
- The System of Incentives for Strategic Tourist Initiatives - SIVETUR programme,
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applicable to projects of rehabilitation and adaptation of the classified heritage,

undertaken as enterprise ventures;
- The Integrated Tourist Programme of a Structuring Nature on a Regional Basis -
PITER programmes;
- Measure for Supporting the Infrastructural Dynamics of Historic Pousadas.
viii. Operational Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (OPARD), in rural areas
and for NARs included in SICA and the transitional zone of non altius tollendi.
ix. Cohesion Fund, increased funding for regional operational programmes in support of the
basic infrastructure of the territory.
x. Alentejo Regional Operational Program (AROP), with an emphasis on measures for
"Improvement and Use Optimisation of the Territory", including the enhancement of heritage,
and Local Utilities and Infrastructure."
In conjunction with these funds, there will also be national funds, i.e. financial contributions
and the national component of the investment, as well as responsibility for submissions for
EU funds already mentioned. This funding can be obtained:
- Under the technical and financial cooperation between the State and local authorities,
according to the Local Finances Act, taking into account the regime of celebration of
programme contracts. In particular, actions that contribute to the promotion of the economic
development of the urban intramural nucleus can be considered here;
- Through the Programme of Rehabilitation of Degraded Urban Areas (PRAUD) either by
setting up a Local Technical Office (LTO), or by supporting urban rehabilitation operations,
involving restoration of buildings, public spaces, infrastructure and utilities;
- Through the Programme for Investment and Development Funding of the Central
Administration (PIDFCA) of the Regional Directorates (RDELUPA, ARDA) of ICNB, of
IGESPAR and DGLUPUD.
As to the application of these sources of funding in the integrated action areas for the
protection of cultural heritage, in protection of natural assets in the surrounding area, in urban
and regional rehabilitation and in regional development, the situation is as follows:
- Protection of cultural heritage: funds from the Ministry of Culture administered by IGESPAR.
At the moment no activity within the scope of these programmes is taking place in the
Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area.
- Protection of natural assets in the surrounding area: financial resources from the Ministry of
Cities, Land-Use Planning and the Environment. At the moment no activity within the scope of
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these programmes is taking place in the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area.
- Rehabilitation and urban upgrading: funds from the Ministry of Cities, Land-Use Planning
and the Environment, managed by DGLUPUD, from the Ministry of Public Works,
Transportation and Housing managed by the INH and IGAPHE. The following works were
recently carried out in the urban area within the walls of the Fortifications of Elvas, funded by
programmes of this kind, to a total amount of 5,706,688.98, the RECRIA Programme
totalling of 269,293.71 and the POLIS Program totalling 5,437,395.27, distributed as
follows:
i. Upgrading of Republic Square and construction of underground parking, in a total
amount of 4,311,152.92
ii. Upgrading of the Rossio of S. Francisco, in a total amount of 1,126,242.35
- Regional development: financial resources from the Ministry of Cities, Land-Use Planning
and Environment, administered by CCRDA, in the framework of community support (QCA
III) and the QREN and the EU structural funds. Operations financed by programmes of this
kind are currently taking place in the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area,
operating at the municipal level.
b) City of Elvas Council

The municipality has been the main stakeholder in the conservation and restoration of the
Fortifications of Elvas and the surrounding area, and is also its main financial contributor. The
municipality's own funds invested here, available for or deployed in the management of the
Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area. They are applied by and are the
responsibility of the City Council, and derive from transfers from the State and, above all,
from the City Council's own revenue.
In the period between 2002 and 2006, the City of Elvas Council invested in this area a total
amount greater than fourteen million Euros (14,190,226.12), divided among the following
main items:
i. Conservation and improvement of Fortifications - around 1.3 million
ii. Urban and environmental upgrading, including networks of public infrastructure in the area
within the walls around 5.2 million
iii. Acquisition and rehabilitation of buildings with heritage value for installation of Public
Utilities around 6.5 million
iv. Studies and related projects - around 0.8 million
Taking as a reference this level and investment and the priority actions of management listed
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at the end of chapter IV, we can estimate the public investment involved in launching the
Fortifications of Elvas Project and its surrounding area.
However, the model defined for the Fortifications of Elvas Project should not rely excessively
on funding from public funds. Instead, conditions of self-financing and sustainability should
be looked for, especially among private stakeholders who may be attracted to this project, as
part of the SFE, as well as from the local community. It is, however, undeniable that during the
launch of the project much of the basic investment will depend on the authorities because of
the great need for skills in areas within its jurisdiction, in order to create conditions for stability
in the local systems.
The assessment of the specific means needed to launch the Fortifications of Elvas project
should be developed under the Integrated Conservation Programme (ICPFE), one of the
management tools that the SFE should possess, as listed below. Firstly, it is estimated that
this process requires funds of around 10,000,000 (ten million Euros) per year during the
start-up phase, which is expected to be five years.
An important component of the means considered for the management of the project should
be the securing of investments, consistent with the model of sustainability defined by private
institutions at the regional, national and international levels. This effort should be developed
within the framework of the SFE along with the contribution of the optimisation and
information strategy to be adopted.
There is also the need for the SFE to undertake financial management for the projects, in
direct liaison with the local structures, with the emphasis on restraint and accuracy, and cost-
effective and profitable economic and social investment.
5. g SOURCES OF EXPERTISE AND TRAINING IN CONSERVATION AND

MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
The management structure in charge of implementing the Fortifications of Elvas Project will
adopt a set of organs, tools and actions.
Following the strategies and priorities to be defined by the SFE (the Fortifications of Elvas
Company), the direct intervention in the territory of SICA will be made in operational terms by
one of the structures of the emerging model of management, an executive body set up by the
municipality, which will take the name of the Office for Project Management of the
Fortifications of Elvas (OFE). The creation of this executive body, which must take the lead in
the operational management process, is the start of the implementation phase of the
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integrated management of SICA.
Referring to the detailed description made in IMPFE, we review here, in summary, some
aspects of the existing bodies, as well as the elements of the management structure
proposed for the Fortifications of Elvas Project.
At the moment, the "external bodies", thus referred to because they are not local, manage
some general measures for the protection of cultural heritage and natural assets here in
force. Of these, intervening specifically in certain licensing procedures, as well as in the
administration of regional development programmes, we may highlight in the region the
Committee for Coordination and Regional Development of Alentejo (CCRDA).
We would also like to highlight the administration of the protection measures of classified built
heritage, as well as the supervising intervention in licensing procedures within the existing
SAPs and SA carried out by the Institute for the Management of Architectural and
Archaeological Heritage (IGESPAR), a national institute integrated into the Ministry of
Culture. The IGESPAR has the qualified technical resources to carry out its actions, and has a
binding intervention over all initiatives on the property and the territory which are under its
supervision. The proposal to extend the "special protection area" made in this application,
with the designation of SICA, also extends the jurisdiction of IGESPAR in this territory, adding
assurances about the control of its management.
As to the local level, the City of Elvas Council is responsible for, among other areas of action,
the urban planning administration, licensing and administrative authorisation of private works
and changes of land-use, housing policies, various forms of social and educational actions
and the implementation of national programmes of urban rehabilitation. It is also the City
Council's responsibility to manage the built environment and in the specific case of the
Fortifications of Elvas, under agreements with the State (see Chapter II.2), its participation in
the management of the assets of the monumental heritage. The City of Elvas Council is
endowed with the appropriate technical and organizational resources to exercise its powers,
and is the body with primary responsibility for managing the territory in question in the project.
As for the structure proposed in the candidacy (see IMPFE), the general administration of the
Fortifications of Elvas Project will be managed by a body modelled on a business type
company, which we will call the Fortification of Elvas Company(SFE), on which are
represented the stakeholders most relevant to the objectives of development and
sustainability of the assets involved, with leadership from the City of Elvas of Council.
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Operational intervention, that is, the direct intervention in the management of the SICA
territory, will be made by one of the structures of the emerging model of management, an
executive body set up by the City of Elvas Council, which will take the name of the Office for
Project Management of the Fortifications of Elvas (OFE).
The OFE will perform tasks of a scientific, technical and administrative nature, developing
and implementing the management tools, namely, the IMPFE and the Preservation and
Enhancement Plan for the Fortifications of Elvas (PEPFE), as well as making up the
operational and support structure for the execution of the Integrated Conservation
Programme of the Fortifications of Elvas (ICPFE).
It will be, essentially, a technical structure, whose responsibility will be to manage the SICA
territory in a perspective of local sustainable development, implementing the corresponding
management tools and promoting the integration of activities of bodies involved in this area. It
will also be responsible for developing ways of assessing their performance and monitoring
the dynamics of these systems through "reactive" monitoring devices, or feedback, especially
those developed in the most comprehensive of the tools listed (ICPFE).
The OFE will have a coordination structure, appointed by the Mayor of the City of Elvas
Council, a technical and executive structure, composed of various professionals with higher
education training, in different fields of action, and an advisory structure, composed of
representatives chosen from the most important local stakeholders and invited experts and
consultants.
Associated with the structure of the OFE, operational intervention teams (OIT) should be set
up, their number and composition to be defined in the ICPFE, with a multifaceted technical-
professional capacity to intervene on a daily and permanent basis in priority conservation
actions concerning the heritage.
Finally, in terms of an organisational proposal, the importance of the area Communication

and Marketing justifies the setting up, within the framework of the SFE, of a body dedicated to
this field, whose mission is to promote and contribute to the creation of content, the
scheduling of events and dissemination of cultural products based on the Fortifications of
Elvas; for more details see Section 5.i.Policies and programmes related to the presentation
and promotion of the property.
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5. h VISITOR FACILITIES AND STATISTICS
As set forth in the Integrated Management Plan of the Fortifications of Elvas - IMPFE
(annexed to the application dossier), the management of the surrounding territorial system
and of the interpretation, presentation and information system includes, among other
aspects, a set of physical infrastructures designed for the use to be made of the Fortifications
of Elvas (FE) and its surrounding area.
These infrastructures include visitor support facilities. They do not, however, fall entirely
within the direct responsibility of the management bodies of FE, and involve local
stakeholders whose work, which has an important role in the creation of value for the project,
should be in line with the project's strategic objectives.
Considering these aspects, as well as the importance of visitors for the sustainability of the
project and their impact on the heritage system, it is of particular importance to collect
statistical information about the flow of visitors and their characteristics. This aspect merits
development within the framework of monitoring mechanisms proposed in IMPFE.
It will be recalled that a set of infrastructures and installations that make up the available
visitor support facilities has already been presented in preceding sections of this dossier and
IMPFE.
1. Current capacity for receiving tourists
a) Accommodation capacity
It should be noted that this is an essentially private sector. It is up to the project management
of FE to foster the conditions for investment and to ensure that the types and characteristics of
enterprises are compatible with the objectives of integrated conservation.
The municipality of Elvas has 15 enterprises that provide tourist accommodation, of various
categories, with a total of 843 beds. The best equipped of these are located in the city, and
show occupancy rates of around 20%. Elvas also has a campsite with capacity for 225
people.
The available data allow us to conclude that, in the regional context of Alentejo, Elvas has a
remarkable accommodation capacity, and that tourist demand is not likely to impose pressure
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on the available facilities.
b) Number of restaurants
The gastronomy of Elvas is at present its major tourist 'product' since shopping by Spanish
visitors - once very important - suffered a significant drop with the opening of borders within
the EU.
The municipality has 64 restaurants and similar establishments, some of national renown and
in great demand by customers from the Spanish cities of Extremadura. It follows that Elvas's
capacity in this regard is, beyond doubt, both as to the amount of restaurants and their
gastronomic quality.
c) Number of parking places
Although the city's historic centre is surrounded by a continuous girdle of fortifications, the
available parking capacity is impressive: in the central square (Praa da Repblica) an
underground car park with 230 spaces was opened in 2006, giving the tourist a convenient
place to park in the heart of the city. But inside the city, even more places are on offer with 369
fee-paying and 1454 free spaces, a total (when on-street parking is added in), of 2053 spaces.
The daily occupancy rates (averaged over a week) of paid parking is 27.3%, and of free
parking is 76%.
Outside the fortifications in the historic centre, there is no difficulty in parking, particularly at
accommodation and catering establishments. For the two major fortifications outside the
historic centre the Fort of Santa Luzia and Fort of Graa we have already stated that both
have sufficient parking to meet current demand: an organised car park in the former case and
a non-organised open parking area in the latter. We may therefore conclude that under this
heading the host city is technically ready to receive its visitors.
2. Visitor Statistics
The analysis of available indicators on the current number of visitors and its development in
the recent past, which is presented elsewhere in this dossier, shows that the hotel occupancy
rate is stable, albeit with reduced values (around 24% in the unit of reference, the Pousada de
Elvas).
However, indicators of attendance at the tourist office and museum visits point to a decrease
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in visitors from the year 2002, which may be explained as the consequence of "September
11" for tourism, as well as the European economic crisis, and especially, the Portuguese
crisis.
The absence of other statistical information to characterise tourist demand renders a more
detailed analysis of this phenomenon impossible in the context of the FE, limiting the ability of
the managing bodies to act strategically. To overcome this limitation, it is important to consider
the reactive feedback mechanisms previewed in the IMPFE, the collection of statistical
information to monitor the flow of visitors, and their characteristics and behaviour.
From the available information, given that the resulting reduced pressure does not
compromise this area's carrying capacity, we do not consider that the current tourism flows
create any need for specific management measures. The biggest problem here was the
parking in the city centre and this was, as mentioned above, resolved by underground parking
and the discipline introduced by paid parking in areas of high demand.
The guidance of the managing bodies to combat seasonality of tourism demand has been
achieved by the continuous creation of new attractions, specifically in the form of three
museums: the Military Museum, inaugurated in November 2001, the Municipal Museum of
Photography, opened in November 2003, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, opened in
2007.
5. i POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES RELATED TO THE PRESENTATION AND

PROMOTION OF THE PROPERTY
As was mentioned in the document "Proposal for the inclusion of the Fortifications of Elvas in
the World Heritage List" and already identified in the "priority management actions" (Chapter
IV.4. of the Integrated Management Plan, annex to the application dossier), the policies and
programs for the presentation and promotion of Fortifications of Elvas involve several areas
and are realized in several priority actions.
It is as we have already mentioned, the management of the interpretation, presentation

and information system, given the desired status of "World Heritage", assumes an added
responsibility of the managing bodies of the Fortifications of Elvas together with a central role
in creating the value and contributing to the sustainability of the project. Essentially, four
factors should be considered here:
- the production and dissemination of science and culture;
- to be in liaison with the educational system;
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- the strengthening of the cultural identity and the feeling of belonging in the community;
- and support for Tourism
The management of the interpretation, presentation and information system is based on a set
of physical infrastructures, some already in existence, others to be designed and
implemented, directed at the support, the interpretation and understanding of the heritage
system and its relationship with the territory, as well as the implications of these for the use of
the surrounding space. Interpretation centres, signposting, interpretative and information
panels, and museums may be included in this infrastructure.
Apart from the physical support, equally in importance and scope, the interpretation,
presentation and information system also involves "intangible" elements, such as mounting
events of various types and the production of information, contributing to the affirmed role of
the Fortifications of Elvas in boosting tourism and culture for the city and the region, and
should highlight how these initiatives seek international visibility and scientific importance.
This process was initiated with the World Summit for Specialists of Military Bastion
Architecture held in Elvas 21-22 July 2007, organized by the City of Elvas, Council with the
scientific coordination of the Centre for History of the University of Lisbon.
The candidacy is aware of the importance of these aspects, both because of the obligation to
dissemination information, which is the duty of those responsible for the property, and also
because of the important contribution that they make to self-financing.
1. Tourism development tools
The most comprehensive tourism development tool is the National Strategic Plan for Tourism
(NSPT), a national reference document, which identifies cultural tourism as a priority sector,
stressing its potential contribution to the economic base of the hinterland.
At the regional level, emphasis is put on the Tourism Development Plan of the Alentejo, which
incorporates the Tourism Development Plan of the North Alentejano, approved in 1999 and
managed, until recently, by the former Tourism Region of Portalegre.
In relation to the development of the Fortifications of Elvas Project, in the management plan
we point to the drafting of the Tourist Development Programme of the Fortifications of Elvas
(TDPFE, see section 5.e. Management System); it is more concrete and detailed than a
"plan for tourism," and elaborates local specifications from municipality guidelines for tourism
development.
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This document, to be drawn up by the Office of the Fortifications of Elvas, will indicate the lines
of development of this activity which is of central importance to the project in its relationship
with the assets concerned and a sustainable model for their use, given the local carrying
capacity. It will indicate actions to be taken in relation to tourism, in conjunction with other
instruments, dealing in particular aspects of promotion and forms of organisation for visitors.
2. Interpretation, presentation and information initiatives
This area involves organisational aspects, related to the management model, but also
physical infrastructure, relationships with the educational system, tourism and the production
and dissemination of information. The objectives and the areas in question are:
- Creation of a body for communication and marketing, incorporated in the SFE and to
promote the creation of content, programming and distribution of cultural products and
initiatives based on Fortifications of Elvas.
- Creation of infrastructure to support the interpretation and understanding of the heritage and
its relationship with the territory, including museums and groups of museums, centres of
interpretation, informative and explanatory panels and signposting, creation of facilities,
whether permanent or temporary, that promote the usage value of the Fortifications of Elvas
and providing logistical and cultural support to visitors and tourists.
- Coordination with the educational system by establishing collaboration with schools in Elvas
and neighbouring counties for the organisation of supported school visits, as well as
promoting school activities and practical work on the Fortifications of Elvas.
- Support for Tourism, through initiatives to enhance the enjoyment and use of tourist assets,
such as the development of accessibility, guided tours or the creation of roadmaps, as well as
the production of information, creation of incentives for local programmes, of a regulatory and
fiscal nature, to support tourism investment.
- Putting on events of different kinds that will contribute to promoting the Fortifications of Elvas
as a centre of activity and cultural tourism for the city and region; organisation of festivities
related to the history of Elvas and encouraging the organisation of events and the area
surrounding the fortifications.
- Creation of the "Fortifications of Elvas" brand and its merchandising.
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- Scientific and cultural production and information, with the support of research on the
Fortifications of Elvas and the implementation of national and international meetings on the
fortified systems; achievement of emblematic and high-level artistic and scientific initiatives
with national and international scope.
5. j STAFFING LEVELS
To launch the process of integrated management of the Fortifications of Elvas, the adoption of
a set of organs, instruments as well as a range of actions is expected as mentioned in the
Management Plan (IMPFE) which integrates this candidacy. These will be equipped with
technical resources appropriate to the carrying out of their remits.
Referring to the detailed description made in IMPFE, we briefly review here the aspects
related to technical resources in management, conservation and maintenance included in
those organs.
1. The General Administration of the project
The "Fortifications of Elvas Project" should be managed globally by a body based on a

business model, on which are represented the stakeholders most relevant to the objectives of
development and sustainability of the assets involved, with leadership from the City of Elvas
Council.
The body responsible for implementing this project, following the model of management
above - which, for purposes of this IMPFE is called "The Fortifications of Elvas Company
(SFE)" - could be a municipal company, or modelled on a foundation and should include both
public and private partners selected on the basis of their ability to contribute positively to the
process.
2. Operational structure
The direct intervention in the territory of SICA will be made in operational terms by one of the
structures of the emerging model of management, an executive body set up by the
municipality, which will take the name of the Office for Project Management of the
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Both the SFE and the OFE should be formed by decision of the bodies that own and protect
the assets, including representatives of the owners of civil Intramural buildings.
For operational management, it is proposed to create an executive body, the OFE, which will
constitute an operational structure and to support implementation of the Integrated
Conservation Programme for the Fortifications of Elvas (ICPFE). Among other management
activities in the area of intervention of the project, the OFE's tasks will include:
i. the development and implementation of ICPFE;

ii. actions in the various operational systems, according to strategies and priorities
determined by SFE;
iii. the development of instruments of intervention, whether plans for territorial management,
municipal programmes or other types of instruments;
iv. the preparation of projects of intervention (IP), or the definition of the terms of reference for
its external inspection and the monitoring of their preparation;
v. the financing of IDPs and monitoring of its implementation.
2.1. OFE - Constitution and technical resources
The OFE is a locally based operational structure, whose legitimacy derives from a
democratically elected local government body, the Elvas City Council. It will be chaired by the
Councillor for Culture and made up by technical staff from the municipal services and by
specialists in all areas of cultural heritage and urban management, representatives of public
bodies that supervise SICA and representatives of relevant local stakeholders. Some experts
will be moved, possibly, to the Candidacy's Scientific Committee.
So this office will have:
a) Coordination
The OFE will have a coordination structure composed of three elements, appointed by the
Mayor of Elvas, which will be chaired by the Councillor for Culture.
b) Technical and executive structure: composition and professional profiles
- A business manager to address the operational aspects of the operation.

- An urban specialist, specialising in management of historic centres.
- Two architects, with experience at the level of intervention in historic centres and military
architecture.
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- A historian, specialising in architectural heritage and military architecture.

- A landscape architect with experience in public spaces in historic areas.
- An expert in museology (museologist).
- A sociologist, specialising in problems of human communities in property contexts.
- Two civil engineers with experience in intervention in old structures and management of
infrastructure in historical areas.
- A technician from tourism.
- Secretarial and administration office.
In order to assure the OFE the measure of protection appropriate to the assets and territorial
systems, the public bodies involved here, as well as higher education institutions in the
region, will be represented, with a status to be defined, by staff with training and experience
relevant to the Fortifications of Elvas Project.
It will endeavour to conclude a protocol of cooperation and one regarding rules with these
bodies, which will result in the issuance of opinions concerning their areas of operation in
SICA being negotiated and on time, within the deliberations of the OFE. This action, together
with the activities of the advisory structure to be followed will ensure the operability of the
indispensable scientific and institutional support to the management of the Fortifications of
Elvas Project.
c) Advisory structure
- Ten representatives chosen from the most important local stakeholders, chosen from the
Juntas, from the Misericrdia, from cultural bodies, from the church, from local business
people who run hotels and restaurants. The purpose behind this inclusion, which follows the
guidelines of the application process, is to institutionalise forms of participation.
- Experts and outside consultants, some from the Scientific Committee's candidacy, and
other relevant national and international figures. They will be called upon for occasional
collaboration, limited in time, or with a broader remit, in the definition of guidelines and
strategies, or analysis of specific cases.
3. Maintenance and conservation Operational teams
To facilitate the process of regular and ongoing interventions required in built heritage of the
Fortifications of Elvas in the field of conservation, i.e. not involving rehabilitation measures,
technical assistance teams for maintenance and restoration should be created.
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Thus, associated with the structure of the OFE, operational intervention teams (OIT) should
be set up, their number and composition to be defined in the ICPFE, with a multifaceted
technical-professional capacity to intervene on a daily and permanent basis in priority
conservation actions. These actions will be carried out under a technical and operational
direction based on the OFE with monitoring and advice from technical consultants with
relevant training from this Office.
The OIT will develop in the medium and long term, work campaigns, primarily for
maintenance, as previously studied and agreed with the IGESPAR.
The OIT can and should participate in all works of conservation and restoration designated for
the Fortifications of Elvas, although these may be put out to competitive tender, by IGESPAR.
Experience will show whether these teams, in years to come, can or cannot dedicate
themselves to interventions in other areas of the property (civil and religious architecture;
managed or municipal property), as well as contribute to self-financing, delivering services of
this nature to other stakeholders.
4.Communication and marketing
The importance of this area justifies the setting up within the framework of the SFE, of a body
dedicated to communication and marketing, whose mission is to promote and contribute to
the creation of content, the scheduling of events and dissemination of cultural products based
on the Fortifications of Elvas. This body will be responsible, among other activities, for
planning, managing and improving operations to enhance the existing heritage in SICA at the
level of cultural, educational and tourist promotion.
The responsibilities of this body may even include measures such as the creation of the
"Fortifications of Elvas" brand and exploitation of its merchandising, under the supervision of
the SFE. To fulfil this, it should have in its own staff, a board and professionals who are
qualified in this field, launching tenders for external collaboration whenever deemed
appropriate.
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6. MONITORING
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6. MONITORING
6.a. INDICATORS FOR MEASURING THE STATE OF CONSERVATION
The City of Elvas Council, as the main body responsible for the state of conservation of Elvas,
will constantly monitor every aspect that makes up the site being nominated for World
Heritage to ensure that the State of Conservation will remain at the utmost level, maintaining
its authenticity and the Outstanding Universal Value of the site.
Besides constant monitoring, the City intends to make a more detailed periodic monitoring
exercise every three years. The first such exercise was held in 2009 (see chapter 4).
The indicators for the next monitoring (2012) of the state of conservation of the property have
already been set out and applied in the discussion of item "4.a GENERAL STATE OF
CONSERVATION". Obviously, in an interactive process such as this one, other indicators will
be created, mainly those concerning integrated conservation, defining, for instance, urban
indicators as todemographic change inside and outside the historical centre, types of
occupation and use of the buildings, and so on, which will be studied and set out through the
Management Plan, which will be updated every three years.
6.a.1 Fortifications in the historic centre
6.a.1.1 Medieval fortifications
6.a.1.1.1 Castle

Classification: National Monument (Decree of 27-09-1906, Government Decree (DG)
228 of 9 October 1906; Decree of 16-06-1910, DG 136 of 23 June 1910)
SPA: none applicable
Assignment: IGESPAR (Legislative Decree (DL) 106F/92 of 1 June)
User: IGESPAR
Reception facilities: storage; toilets; bar; IGESPAR shop, outside car park
Interpretation: explanatory display; leaflet; guided tour
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Current general state of conservation: good (2009).
Projects: Recovery and improvement project undertaken by IGESPAR. The aim of the
intervention in the Castle of Elvas is to be improve public enjoyment by various improvement
schemes in the outside public spaces; installation of an interpretation centre; education and
museum services in the Homage Tower; improvement of monument lighting; restoration of
existing buildings (1st phase, 2001-2003, IGESPAR).
Indicators of the state of conservation:
1) Indicator: length of missing wall (0 m) (2009)

Information location: CEC (City of Elvas Council) /IGESPAR
2) Indicator: extension of wall walk not practicable (0 m) (2009)

3) Indicator: number of battlements in need of conservation/restoration or total reconstruction

(0) (2009)
Information location: CEC/IGESPARR
4) Indicator: number of loopholes or observation slits, gun ports and embrasures in need of
conservation/restoration (0) (2009)
5) Indicator: number of outside openings (doors and windows) in need of conservation /

restoration (0) (2009)
6) Indicator: total area of wall masonry, towers and alcaidaria (governor's house) (apart from
battlements) in need of:
6.1 Minor conservation and restoration work (191 m2) (2009)
6.2 Work to reconstruct areas of sizeable dimensions (0 m2) (2009)
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7) Indicator: number of towers in need of work to render roofing and terraces waterproof or to
conserve paved areas (0) (2009)
8) Indicator: number of points/zones in need of structural reinforcement work (0) (2009)


e) Demolitions
6.a.1.1.2 Medieval city walls

Property: private and public
Classification: National Monument (Decree no. 28536, Government Decree (DG) 66 of
22 March 1938; Decree no. 30762, DG 225 of 26 September 1940; Decree no. 37077, DG 228
of 29 September 1948)
SPA: none
Assignment: private owners and CEC (Fernandina Tower)
User: private and CEC (Fernandina Tower)
Function: consists partly of private - specifically the Catholic Church - and public
buildings; tourist and cultural (Fernandina Tower)
Tourist access: occasional (Fernandina Tower); subject to conditions (private
properties)
1
These records, qualitative in nature, do not necessarily constitute a negative indicator; they are an essential aide-memoire to further evaluation, after an
elapse of time. All events subsequent to that monitoring (2009), which this paragraph does not address, should be recorded as the situation in this area is set
out in section 2.b.2.3.
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Reception facilities: Fernandina Tower: storage; toilets; occasional tourist and cultural
services; car park in the Praa da Repblica, among others.
Interpretation: guided tour by the municipal tourist services
Current general state of conservation: 1) Walls: poor, due to constant rehabilitation and
incorporation into dwellings throughout the centuries (2009); 2) Towers: good, except where
they have been rehabilitated and incorporated into dwellings and at the Church of So Pedro
(2009); 3) Gates and arches: good (2009).
Projects: there are none
1.1 Indicator: extent of existing wall (or vestiges of it)

1.2 In the 1st wall: 305m (2009)
1.3 In the 2nd wall: 561m (2009)
2) Indicator: number of towers (or vestiges of them) existing

2.1) In the 1st wall: 2 (2009)
2.2) In the 2nd wall: 8 (2009)
3) Indicator: number of gates (and arches) existing

3.1) In the 1st wall: 3 (2009)
3.2) In the 2nd wall: 3 (2009)
4) Indicator: number of towers in need of conservation and restoration work (10) (2009)
5) Indicator: number of points/zones in need of structural reinforcement

5.1) In the 1st wall: 0 (2009)
5.2) In the 2nd wall: 0 (2009)
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e) Demolition
6.a.1.2 Bulwarked fortifications

Classification: National Monument (Decree no. 28536, DG 66 of 22 March 1938
Walls of Elvas; Decree no. 30762, DG 225 of 26 September 1940 Walls, Forts and Fortlets
of the Stronghold of Elvas; Decree no. 37077, DG 228 of 29 September 1948 Walls of
Elvas)
SPA: none
User: RI8 (8th Estremoz Infantry Regiment)
Reception facilities: various car parks adjoining the curtain wall
Interpretation: guided tour by the municipal tourist services and by RI8
Interventions since 1974: (See note 2.b.2.3.4)
Current general state of conservation: good; in some areas, especially the west,
clearance work is still to be done on rubble and remains of former buildings, which probably,
given their enormous size, had a non-military function and have been encroached on by
vegetation which is costly and difficult to control; minor conservation and restoration work is
also necessary, at various points along the whole perimeter (2009).
Projects: none existing
2
See note 1
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1) Indicator: extent of interrupted curtain (0 m) (2009)

2) Indicator: extent of interrupted parapet of the magistral line (14 m = viaduct) (2009)

4) Indicator: number of sentry boxes in need of conservation and restoration (20) (2009)
5) Indicator: total area of masonry in need of:

5.1) Minor conservation and restoration work: 449 m2 (2009)
5.2) Reconstruction work over substantial areas: 0 m2 (2009)
6) Indicator: number of points/zones in need of structural reinforcement (0) (2009)

7) Indicator: percentage of the ditch area built on (1.63 %) (2009)

8) Indicator: percentage of the area up to 233.88m (the effective range of a musket) from the
magistral line that has been built on (ditch: 1.63 %) (between the covered way and 233,88m:
4.52 %) (2009)
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9) Indicator: number of gates and postern gates in the magistral line and ravelins in need of
conservation/restoration/reconstruction (0) (2009)
e) Demolition
6.a.2 Fort of Santa Luzia

Property: public (state-owned); Ministry of Defence
Walls, Forts and Fortlets of the Stronghold of Elvas )
SPA: none
Assignment: CEC (management handover protocol, between the CEC and the Army
General Staff/Military Museum, dated 21 April 2001)
User: City of Elvas
Function: tourist and cultural (Military Museum)
Reception facilities: storage; small museum shop; toilets; bar facilities (self-service);
outside car park
Interpretation: leaflet; guided tour by the museum services
Current general state of conservation: good; recent extensive conservation and
rehabilitation works have been carried out by the Military Museum; conservation work is still
required in the southern zone, above all on the curtain facings (2009).
Projects: continuing conservation of the fort and development of the Military Museum.
3
See note 1
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2) Indicator: extent of interrupted parapet (0 m) (2009)


5) Indicator: total area of masonry in curtains, bulwarks, scarp and counterscarp in need of:
5.2) Reconstruction work in areas of a significant size and corresponding locations: 0 m2
(2009)
6) Indicator: number of points/zones in need of structural reinforcement (0) (2009)

7) Indicator: area of glacis built on up to a distance of 200m from the magistral line (0 m2)
(2009)
need of conservation/restoration/reconstruction (0) (2009)
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9) Indicator: state of conservation of access to the fort (good)

e) Demolitions
6.a.3 Fort of Graa

Classification: National Monument (Decree of 16-06-1910, DG 136 of 23 June 1910)
SPA: none
User: Ministry of Defence
Tourist access: visits subject to conditions set by RI8 (8th Estremoz Infantry Regiment)
Reception facilities: storage (RI8); outside parking facilities; no tourist reception
services
Interpretation: none
Current general state of conservation: good in structural terms; fair, in general, a lack of
regular clearing of vegetation, and of cleaning in the interior of buildings and works of
conservation in various adjoining buildings, especially those opening onto the ditch of the
central redoubt and those situated in the entry ravelin and underground passages. The fort
has no electricity or toilets, and access is difficult due to the narrowness of the road and its
state of conservation; near the entrance, free parking space is available but there is a need for
a properly organised park. Fundamentally, the fort needs a function (2009).
Projects: attempts at providing tourist and cultural functions
4
See note 1
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2) Indicator: extent of interrupted parapet (0 m) (2009)


5) Indicator: total area of masonry in curtains, bulwarks, scarp and counterscarp, in need of:
5.2) Reconstruction work in areas of a significant size: 0 m2 (2009)
6) Indicator: area of esplanade (built glacis) built on (0 m2) (2009)

need of conservation/restoration/reconstruction (0) (2009)
8) Indicator: state of conservation of access to the fort (narrow road in poor state of
conservation) (2009)
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e) Demolitions
f) Other interventions which could give rise to doubts concerning the conservation of the
integrity and authenticity of the fortifications.
6.a.4 Fortlet of So Mamede

SPA: none
User: CEC/inhabited by a family
Function: dwelling
the vegetation in the ditch; it will be important to make a feasibility study for the restoration of its
embrasures (2009).
Projects: none
1) Indicator: extent of wall in need of conservation, restoration or reconstruction (3 m) (2009)

5
See note 1
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2) Indicator: number of embrasures/merlons/platforms damaged or obstructed (10) (2009)

3) Indicator: state of conservation of access to the fortlet (good) (2009)


e) Demolitions
6.a.5 Fortlet of So Pedro

SPA: none
User: CEC
embrasures (2009).
Projects: none
6
See note 1
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1) Indicator: extent of wall in need of conservation, restoration or reconstruction (0) (2009)

3) Indicator: state of conservation of access to the fortlet (good) (2009)


e) Demolitions
6.a.6 Fortlet of So Domingos or Piedade

Classification: National Monument (Decree no. 30762, DG 225 de 26 September 1940
Walls, Forts and Forlets of the Stronghold of Elvas)
SPA: none
User: CEC
7
See note 1
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embrasures (2009).
Projects: none

(2009)
3) Indicator: state of conservation of access to the fortlet (poor) (2009)


e) Demolitions
6.a.7 Buildings with a military or a logistic functions

(Already listed in paragraph 2.a.5)
Indicators of the state of conservation of the buildings with military function
[These buildings were observed in 2009 using criteria not so specific to respond to their
conservation status (Chapter 4). They will be observed through these criteria in the year 2012]
8
See note 1
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A) Building: _____________________________________________________________
1) Indicator: integrity
The building maintains the general former integrity that it had before becoming vacant:
Yes: _
No: _____________________________________________________________
First observation: 2012
Information location: CEC /IGESPAR
2) Indicator: structural condition

Foundations: ________________________________________________________
Walls: _____________________________________________________________
Roof: ______________________________________________________________
3) Indicator: functions
Vacant:
Yes:
No:
Rehabilitated or used for appropriate functions:
Yes: ____________________________________________________________
No: ____________________________________________________________
4) Indicator: urban surroundings

Is the building affected in its appearance and interpretability by the urban surroundings?
No:
Yes: _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
6.b ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR MONITORING PROPERTY
Considering that the candidate property complex has several owners and public trustees, the
periodic monitoring of the state of conservation should be made by one entity, so that the
methodology and the benchmarks are the same, that is, so that the various periodical
inspections may be comparable with each other. Thus, we considered that the City of Elvas
Council, which is permanently on the ground and is the point of liaison with the several owners
and trustees, should be the body to carry out the systematic and periodic monitoring of the
517
property complex in question. This monitoring report will be prepared for each part of the
property every three years. Moreover, the first monitoring conducted in 2009 which yielded the
information set forth in chapter "4.a GENERAL STATE OF CONSERVATION, was the sole
responsibility of this body.
CITY OF ELVAS COUNCIL

(Arq. David Richau e Dr. Isabel Pinto)
Rua Isabel Maria Pico
Apartado 70 7350 953 ELVAS
Telephone: 268 639 740
Fax: 268 629 060 / 268 624 334
Web Address: www.cm-elvas.pt
e-mail: geral@cm-elvas.pt
A technical committee has been set up to ensure that the monitoring is done according to
international standards. This committee will be consulted on major projects within the city to
ensure they do not change the Outstanding Universal Value of the property nor have any
negative effect on the conservation of its individual parts.
As predicted in the Management Plan, this committee is called the Office of the Fortifications
of Elvas and will supervise the whole technical process and also be responsible for the
elaboration of a triennial statement about the monitoring report, distinguishing each part of the
property.
What the Management Plan says about:
"The Fortifications of Elvas Company (SFE)", including public and private partners which will develop the
management objectives defined in this IMPFE to establish modes of cooperation with external bodies, identify
and attract funding for the project and coordinate the dependent operational structures. The SFE will allow the
strengthening of capacity for intervention of local management, with the inclusion of objectives and actions of the
"Fortifications of Elvas Project" in the operational tools of the municipality.
Action 24 (ST). Creation of an executive body of operational management, its technical infrastructure dedicated
to and integrated in SFE, here called the "Office of the Fortifications of Elvas" (OFE), for the management of
the fortifications and the surrounding area. It will have the task of defining and implementing the objectives of this
IMPFE as well as the instruments and actions hereunder, and monitoring and evaluating the whole process of
integrated conservation. It will thus be responsible for the coordination of public projects and the implementation
of municipal programmes and will be a channel dedicated to the appraisal of private works in SICA.
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6.c RESULTS OF PREVIOUS INSPECTIONS
The most important public bodies, owners, management and protection entities present day
or from the recent past of the whole complex of fortifications and buildings that had a military
function were contacted, and we found out that there are no reports with information that we
can use to compare with the survey conducted in 2009 by the City de Elvas Council. There are
only surveys from specific areas of the fortifications, which are part of the work process for the
conservation, restoration and rehabilitation conducted by the defunct DGEMN (from the
1940s) and by the former IPPAR, now IGESPAR. This reinforces the approach we advocate in
the previous paragraph (6.b).
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7. DOCUMENTATION
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7. DOCUMENTATION
7.a INVENTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHS, SLIDES AND OTHER

AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS AND THE APPROPRIATE
AUTHORISATION FOR USE
(See, Annex VIII, at the end of this volume)
521
7.b DOCUMENTS RELATING TO PROTECTIVE DESIGNATION,

COPIES OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PLANS OR
DOCUMENTED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND EXTRACTS OF
OTHER PLANS RELEVANT TO THE PROPERTY
7.b.1 Legislation that classified the various elements of the fortified system of Elvas,
with the aim of their preservation, and putting them in the care of various bodies.
7.b.1.1 In the heritage system of the Fortifications of Elvas

23.06.1910.
a.1 Placed under IPPAR, now IGESPAR, by Decree-Law No. 106F/92, 1 June.
23.06.1910.

210, 05.09.
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7.b.1.2 In the surrounding integrated conservation area - SICA
a - Classification of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assuno, the former Cathedral of

Elvas, as a National Monument by Decree of 16 June 1910, published in the Government
a1 - Constitution of the special protection area (SPA) of the Church of Nossa Senhora da
b - Classification of the Church of S. Pedro as a National Monument, by Decree of 16 June

b1 - Constitution of the special protection area (SPA) of the Church of S. Pedro, published in
c - Classification of the Church of Dominicos as a National Monument, by Decree of 16 June

c1 - Constitution of the special protection area (SPA) of the Church of Dominicos, published in
d - Classification of the Church of Dominicas, or Church of the former Convent of the Sisters of
St. Dominic, in Elvas, as a National Monument, by Decree of 16 June 1910, published in the
e - Classification of the Elvas Pillory, parish of Alcova, as a Building of Public Interest, by

f - Classification of the Church of the Ordem Terceira de S. Francisco, in Elvas, as a Building

of Public Interest, by Decree No. 129/77, published in the Journal of the Republic, 1st. series,
No. 226, 29.09.1977.
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7.b.2 Management Plan
The Management Plan is Annex II and is included in Volume III of the Proposal
7.b.3 Documents of the management system
7.b.3.1 About IGESPAR - Institute for the Management of Architectural and Archaeological
Heritage
Decree-Law No. 96/2007, 29 March
Article 3
Mission and Responsibilities
1 - The IGESPAR, I. (Instituto) P. (Pblico) (Instituto Pblico State Agency), has as its task the
management, preservation, conservation and enhancement of assets, which because of
their historical, artistic, scenic, scientific, social and technical interest include the classified
architectural and archaeological heritage of the country.
2 - The IGESPAR, I. P., enjoys scientific and technical autonomy in pursuing its appointed
tasks.
3 - The responsibilities of IGESPAR, I. P.:
a) To propose classification and inventory of property of national and public interest of
architectural and archaeological significance and to establish (as well as revoke the status of)
special protection areas;
b) To develop, in conjunction with the Regional Directorates of Culture from the Ministry of
Culture, plans, programmes and projects for the implementation of works and interventions of
conservation, recovery, restoration, rehabilitation and enhancement of classified buildings, of
buildings that are in the process of being classified and those that are located in the
corresponding areas of protection, as well as providing them with technical supervision and
monitoring;
c) To ensure, in conjunction with the Regional Directorates of Culture, the management and
enhancement of architectural and archaeological heritage which has been placed under their
supervision and promote, implement and monitor the work necessary to this end;
d) To promote the systematic and updated inventory of assets that constitute the cultural
heritage in their corresponding area of operation, as well as ensuring that, once classified, the
elements of the heritage are duly registered and made subject to legal protection;
e) To give its verdict, within the terms of applicable law, on plans, projects, works and
interventions of public or private initiative, that are held in classified buildings and on those
that are in the process of being classified, as well as their corresponding areas of protection,
particularly in monuments, complexes and sites;
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f) To comply with the provisions of the Basic Law on Policy for Protection and Promotion
of Cultural Heritage and other complementary legislation in the domain of architectural
and archaeological cultural heritage.
Note: the Castle of Elvas is directly assigned to this Agency (Decree-Law No. 106F/92, 1
June)
7.b.3.2 Concerning the protocol between the City of Elvas Council and the General Staff
of the Army to manage the Fort of Santa Luzia and its Military Museum, signed on 21 April
2001.
(...)
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES
1. The City of Elvas Council is responsible for:

a. Maintaining and conserving the facilities and the entire museum exhibition area of the Fort
of Santa Luzia;
b. The payment of the water, electricity, and insurance of the Museum artefacts, as well as the
promotion of the Museum;
c. Ensuring safekeeping and surveillance both inside and outside the Museum by staff;
d. Providing for the artefacts that are listed in Annex A to be incorporated in the Museum
collection, but at the same time maintaining them as the property of the first party. These
artefacts cannot be removed or moved from Fort of Santa Luzia to any other location without
prior authorisation from the first party;
2. The Army General Staff is responsible for:
a. Assigning military personnel for the management and operation of the Military Museum in
the Fort of Santa Luzia, including the maintenance, conservation and cleaning of the
equipment;
b. Installing in the Fort, referred to in the preceding paragraph, the artefacts listed in Annex B
in order for them to be incorporated in the Museum collection, maintaining these artefacts as
the property of the second party. These artefacts cannot be removed or moved from Fort of
Santa Luzia to another location without prior authorisation from the second party.
3. The City of Elvas Council and the Army General Staff / Military Museum, jointly commit
themselves to [the following]:
(...)
b. Receipts from the sale of Museum admission ticket will be distributed in equal proportions
by both parties;
c. Sales receipts (...) shall accrue to the party which undertook the production or acquisition of
the respective products;
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7.b.3.3 Extract from the MUNICPAL MASTER PLAN (MMP)
Ratified by the Council of Ministers on 16 December 1996 (DR No. 18, January 22, 1997)
Amendments to Articles 8, 12 and 14 of the Regulation; ratification by the Council of Ministers

of 16 November 2004 (DR No. 47, 8 March 2005)
REGULATION OF THE MUNICIPAL MASTER PLAN
CHAPTER I
Introductory provisions
Article 1
General principles
1 These regulations are the Regulations of the Municipal Master Plan of the City of Elvas
Council, and their aim is to:
a) Incorporate the proposals of territorial and urban planning of the municipal territory;
b) Effect a classification of the occupation, use and transformation of the terrain in the area
covered by the Plan;
c) Define the general regime of construction and boundary setting of rural and urban property;
d) Establish the foundations of the municipal urban administration, and
e) Ensure the appropriate use of the natural resources of the environment and cultural
heritage.
2 The provisions in these Regulations shall apply to the licensing and approval of work
projects, as well as the performance of any acts and activities relating to the objectives in the
first paragraph, including those that involve:
a) Construction, reconstruction, extension and alteration of buildings and other facilities of
any kind;
b) Use and intended use of land and urban buildings;
c) Installation and expansion of industrial and mineral works;
d) The general transformation and reconfiguration of the land, by means of landfills and
excavations;
e) The felling of trees en masse and the destruction of living soil and vegetation; f) Division
and intended use of rural buildings.
Article 2
Territorial scope
The whole area of the City of Elvas Council is covered by the provisions of these Regulations.
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Article 3
Precedence of the provisions
The provisions of these Regulations prevail over any other legal instruments issued by bodies
of the City Council, including regulations and policy statements issued within their ambit.
(...)
CHAPTER II
Prevalent use of the terrain
Article 6
Classification of areas
1 For the purposes of these Regulations, the territory of the City of Elvas Council is divided
into the following classes of area:
a) Urban area;
b) Urbanised area
c) Agricultural area;
d) Forest;
e) Natural area;
f) Cultural area;
g) Industrial area;
h) Infrastructure systems area;
i) Tourist area;
j) Extractive industry area;
k) Public facilities and services area;
l) Perimeter of the Caia reservoir land-use plan.
(...)
Article 22
Cultural areas
1 In this type of area priority is given to the protection and enhancement of cultural,
architectural, urban and archaeological assets.
2 This type of area includes the classified and inventoried buildings (heritage charter), as
well as the areas oriented towards the preservation of heritage assets, namely the areas
surrounding the Fort of Santa Luzia, the city walls and aqueduct which are incorporated
within the urban perimeter of Elvas.
3 The protection area of classified buildings is enclosed by the polygon described by a
line surrounding the protected element at a distance of a 50m.
4 The defined protection area for this type of area in regard to the Fort of Graa and the
Ponte de Ajuda is determined by the features of the surrounding landscape.
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(...)
Article 23
Constraints in cultural areas
1 In these areas actions that destroy or diminish the role and potential of existing assets are
prohibited.
2 The following actions are exempted from the constraints: renovations and improvements
of agricultural facilities and housing for the owners or holders of rights to exploit the land and
permanent workers, as well as those used for rural, residential and agro-tourism, under the
applicable law.
3 In the case of cultural areas that coincide with administrative easements the established
law is to be applied.
7.b.4 Other relevant plans
(Nothing to report)
7.c FORM AND DATE OF THE MOST RECENT RECORDS OR INVENTORY OF

PROPERTY
Form: digital / Internet
Castle
Inventory no. /DGEMN (www.monumentos.pt): PTO41207020005
Date: 1997
Medieval city walls, bulwarked fortifications of the historic centre and fortlets of the field
entrenchment
Inventory no. /DGEMN (www.monumentos.pt): PTO41207020011
Date: 1997
Fort of Santa Luzia

Date: 1997
Fort of Graa
Date: 1997
Aqueduct
Inventory no./DGEMN (www.monumentos.pt): PT041207030008
Date: 1996
528
9
7.d ADDRESS WHERE THE INVENTORY, RECORDS AND ARCHIVES ARE HELD
Urban Institute for Housing and Rehabilitation
SIPA Architectural Heritage Information System:
Forte de Sacavm
Rua do Forte do Monte Cintra
Telephone: 21 942 77 80
Fax: 21 942 77 89
E-mail address: diba@ihru.pt
Website: http://www.monumentos.pt
529
9
7.e SOURCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
7.e.1 SOURCES
- Lisbon Military Historic Archive

- DREMS Archive (Regional Directorate for the Buildings and Monuments of the South, vora
- DGEMN)
- Lisbon DGEMN/DSID Archive (Fort of Sacavm, Lisbon)
- Municipal Library of Elvas
- Office for Archaeological Studies in Military Engineering (Lisbon)
7.e.2 BIBLIOGRAPHY
7.e.2.1 WITH DIRECT REFERENCE TO ELVAS
ALMADA, Vitorino de - Efemrides de Elvas, lbum Alentejano, Volume III, District of

Portalegre, Lisbon, n. d.
AZEVEDO, Lus Marinho de Comentrios (...) na Guerra de Alentejo, Oficina de Loureno

de Anveres, Lisbon, 1644.
Boletim Monumentos n. 54, da DGEMN, Castelo de Elvas, December 1948.
BUCHO, Domingos Herana Cultural e Prticas do Restauro Arquitectnico em Portugal

durante o Estado Novo. Interveno nas Fortificaes do Distrito de Portalegre, doctoral
thesis (exists in pre-publication copies), University of vora, 2000.
Ciudades y Ncleos Fortificados de la Frontera Hispano-Lusa. El territorio de la Extremadura

y Alentejo. Historia y patrimonio, Coordinated by Mara Cruz Villaln, University of
Extremadura, Caceres, 2007.
CLARA, Francisco de Paulo Santa A Companhia de Jesus em Elvas. Notas para a Histria
do Collegio de So Thiago, Tipografia Popular, Elvas, 1931.
CONDE DE ERICEIRA Histria de Portugal Restaurado, Livraria Civilizao-Editora, vols. I

and II, Porto, 1945.
Dicionrio de Histria Religiosa de Portugal, Directed by Carlos Moreira Azevedo, vol. J-P,
530
9
Crculo de Leitores and C. E. H. R. da Universidade Catlica, Lisbon, 2001.
Fr. Agostinho de Santa Maria Santurio Mariano e Histria das Imagens Milagrosas de
Nossa Senhora, etc., vol. VI, Lisbon, 1707.
GAMA, Eurico A Vida Quotidiana em Elvas Durante o Cerco e a Batalha das Linhas de
Elvas, self-published, Elvas, 1965.
GAMA, Eurico Catlogo dos Pergaminhos do Arquivo Municipal de Elvas, Separata do

Boletim da Biblioteca da Universidade de Coimbra, vol. XXVI, Coimbra, 1963.
GAMA, Eurico Elvas / Rainha da Fronteira, City of Elvas Council, Elvas, 1986.
GAMA, Eurico Roteiro Antigo de Elvas, 1st Series, Tipografia Casa Ibrica, Elvas, 1963.
GAMA, Eurico Roteiro Antigo de Elvas, 2nd Series, self-published, Elvas, 1964.
GARCIA, Joo Carlos and NOGUEIRA, Miguel Os sermes da Restaurao (1640-

1668) (http://ler.letras.up.pt/uploads/ficheiros/2851.pdf; 28XI2007)
GUEDES, Lvio da Costa A viagem de Christian, Prncipe de Waldeck, ao Alentejo e ao

Algarve descrita pelo Baro von Wiederhold 1798, in Boletim do Arquivo Histrico Militar,
vol. 60, Lisbon, 1992.
Histria de Portugal, directed by Jos Mattoso, Crculo de Leitores, vol. III, (no place of
publication stated), 1993.
KEIL, Lus Inventrio Artstico do Distrito de Portalegre, Academia Nacional de Belas Artes,
Lisbon, 1943.
Lopo Soares (1643), Sermo [...] na [...] catedral da cidade de Elvas [...] na ocasio da
procisso geral [...] de 1643. B.P. de vora. CXXII. f. 8. pp. 2-20. In Joo Francisco Marques,
"A utopia do Quinto Imprio em Vieira e nos pregadores da Restaurao", Utopia: Revista
Electrnica de Estudos sobre a Utopia, no.2(2004). ISSN 1645-958X
(http://www.letras.up.pt/upi/utopiasportuguesas/e-topia/revista.htm) (28XI2007)
MARQUES, A. H. de Oliveira Histria de Portugal, vol. II, Palas Editores, Lisbon, 1986.
531
10
MATTOSO, Jos Histria de Portugal, Directed by Jos Mattoso, vol. II, Crculo de Leitores,
(no place of publication stated), 1993.
MONTEIRO, Joo Gouveia Os Castelos Portugueses dos Finais da Idade Mdia, Edies
Colibri / Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de Coimbra, Lisbon, 1999.
MOREIRA, Rafael A arquitectura militar, in Histria da Arte em Portugal. O Maneirismo,

Alfa, Lisbon, 1986.
MORGADO, Amlcar A defesa da fronteira terrestre, Histria das Fortificaes

Portuguesas no Mundo, Directed by Rafael Moreira, Alfa, Lisboa, 1989.
MORGADO, Amlcar F. - Elvas, Praa de Guerra, Arquitectura Militar, Caderno Cultural no. 7,
City of Elvas Council, Elvas, 1993.
PAAR, Edwin As fortificaes seiscentistas de Elvas e o primeiro sistema holands de

fortificao, in A Cidade - Revista Cultural de Portalegre, no. 12 (new series), 1998.
PIRES, A. Thomaz - Estudos e Notas Elvenses, IX O Castelo dElvas, Memria Apresentada

Ex Comisso Executiva do Conselho dos Monumentos Nacionais, edited by Antnio Jos
Torres de Carvalho, Tipografia Stereotypia Progresso, Elvas, 1907.
PIRES, A. Toms As Ruas dElvas, edited by Antnio Jos Torres de Carvalho, Elvas, 1924.
PITTA, Jos Pereira de Paiva Breve Memria do Seminrio Diocesano de Elvas, Imprensa
da Universidade, Coimbra, 1878.
RODRIGUES, Francisco So J. Histria da Companhia de Jesus na Assistncia de

Portugal, Third Volume (1615-1700), vol. I, Livraria do Apostolado da Imprensa, Porto, 1944.
RODRIGUES, Jorge and PEREIRA, Mrio Elvas, Editorial Presena, Lisbon, 1996.
SANTA CLARA, Francisco de Paula Elvas Antiga, Albergarias, Cosmander. Carta do Dr.
Francisco de Paula Santa Clara a Victorino dAlmada, Antnio Jos Torres de Carvalho,
Elvas, 1909.
532
9
SEPLVEDA, Cristvo Aires de Magalhes Histria da Cavalaria Portuguesa, Imprensa

Nacional, Lisbon, 1892.
SEPLVEDA, Cristvo Ayres de Magalhes Histria Orgnica e Poltica do Exrcito

Portugus, Provas, vol. IX, Coimbra, 1923.
SEPLVEDA, Cristvo Aires de Magalhes Genealogia dos Corpos do Exrcito, Direco

do Servio Histrico Militar, Lisbon, 1991.
SILVA, Alberto Andrade e Lisbon, Ministrio do Exrcito, 1950.
TORRES, Cludio and MACIAS, Santiago O Legado Islmico em Portugal, Crculo de

Leitores, (no place of publication stated), 1998.
VARELA, Cnego Aires Teatro das Antiguidades de Elvas, etc., edited by Antnio J. Torres
de Carvalho, Elvas, 1915.
VICENTE, Antnio Pedro Le Gnie Franais au Portugal sous lEmpire, Servio Histrico
Militar, Lisbon, 1984.
VENTURA, Antnio Elvas in Travel Literature, City of Elvas Council, Elvas, 2008.
7.e.2.2 OTHER BIBLIOGRAPHY CITED
AMORETTI, G. Les Origines de la Fortification Bastionn Italienne , in Vauban et ses

Successeurs en Brianonnais, Association Vauban, Paris, 1995.
BARBA, Diego Gonzalez de Medina Examen de Fortification (), Madrid, 1599.
BELLUCCI, Gian Battista Nuova Invenzione di Fabbricare Fortezza di Varie Forme, Venice,
1598.
CALLIXTO, Carlos Histria das Fortificaes Martimas da Praa de Guerra de Lagos, City
of Lagos Council, 1992.
CAPMANY, Carlos Dias La Fortificacin Abaluartada, Ministerio de Defensa, (no place of

publication stated), 2004.
533
9
CARVAJAL, Angel Isac M., La Ciudadd Hispnica Durante los Siglos XIII al XVI, Editorial de
la Universidad Complutense, Madrid, 1985.
CATANEO, Pietro I Quattro Primi Libri di Architecttura, Venice, 1554.
CIERMANS, Ioanne Disciplinae Mathematicae Traditae, Institvtae Societatis IESV,

Antwerp, 1640.
DE VILLE, Chevalier Antoine Les fortifications du Chevalier Antoine De Ville, Philippe
Borde, Alton, 1640.
Dictionnaire des Architectes, Encyclopaedia Universalis et Albin Michel, Paris, 1999.
DIDIER, M. LAbb Le Parfait Ingenieur Franois, ou Fortification Offensive et Dfensive,

Paris, 1742.
DUFFY, Christopher (1979) Siege Warfare. The Fortress in the Early Modern World (1494-
1660), Routledge & Kegan Paul, London, 1987.
DRER, Albrecht Etliche underricht, zu befestigung derStett, SchloB, und flecken,

Nuremberg, 1527 (Instructions for fortifying cities, castles and strongholds).
ESTEBAN, Jorge Jimnez El Castillo Medieval, DM, (no place of publication stated), 1997.
FERREIRA, Arnaldo Medeiros Fortificaes Portuguesas no Brasil, ELO-Crculo de

Leitores, (no place of publication stated), 2004.
FORTES, Manoel de Azevedo O Engenheiro Portuguez, 2 volumes, Officina de Manoel

Fernandes da Costa, Lisbon, 1728 and 1729, facsimile, Direco da Arma de Engenharia,
Lisbon, 1993.
FRITACH, Adam LArchitectvre Militaire ou La Fortification Novvelle, (), Chez les

Elzeviers, Leyden, 1635.
GUERRA, Fernando Cobos La fortificacin espaola en los siglos XVII y XVIII: Vauban, sin
Vauban y contra Vauban, in Tcnica e Ingeniera en Espaa, II El Siglo de las Luces. De la
ingeniera a la nueva navegacin, edited by Manuel Silva Surez, Zaragossa, 2005.
534
9
HALE, J. R. Renaissance Fortification. Art or Engineering, London, 1977.
HEUVEL, Charles van den and ROOSENS, Bernhard Los Pases Bajos. Las
fortificaciones y la coronacin de la defensa del imperio de Carlos V, in Las Fortificaciones
de Carlos V, Ediciones del Umbral, n. d., no place of publication stated.
HORST de la CROIX Military Architecture and the Radial City Plan in Sexteenth Century
Italy, in The Art Bulletin, XLII (1960).
LANGINS, Janis Conserving the Enlightenment. French Military Engineering from Vauban
to the Revolution, The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2004.
LOBO, Francisco Sousa O fim de uma era, Histria das Fortificaes Portuguesas no
Mundo, directed by Rafael Moreira, Alfa, Lisbon, 1989.
MARCHI, Francesco Di Della Architettura Militare, DallOglio, Brescia, 1599.
MAROLOIS, Samuel Fortification ou Architecture militaire tant offensive que defensive,

Henrik Hondius, The Hague, 1614.
MAROLOIS, Samvel, MAROLOIS, Samvel Oevvres Mathematicqves de So M. Traitant

de la Geometrie et Fortification, Chez Guillaume Iansson Caesius, Amsterdam, 1628.
MUMFORD, Lewis A Cultura das Cidades, Itatitaia, Belo Horizonte, 1961.
NUNES, Antnio Lopes Pires - Dicionrio Temtico de Arquitectura Militar e Arte de Fortificar,
Estado Maior do Exrcito, Direco do Servio Histrico Militar, Lisbon, 1991.
OZANAM, Jacques Trait de Fortification Contenant Les Methodes Anciennes et Modernes

pour la Construction et la Deffense des Places, Paris, 1694.
PAGAN, Blaise Franoise, Conde de Les fortifications, Cardin Besogne, Paris, 1645.
PARKER, Geoffrey (1988) La Revolucin Militar. Innovacin Militar y Apogeo de Occidente

1500-1800, Alianza Editorial, Madrid, 2002.
535
9
PEDREIRINHO, Jos Manuel Dicionrio dos Arquitectos (), Edies Afrontamento,

Porto, 1994.
PIMENTEL, Lus Serro (1680) Methodo Lusitanico, Direco da Arma de Engenharia,

Lisbon, 1993.
PORTOCARRERO, Gustavo Sistemas de Defesa Costeira na Arrbida Durante a Idade

Moderna, Colibri, Lisbon, 2003.
ROJAS, Christoual de Teorica y practica de fortificacion, conforme las medidas y defensas

destos tiempos, repartida en tres partes, Edited by Luis Sanchez, Madrid, 1598.
ROSENAU, Helen A Cidade Ideal. Evoluo Arquitectnica na Europa, Presena, Lisbon,

1988.
STEVIN, Simon De Sterctenbovwing, Edited by Franois van Ravelenghien, Leyden, 1594.
TAFURI, Manfredo Retrica y experimentalismo. Ensayos sobre la arquitectura de los

siglos XVI y XVII, Seville, 1978.
TAPIA, Juan de Santans y Tratado de fortificacin militar destos tiempos (), Brussels,
1644.
VALLA, Margarida A Fortificao no Desenvolvimento da Cidade Portuguesa no Sculo

XVII, in TEIXEIRA, Manuel C. and VALLA, Margarida O Urbanismo Portugus, Sculos
XIII-XVIII, Portugal-Brasil, Lisbon, 1999.
VILLENA, Leonardo Sobre la evolucion tecnica del castillo espaol, Castillos de Espaa,
no. 23, da Asociacin Espaola de Amigos de los Castillos, (1959?).
VITERBO, Sousa (1899) Dicionrio Histrico e Documental dos Arquitectos, Engenheiros e

Construtores Portugueses, vol. I, INCM, Lisbon, 1988.
NOTE: Annex I Comparative Study and Annex III Elvas in Travel Literature have their
own bibliography.
536
9
8. CONTACT INFORMATION OF
RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITIES
486
537
9
8. CONTACT INFORMATION OF RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITIES
8.a FILE COORDINATOR
Name: Domingos Jos Caldeira Almeida Bucho

Title: Ph.D. in Conservation of Architectural Heritage
Address: Rua D. Joo III, n. 45, 3, 7300-168 PORTALEGRE
City, Province, Country: PORTALEGRE / ALENTEJO / PORTUGAL
Telephone: +351 919362796
Fax: -
E-mail: domingosbucho@sapo.pt
8.b OFFICIAL LOCAL INSTITUTION

Rua Isabel Maria Pico
Apartado 70 7350 953 ELVAS
Fax: 268 629 060 / 268 624 334
Web address: www.cm-elvas.pt
e-mail: geral@cm-elvas.pt
8.c OTHER LOCAL INSTITUTIONS
IGESPAR
Castle of Elvas
7350-060 ELVAS
Telephone: +351 268 626 403
Fax: +351 268 626 403
Military Museum of Elvas

Av. de So Domingos
7350-047 ELVAS
Apartado 253
Fax: 268 636 249
mme@mail.exercito.pt
538
9
8.d OFFICIAL WEB ADDRESS
The candidate property does not have a specific site yet: the only site is that of the local entity
that organized the candidacy.

Web address: http://www.cm-elvas.pt
Contact name: Elsa Grilo
e-mail: elsa.grilo@cm-elvas.pt
539
9
9. SIGNATURE ON BEHALF OF
THE STATE PARTY
486
515
540
9
541
9
ANNEX II
Management Plan
Integrated Management Plan for the Fortifications of Elvas
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Management of the Fortifications of Elvas and Surrounding Area 2
1. Introduction................................................................................................................... 2
2. Integrated conservation of the Fortifications of Elvas..................................................... 4
3. Fortifications of Elvas and Surrounding Area. Strategic areas of action ......................... 7
4. Integrated Management Plan for the Fortifications of Elvas........................................... 14
II. Factors conditioning the management of the Fortifications of Elvas... 18
1.Factors conditioning the management of the Fortifications of Elvas................................ 19

2.Structure of the property and the urban dynamic............................................................. 19
3.Legal status of the Fortifications of Elvas and surrounding area...................................... 26
4.Protective measures in force.......................................................................................... 33
III. Bodies and Instruments in the management of the Fortifications of

Elvas............................................................................................................ 37
1.Management levels for the Fortifications of Elvas and SICA........................................... 37

2.Bodies that will participate in the management of the Fortifications of Elvas and SICA.... 38
3.Plans devised and adopted in the territory of the Fortifications of Elvas........................... 40
4.Available means for the management of the Fortifications of Elvas................................. 43
5.Sources and levels of financing...................................................................................... 46
IV. The development of the Fortifications of Elvas Project.................... 50
1. Management process and objectives............................................................................ 50

2. The management model for the Fortifications of Elvas Project....................................... 58
3. Priority actions for management.................................................................................... 68
1
I. Management of the Fortifications of Elvas and Surrounding Area
1. Introduction
2. Integrated conservation of the Fortifications of Elvas
3. Fortifications of Elvas and its Surrounding Area. Strategic areas of action
4. Integrated Management Plan for the Fortifications of Elvas
1. Introduction
In this introduction to the Integrated Management Plan for the Fortifications of Elvas (IMPFE)
and its surrounding area, which is part of the application of the Fortifications of Elvas to the
UNESCO World Heritage List, we propose to discuss briefly the objectives for the
management of built heritage and the territorial context of this property and its dynamics. We
would also like to show how this heritage complex can play a role in a model of local
sustainable development.
The growing importance of the "management" factor reflects the crucial role that this area has
taken on in planning and land management and in directing organisations, seeking to
respond and adapting to a context, which is becoming increasingly more dynamic, of
uncertainty and of scarce resources.
In essence, the management deals with the compatibility between the heritage resources
available and the actions undertaken by various stakeholders, as assessed against a
coherent set of objectives and according to priority criteria, performance and opportunity,
which should allow for a dynamic evaluation.
Changing the role of heritage in contemporary societies, amid the chronic shortage of
resources, poses methodological and practical difficulties in drawing up and implementation
of management tools. A good portion of these difficulties reside in the current situation and in
the model of sustainability that can be applied to built heritage, as well as in the fact that these
are inseparable from the institutional framework and social and territorial dynamics in which
they are incorporated.
The management of built heritage covers, well, different dimensions, as it is not directed only
at heritage assets in themselves and the problem of their conservation, but the territorial and
social systems, (local stakeholders and visitors) and institutions with which they interact.
2
It is these various dimensions that the management tools should address, in particular, in this
case, the "management plans" of the properties included on the World Heritage List. Indeed,
there is no guarantee that rebarbative forces and processes will not prevail over values
unquestioned today, damaging or destroying the very distinctive qualities for which
international recognition is sought.
In managing built heritage, and in the face of these dynamics, it becomes clear that the
inventory and static classification put into heritage categories is not enough to ensure, either
the defence of their integrity, or their enjoyment by local communities and visitors, or yet the
raising of resources to ensure the survival of these values.
The issues of social and economic-financial viability of heritage and its long-term
sustainability are of particular importance in a context of crisis and shrinking public
investment. The defence of heritage is a task for society as a whole, which calls upon all the
stakeholders concerned, not just the State.
But it is not only the defence of the integrity of heritage assets that we are dealing with. The
current role of heritage, as a development factor, implies a "value in use" which brings it closer
to the local communities and visitors and, at the same time, generates revenues that should
be reinvested in its conservation. In this sense, often it is not only the intervention in the
physical elements of heritage, but above all the measures directed at the so-called "intangible
components" that ensure its sustainability.
The extensive complex of the Fortifications of Elvas, in their territorial setting, both influence
and are influenced by the urban area of Elvas and its dynamics. This fact, alongside the
institutional framework in which it is incorporated, is crucial to models of management and
contributions to the sustainability of heritage assets that can be promoted here.
The origin and development of this military ensemble, including its additional works, is
inseparable from the history of the territory and the urban process of the city. Taken together,
the Fortifications of Elvas constitute a strong structural element of spatial organisation, both in
terms of the perspective process of the consolidation of human occupation, and by the
constraints placed on the recent urban process. This reflects, from the outset, the fact that
until the middle of the twentieth century the girdling walls of the Stronghold of Elvas formed a
barrier that encapsulated the city in space and time and contained its urban growth, giving it a
high level of coherence and morphological unity.
3
Nevertheless, the changes in the factors that once led this place to dominate the vast
surrounding region, now point to a risk of losing urban and functional importance. Having for a
long time been one of the city's raisons d'tre, which depended on its essential vocations - as
well as being the administrative centre and commercial entrept of housing the garrison, the
Fortifications of Elvas are now, almost two centuries later, victims of functional obsolescence.
Like other properties of the same nature, once the strategic role they played is exhausted and
no longer of practical value, they risk becoming little more than the physical structure of a
heritage in danger of degradation.
However, despite the changes, these fortifications continue to assume a determining role in
the Elvas urban process. Not already being an insurmountable barrier, they are subject to the
pressures and problems of urban growth, while at the same time they maintain a strong visual
and symbolic presence in this territory.
The continued decline of Elvas's military importance, as well as in other areas, the blurring of
the border with neighbouring Spain, by virtue of integration within the European Union, and
the emergence of new access patterns that reconfigure space and marginalise the city, force
us to rethink its territorial vocation. In this process, heritage assets can play an important role.
A strategy for sustainable management aimed at the Fortifications of Elvas should be part of a
process of local development based on existing values that ensures the viability of this
territory, in its heritage, urban, social and economic aspects. The organised set of objectives,
tools and initiatives that support the management of this process should be based on a
profound understanding of the values and of the critical factors present, trying to address the
causes and not the apparent effects of the problems outlined here.
2. Integrated conservation of the Fortifications of Elvas
The operating concept which the model of action proposed in this IMPFE (Integrated
Management Plan for the Fortifications of Elvas) is based on is that of "integrated
conservation", to be understood as the result of the joint, integrated, and appropriate
application of the principles of conserving heritage, in today's society and in urban and
regional planning1. This concept, and the principles that it is based on, reflect the scientific
advice recommended by the Council of Europe as the basis for a common European policy
and of concerted action in the field of architectural heritage. Note that this approach, although
referred to in some policy instruments, is still in its infancy in Portugal, perhaps because it
1
CHOAY, Franoise - "Conservation Intgre". Dictionnaire de l'Urbanisme et de l'Amnagement, dir. Pierre Merlin e Franoise Choay, Presses
Universitaires de France, Paris, 1988.
4
implies a fundamental change in concepts and practices, as well as the difficulty of integrating
at local level the actions of the various bodies scattered among the different State structures.
The process of integrated conservation involves, in the first place, the local community and
other stakeholders active in this area. However, given the characteristics of this heritage and
the local dynamics, several extraneous factors exert a considerable influence over the
process of integrated conservation of the Fortifications of Elvas. These factors are related,
both to the framework of complex protection schemes currently in force, and to the universal
heritage assets that are relevant here. In this area the influence of tourism looms, with a
crucial role in a viable model for the development of Elvas.
In devising a management plan for the Fortifications of Elvas that leads to its integrated
conservation, which will promote the understanding, full enjoyment and the sustainability of
its assets, issues of social, territorial and institutional dynamics should be considered
alongside the specific problems of built heritage.
As a basis for action, the prospect that guides this IMPFE does not rely too much on
protection schemes, nor in the proposition of investments a priori in widespread actions and
"heavy" physical conservation of built heritage. Without disregarding these approaches,
which should be viewed pragmatically, three main areas of action should be privileged in this
particular case, namely:
i. selective and exemplary interventions of built heritage of the Fortifications of Elvas, in

defence of its integrity and enhancing its potential use;
ii. control of transformation and of the environmental and infrastructural adaptation of its close
surroundings, with emphasis on the intramural area, in the sense of strengthening the
consistency and continuity of the enjoyment of the heritage complex and to promote
conditions for its harmonious and balanced integration into urban process;
iii. action on "intangible" elements, with an emphasis on organisational issues, institutional

cooperation, involvement of private stakeholders, educational, scientific and cultural
initiatives and dissemination of information.
The launch of such a process, which should be conducted strategically, based on property
assets and lead to its protection and integration into a model of sustainable local
development, constitutes the central objective of this IMPFE. It should take into account
some critical factors that occur here, seek synergies with stakeholders and support itself in an
5
operational structure and in a set of tools and actions that we are going to propose.
Consequently, this application and the possible inclusion of the Fortifications of Elvas on the
World Heritage List do not constitute, alone, ends in themselves, but are also part of a
broader project and a stimulating opportunity. The added responsibility that arises here is
another incentive for conserving and classification of this heritage and for seeking solutions
of excellence in its development.
In view of the IMPFE, the central objectives of management must be addressed in an

integrated manner, which can be operated in the form of "management by projects." These
objectives can be broadly described thus:
a) create conditions to prevent degradation of the heritage assets of the Fortifications of

Elvas, as well as their immediate territorial context, with emphasis on the intramural area, and
to ensure the permanence of the features underlying the proposed classification;
b) set a framework for involving this heritage more into the life of the city, as regards both the
local community, and its visitors, reconciling preservation with a full enjoyment of its facilities;
c) design and implement organisational forms that would allow the problems of coordination
of the various levels and branches of government that affect the Fortifications of Elvas and in
its immediate surroundings to be overcome;
d) promote open and participatory management and establish partnerships between

different stakeholders who have interests in this heritage and in its hinterland;
e) ensure the mobilisation of adequate resources to meet the needs of intervention identified
in management tools;
f) establish the central role of local government actions in relation to this heritage and its
surroundings, as fund manager of the territory par excellence.
In the implementation of the IMPFE, these objectives define the frame of reference and
should be assimilated in the instruments produced. Thus, to the management of the
Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area falls the task of reinventing a role for these
heritage assets in the current dynamics, for their integration into a "... consistent policy of
economic and social development"2. The field entrenchment of Elvas could take on a new
2
International Charter for the Conservation of Historic Towns, Charter of Washington (ICOMOS, 1987), Principles and Objectives, point 1.
6
symbolic value, against the desertification of the interior of the country and as a model of
sustainable development, supported in its cultural heritage and in the best use of resources
and territory.
3. Fortifications of Elvas and its Surrounding Area. Strategic areas of action
The management of the complex of the Fortifications of Elvas, in an integrated conservation

perspective, should be directed at strategic areas of action and to the objectives that they are
associated with, as well as establish an operational framework of structures and instruments
of action.
The structuring of a methodology for integrated management starts, thus, identifying the
areas that are critical to the sustainability of this heritage complex. In light of the ideas
presented above, these areas of action include, in addition to the heritage complex of the
Fortifications of Elvas itself:
i. the nearby surrounding area, with emphasis on the intramural area;

ii. the public institutions with expertise on heritage and its surroundings;
iii. local stakeholders whose goals converge with the integrated conservation of the
Fortifications of Elvas, including those representing social and economic interests;
iv. the production of initiatives within the scientific and cultural sphere, as well as the
dissemination of information.
Bearing in mind the need for the integration of policies and tools and their respective
implementation, these areas of action, in the different elements they consist of, may be
organised into systems, for which a set of objectives and critical issues are defined, as well as
actions to be implemented.
The IMPFE must, thus, in a systemic perspective, focus on four key areas for essential action
that we designate as:
1 Management of the heritage system

2 Management of the surrounding area system
3 Management of the administrative/ institutional and stakeholder system
4 Management of the interpretation, presentation and information system
Given the very diverse nature of these four systems, the approach requires different
methodologies and entails certain difficulties. Simultaneously, we must not lose sight of the
7
need to integrate them all in a comprehensive and coherent management plan to ensure the
objectives set out. Only by managing effectively and in an integrated manner the various
systems that contribute to the sustainability of the Fortifications of Elvas will it be possible to
assert their role in the local and also international context.
If in the case of the heritage system and the issues related to the conservation and the
enjoyment of a public property, the surrounding area system lacks, in the first place, a
coherently defined space, as well as operational devices for the control of land use. The last
two systems deal with intangible aspects which, although converging on the area in which the
IMPFE operates, are sometimes situated in remote areas, are characterised by an
unpredictable dynamic and are difficult to approach.
We will try, briefly, to present and comment on each of these systems and their management
context, as well as their scope and the specific problems that they pose in this project.
The heritage management system, which corresponds to the property that is being
proposed for inclusion on the World Heritage List and is the main reason for the IMPFE being
drawn up, applies to the entire corpus of built military heritage made up of the Fortifications of
Elvas. These are, almost in their entirety, classified and subject to protection regimes.
The management focuses on the conditions that promote the preservation, enhancement
and full enjoyment of built heritage assets, in conjunction, necessarily, with the external
bodies that deal with them in this field, covered by what we call the administrative /
institutional and stakeholder system.
In the heritage management system, the general objective is to launch and lead a sustained
process of integrated conservation of this heritage, optimising, within the boundaries
determined by its characteristics, its use by the local stakeholders and by visitors.
The first observations stem from the nature, location and physical setting of the boundaries,
as well as from their legal status. These issues raise, in the management point of view, some
difficulties.
The Fortifications of Elvas consist of isolated elements of military architecture, arranged

strategically in the area that surrounds and controls the city of Elvas, dominating a corridor of
penetration into the national territory (see Figs. 1.e.1 and 1.e.2, annexed to this document).
Although in great part they are physically isolated, the various heritage elements that make
up this vast and complex ensemble constitute, for obvious reasons of its nature, history,
8
spatial relationship and functional purpose, a coherent system.
The elements of greatest visual impact surround the urban grid of the historical centre and
define its limits, maintaining close links with the city's development over time and establishing
a major presence in the surrounding territory.
The component parts of the Fortifications of Elvas are, therefore, inextricably linked to each
other as a heritage system. Note that in this system several works complementary to the
defensive function, as the supply of water formed by the Amoreira Aqueduct and its cisterns,
and other buildings, should be included (see Fig 1.e.8, annexed to this document). A good
number of these complementary works are integral to the urban fabric of the city.
Even in the urban area within the walls of Elvas, there are various noteworthy elements of
classified heritage, particularly of religious architecture, endowed with protection areas,
providing an additional control over this area (see Fig 1.e.14). For obvious reasons of
convergence in the same territory, from the role in its structuring and complementarity of
values, the presence of these elements and tools that are associated with them must be
included with the system of fortifications in the same comprehensive protection. This is the
approach taken in IMPFE.
The extent and limits shown for the fortified system is based on the candidacy file, and
corresponds to the position of its elements. Generally, to define each element of this set over
the territory, it was determined by the placing of a polygon established on the basis of
scientific criteria arising from the nature and characteristics of each of the fortifications.
The heritage management system should promote preventive maintenance and

conservation. The criteria for intervention should be based on protecting the integrity and
authenticity of elements of the system, in its structural stability, to optimise, in conjunction with
planned activities, its effects on the surrounding territory and in the increased enjoyment of
this system by the public.
Since the main elements of the system of Fortifications of Elvas are public buildings, the risk
of loss of integrity by voluntary conversion does not arise. A more potent risk of degradation is
posed by the behaviour of visitors or by environmental factors. These risks imply the need to
create a system of monitoring and control of the state of conservation and an operational
structure dedicated to regular intervention.
9
The spatial distribution of the elements of the Fortifications of Elvas, that is, the territorial
discontinuity of this system, immediately creates a problem: the elements are dispersed in
space but must be perceived, enjoyed and managed as a single entity. This problem can only
be addressed if we consider the surrounding area near the fortifications as a unifying element
and at the same time, as an "integrated conservation area" within the complex.
In the light of what was said previously about the importance of the territorial heritage, its
surrounding space must be considered an indispensible part of the heritage system to which
it relates to and into which its various elements fit, providing an interface with the city and the
landscape of which it is part. We will next approach the role of this area and its objectives and
specific problems in the context of the IMPFE.
In the management of the surrounding area system, what is at stake is, essentially, the use
and control of the transformation of land use in the territory that supports and gives
expression, either among its elements, or with the city, to the complex of the Fortifications of
Elvas. Equally, as a starting point, it is important to establish a precise definition of the territory
in question, based on its relevance to the heritage system and the operational method to be
adopted in its management.
The management of territorial systems is based on the development and implementation of

specific tools, being primarily a responsibility of local governments. In cases, such as this,
where the classified assets of the surrounding area are included within the scope of the
policies of cultural heritage, this power is shared with the bodies that deal with this heritage.
The tools used here are plans for efficient land management and developing and defining the
areas of protection of elements of the classified heritage.
The IMPFE, keeping in mind the objective of linking the fortified system with the surrounding
territory, particularly with the city, as well as the dispersal of its elements and the need for
cohesion that this implies, the IMPFE defines an area of the framework near the Fortifications
of Elvas. This "surrounding integrated conservation area" (SICA, see Fig 1.e.4, annexed to
this document) encompasses the entire heritage system and the space that unifies it,
including, in the case of the Stronghold of Elvas, the whole city within the walls. Its
management must include the strengthening of cohesion and territorial integration of the
fortified system, considering it in conjunction with the surrounding area.
Given the function that it will perform and the above mentioned objectives, the effect of SICA
(Surrounding Integrated Conservation Area) will be that of a buffer zone, seeking to include
within it areas already covered by regulatory protection, to ensure its workability. The criteria
10
for its definition, as well as proposals for future operation, will be presented in chapter IV of
this IMPFE.
The City of Elvas - especially the area within its walls - with its system of fortifications
expresses itself in historical, territorial and functional terms. Thus, it seems clear that the
sustainability of the Fortifications of Elvas is inextricably linked to the very heart of urban
sustainability of the historic centre, which emphasises the interdependence of the
fortifications with the development of the city and is crucial to the policies and tools aimed at
its regeneration.
Uniting spaces with distinct characteristics, the delimitation of SICA and its definition as the
only "area of conservation" for the Fortifications of Elvas presents an opportunity to give
territorial coherence to the various zones and the multiplicity of existing legal protection
regimes (see Fig 1.e .3 annexed to this document).
Taking into account the need to do justice to the impact from a distance of the Fortifications of
Elvas system and the way it relates to its territory when approached by the main access
roads, the IMPFE also considers the definition of a wider area as an additional protection, to
be called the distant protection zone, or "transition zone" (TZ). This TZ, with a kind of
easement in the nature non altius tollendi, by regulating the scope of the ongoing process of
revision of the Municipal Master Plan of Elvas, will set standards for monitoring land use
proposals, imposing restrictions on volume and other formal parameters of future buildings.
With regard to the management of the administrative / institutional and stakeholder

system, the main objectives consist of, firstly, the definition of a management model and its
organisational structures; secondly, the effective involvement of the various institutions that
deal with heritage elements and the surrounding area; thirdly, the mobilisation of the local
stakeholders at different levels, to participate in the process of integrated conservation.
As a preliminary issue it should be noted that a sustainable integrated conservation project for
the Fortifications of Elvas implies a rigorous definition of "concept" that we intend to deploy
here, with the creation of operational structures and allocation of necessary resources for this
purpose.
The most recent international experiences in similar situations and the need to ensure the
sustainability of the process, point to the option of a business-type model of management,
although here a consortium or public-private partnership appears more appropriate. This
option is based on a vision of heritage as a factor of development and, at the same time, the
11
recognition that, in the current context, its maintenance tends to be self-financed. This means
that built heritage should be able to generate the revenue necessary to be viable.
The body responsible for implementing this management model could be constituted as a
municipal enterprise - which, for the purposes of this IMPFE, we shall call the "Fortifications of
Elvas Company (SFE)" - and should combine selected public and private partners based on
their ability to contribute positively to the process. SFE will be responsible for developing and
adding detail to the management objectives defined in this IMPFE, for establishing modes of
cooperation with public and private bodies, for identifying and securing funding sources and
for coordinating the operational structures which depend on it.
The creation of organisational structures for the management should also contribute to
another goal, namely, the effective contribution of different institutions and levels of expertise
that focus on the heritage elements and its surrounding area, intervening in their
management. Thus, it is important to implement within the SFE models of organisation that
enable vertical integration and sectoral policies and actions.
As this is an area involving business and organisational matters of which we possess very
little experience, the IMPFE will in Chapter IV merely outline guidelines and objectives, and
the legal formulation of the management model that should be planned in detail in its own
headquarters.
For the operational management there should be established an executive body, which we
shall call the "Office of the Fortifications of Elvas (OFE)", supported by a technical-scientific
advisory board and directly linked to the SFE, for the management of the fortifications and its
surroundings; in the various aspects discussed here. Its mission will be to implement the
IMPFE and the tools and actions it defines, as well as monitor and evaluate the whole process
of integrated conservation.
Also in this administrative and institutional field, with respect to what we might call the system
of stakeholders and its participation in the development of the project, we highlight two lines
of action:
- on the one hand, it is important to reverse the population loss in the space within the walls
and achieve the mobilisation of private owners for action consistent with the objectives of the
IMPFE; this must occur under the aegis of a management strategy for the area, a
"Preservation and Enhancement Plan for the Fortifications of Elvas and surrounding area
(PEPFE) " with possible tax breaks and by support measures for the rehabilitation of the built
12
environment;
- on the other hand, in relation to all local stakeholders who represent social and economic
interests, with objectives consistent with the integrated conservation of the Fortifications of
Elvas and its surrounding area, it is important to establish forms of participation, cooperation
and partnerships for development. Here, the stakeholders involved in the educational
process and those related to tourism must be prominent, promoting initiatives to be fully
integrated into community life and generally, respecting the characteristics, and existing
heritage assets.
Finally, the management of the interpretation, presentation and information system,

given the desired status of "World Heritage", assumes an added responsibility of the
managing bodies of the Fortifications of Elvas together with a central role in creating the value
and sustainability of the project.
The importance of this area justifies the creation of a body dedicated to communication and
marketing, as part of the SFE, and whose mission is to promote and contribute to the creation,
programming and distribution of cultural products based on the Fortifications of Elvas. This
mission could include actions such as the creation of the "Fortifications of Elvas" brand and
the exploitation of the corresponding merchandising.
The management of the interpretation, presentation and information system is based on a set
of physical infrastructures, some already in existence, others to be designed and
implemented, directed at the support, the interpretation and understanding of the heritage
system and its relationship with the territory, as well as the implications of these for the use of
the surrounding space. In these infrastructure centres for interpretation, signposting,
billboards and interpretative information, and museums may be included. Apart from the
physical support, equally in importance and scope, the interpretation, presentation and
information system also involves "intangible" elements, such as mounting events of various
types and the production of information, contributing to the affirmed role of the Fortifications of
Elvas in boosting tourism and culture for the city and the region.
Despite the organisational issues of this system, which are connected with the area
mentioned above and the models of management, we are here concerned with issues that
range from involvement in the educational process and the strengthening of local identity, to
tourism and the "administration of visitors ", as well as the production and dissemination of
information. Essentially, four factors should be considered:
13
i. the production and dissemination of science and culture, focusing on support for research
on the Fortifications of Elvas, as well as holding meetings to present and exchange
knowledge and national and international experience of policies and actions applied to
fortified systems;
ii. to be in liaison with the educational system, by establishing collaborations with the schools
in Elvas and neighbouring local council areas to organise regular school visits, as well as
promoting the implementation of activities and practical work on the Fortifications of Elvas;
iii. the strengthening of the cultural identity and the feeling of belonging in the community
through the organisation of festivities related to the history of Elvas and the encouragement of
events of local significance in the Fortifications of Elvas and surrounding area; this aspect
also presupposes a policy of rehabilitation and revitalisation of the historic urban areas and
the strengthening of their role in the city;
iv. support for Tourism, through initiatives to enhance the enjoyment of the heritage elements,
such as the development of accessibility, guided tours, and the creation of roadmaps and
interpretation facilities; it is also important to organise events - connected or not to history and
heritage - and to set up facilities, of a permanent or temporary nature, that promote the "usage
value" of the Fortifications of Elvas.
4. The Plan of Integrated Management for the Fortifications of Elvas
The IMPFE file is part of the application of the Fortifications of Elvas to the UNESCO's World
Heritage List, connecting in several aspects of its content with the other documents that
constitute the application. In its structure it takes as a reference the guidelines produced by
UNESCO3, as well as the more recent theoretical contributions and good practices
established in the field of conservation and management of built heritage.
Since the project which is intended for the Fortifications of Elvas is not limited to this goal, the
IMPFE will also be a tool for the launching and strategic management of an integrated
conservation process, addressing the set of systems identified earlier, in a perspective of
integration of objectives and actions.
The objectives of this project and the complexity of these systems require that management
transcend mere compliance with the standards of protection for existing heritage and other
applicable legal procedures. More than that, management will present itself as a dynamic
14
process, heuristic and negotiable, in constant search of opportunities and involvement of

local stakeholders, and other factors relevant to the defined objectives. The IMPFE will,
therefore, be an essential tool for promoting the sustainability of the Fortifications of Elvas and
surrounding area, promoting the safeguard of its assets with the possibility of building a model
of local sustainable development supported by them.
The IMPFE incorporates references to other elements included in the candidacy dossier and
presented in other forms. It also includes, in an annex sectoral studies developed in parallel
and excerpts from other tools of intervention in the systems to be considered, whenever it is
necessary to illustrate aspects of the issues presented.
The objectives of this project for the Fortifications of Elvas are more likely to be achieved if an
operational tool is adopted to provide the framework that guides the management and
specifies the various factors involved, a role fulfilled by this plan.
It should be noted that, since it does not correspond to any form of planning in our legal
system, it is not legally binding on the stakeholders as to its content, but merely establishes
the programme lines of the management systems that it identifies. In this sense, it must
identify ways to link with the legal instruments of protection and land management, as well as
with the appropriate bodies, contributing with the principles and the relevant strategic
guidelines for the implementation of this project.
The operating principles that underpin the IMPFE and that inform the proposed management
model for the Fortifications of Elvas Project are:
a) an understanding of the fortification system, encompassing all of its heritage assets, such
as its collective and universal value, inseparable from its surrounding area;
b) public responsibility in the management systems identified here, implying the commitment
of the stakeholders, in the framework of legal instruments;
c) the strategic nature and the basic essence of local management, and the need for
cooperation with other bodies and negotiation of external constraints;
d) the active participation of local stakeholders, with emphasis on the local community, based
on access to information needed for decision-making;
e) the actions of management on a multidisciplinary and inclusive basis, involving the
15
convergence of several scientific and professional fields;
f) the establishment of guidelines for concrete action in the heritage system, with tools, levels
and modes of intervention appropriate to the assets;
g) the adoption of the principle of sustainability and the promotion of the full use of the heritage
system, by allocating appropriate and socially useful uses to its component parts;
h) the creation of a local management structure, according to a business-type model, which

ensures guidelines for strategic and operational action, in a transparent and appropriate
form;
i) the production and dissemination of information, locally and further afield, addressed to the
public and to the scientific community, on the Fortifications of Elvas and the projects and
actions carried out;
j) to monitor the dynamics of the local systems and the evaluation of the impacts of the
activities developed, with the incorporation of the results in action;
l) the need to gather adequate public means of intervention managed and coordinated by the
local management structure.
The IMPFE relates territorially to SICA and is organised itself according to a structure of
contents that reflects the perspective developed by the Candidacy Committee in relation to
the Fortifications of Elvas Project and the process of its sustainability. Its structure reflects the
following order of ideas:
i. identifying the relevant systems for the understanding of the Fortifications of Elvas and
surrounding area and for its management, while acknowledging that some situations that
occur here and depend on extraneous factors and are beyond the scope of this document;
ii. seeking ways to promote an integration into the proposed management model of the
various factors present in the identified systems. In parallel, it presents the strategies and
guidelines to be developed by management, as well as to create structures and tools for its
implementation.
The organisation of the contents of the IMPFE is as follows:
16
- in this first chapter, we present an approach of the Fortifications of Elvas Project and
surrounding area and the strategy of action that flows from it, as well as the objectives and
principles that guide its management;
- in the second chapter, we deal with the factors taken as constraints on the identified heritage
and territorial management systems, and critically address how they can be integrated into
the proposed model;
- then in the third chapter, we discuss the current framework of the public bodies and legal
instruments that are competing for the management of the Fortifications of Elvas,
characterising the situation current before the candidacy and mentioning the tools developed
within its scope;
- finally, in chapter IV, a summary of the proposed model for the management of the
Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area, its operational structure and tools, as well as
the strategic guidelines, the priority lines of action and projects that will put them into effect in
the first phase.
17
II. Factors conditioning the management of the Fortifications of Elvas
1.Factors conditioning the management of the Fortifications of Elvas

2.Structure of the property and the urban dynamic
3.Legal status of the Fortifications of Elvas and surrounding area
4.Protection measures in force
1. Factors conditioning the management of the Fortifications of Elvas
Under the Plan of the Integrated Management of Fortifications of Elvas (IMPFE), a number of
factors are considered and identified as constraints on the management of the Fortifications
of Elvas and its surrounding area. These are either inherent to the systems in question, or
they are of a legal and institutional nature, arising from the protection of existing property
assets. Altogether they constrain the actions and possible implementation of the proposed
management model.
These are specific situations and inseparable from the Fortifications of Elvas and their
surrounding area, in existence at the date of the candidacy, in which the structure of local
management envisaged in this IMPFE (see chapter IV.3, "Model of Management"), although
able to propose amendments, would have a limited capacity to intervene. Due to its
characteristics and despite the proposals for improvement put forward in the IMPFE, it s not
expected that they will change significantly in the short term.
In terms of the management systems considered in the Fortifications of Elvas Project, the
devising and coordination of potentially conflicting regimes, of diffused responsibilities and
overlapping guardianship, is an ongoing and unavoidable task.
In the identification and characterisation of the constraining factors, it is important to

understand the ways these are relevant to the management of the Fortifications of Elvas and
how they may be integrated into the proposed model and its tools. In a perspective of
integrated conservation, some of the factors identified are manifested objectively, such as
restrictions on management, either because of restrictions of a legal nature, or due to the
difficulty of mobilising the stakeholders on sensitive issues.
In addition to describing these situations, we seek ways of dealing with them in the
management model of the Fortifications of Elvas, and thereby contributing to the search for
18
solutions. The ways this will be tackled will be merely outlined here, and explained in further
detail in chapter IV of this IMPFE.
2. Structure of the property and the urban dynamic
2.1. Introduction
The right to enjoy the heritage assets that constitute the Fortifications of Elvas as a whole and
their surrounding area, and to appreciate their beauty, are a common good that belongs to
Humanity, and this candidacy is predicated on that belief.
The ownership of the buildings and spaces that make up this heritage is public, concerning
the heritage monuments that are subject of the application, they are mostly private, if we
consider the natural and urban assets in which it is inscribed, contained in the surrounding
integrated conservation area (SICA) defined in this IMPFE. In this context, note the
particularly interesting case of the existing sections of the Muslim wall, included in many of
the domestic dwellings in the area within the walls. It is important to discuss here these
situations that have implications at the level of management of the Fortifications of Elvas and
their surrounding area and the tools upon which they rely.
In devising a management model for a project based on the principles of integrated

conservation and targeted at systems heavily determined by their heritage assets, such as
the case of the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area, the issues concerning the
structure and the right to property assume a decisive role. The prevalence of collective over
the individual interest, inherent in systems of heritage protection, confronts the problem of
property with management objectives and performance, a dialogue of particular sensitivity
because we live in a democratic society and in an open economy.
The right to property is one of the fundamental rights of private stakeholders, limited only in
exceptional circumstances and for the purpose of overriding public interest. The
administrative easements created in Elvas, as part of the arrangements for protecting cultural
heritage and the natural assets of its surrounding area, introduce some restrictions on this
right. However, from a management perspective, we can discuss the real contribution of
these restrictions to an increase in the operational capabilities at the local level, as they are,
mostly, managed by external bodies, on a national or regional scale.
19
By structure of ownership we mean the nature and characteristics, the spatial distribution and
the relative weight of the various stakeholders who own the buildings and land, namely, the
State, the municipality, institutions and public and private enterprises and private individual
owners. Associated with this structure, it is important to consider the occupation regime, that
is, the kind of relationships that exist in land law, as to possession and use, including the issue
of leases. This issue, in Portugal and, above all, in historical areas, constitutes a central
problem, and is the source of much of the unsustainability of built heritage.
The balance of the structure and relationships of ownership is an important element in the
operational management of heritage, not only because it contributes to the sustainability of
the local systems, but also because it is a decisive factor in mobilising the private
stakeholders involved. The pattern of this consolidated structure is in itself an element that
contributes to the formation of the urban heritage, and the diversity and the settled condition
of local stakeholders are values to be defended.
It is also of interest to take into account some aspects related to the dynamics of the urban
process in SICA, especially in the area within the walls, because of what they reveal about the
vitality of this space and the ability of its stakeholders to participate in an integrated
conservation project. The case of Elvas well reflects a number of typical situations that often
occur in the historical areas of Portugal.
2. 2. Public Stakeholders
The structure of ownership, as well as the responsibilities for property management

associated with it, is divided in the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area, among
local, public, regional and central authorities, and institutional stakeholders of various kinds,
whether locally, regionally or centrally based, as well as private owners.
It is important to consider the structure and right to property in the heritage system and in its
surrounding area, with emphasis on the intramural area and up to the SICA boundary, as well
as some of the aspects of the urban dynamic process, specifically the situations and their
relevance to management.
The main elements that comprise the complex of the Fortifications of Elvas are in public
ownership, part of the public domain of the Portuguese State. They are maintained, almost
entirely, by the Ministry of National Defence, with the exception of the Castle and the Amoreira
Aqueduct, maintained by IGESPAR.
20
From this heritage complex we should also mention that use of the Fort of Santa Luzia, where
the Military Museum is housed, and also held by the State, has been granted to the
Municipality of Elvas.
The history of Elvas and the nature of its heritage require us to consider the military as a key
player in the heritage and territorial systems under consideration, despite the predictable
curtailing of this role, arising from the announcement of the disbanding of IR 8 (Infantry
Regiment no.8).
It should be noted that several military buildings, forming part of the complex of the
Fortifications of Elvas, mostly in the intramural area, such as barracks, powder-magazines,
warehouses and others, are, either owned by the State, or are in the possession of the city
council, or still privately owned4.
The quantity and diversity of real estate held by the Army, its location and the social and
economic importance of this institution in Elvas, justify its participation in the management
guidelines of the Fortifications of Elvas Project. Note that this role of military, and also, public
security institutions, does not derive from their status as holders of the buildings, but because
they are a major presence in Elvas, especially inside the walls, and central to the city's
functioning.
Apart from the buildings that make up the fortifications system and considering its
surrounding area, the City Council emerges as an important urban owner in the intramural
area of Elvas, and possesses some notable buildings, such as the City Hall (Guildhall), which
was recently rehabilitated. It also owns several examples of civil architecture, part of this
urban fabric, some of which have value only as part of the whole context.
The possibility of expanding the amount of the built environment in the hands of the
municipality and thus increasing the municipality's capacity for strategic management is,
however, limited, because of the shortage of supply, the expectations of profit and the
difficulty in the use of fast track planning mechanisms (See Chapter III. 4, Plans adopted and
under development").
Moreover, the City Council has been an important participant in the rental market, a sector
where it must develop a strategy to achieve the defined management objectives, especially
residential settlement in the intramural urban area.
4
In this context mention should once again be made of the remaining sections of the Muslim wall, which were absorbed by the various domestic
buildings in the intramural area.
21
The assets of the Fortifications of Elvas which are held by public bodies may be subject to
public conservation initiatives, whenever it is deemed useful and all the necessary means are
to hand. However, it should be understood that this apparent operational capacity is limited, in
a context where competencies are sometimes not clear and reside in different and
uncoordinated bodies. These bodies are not local and their priorities are set in terms of their
own resources, which are always scarce, and of their wider territorial horizons.
The identified situation calls for implementation of mechanisms for coordination and
integration of local skills, which will be discussed in Chapter III. 3 of the IMPFE, "Bodies
involved in management."
2. 3. Private institutional stakeholders
In the area surrounding the Fortifications of Elvas, within the boundaries defined by the SICA,
in addition to the public authorities, other institutional stakeholders, of a private nature, form
part of the ownership structure, and represent distinct roles in the territorial system.
In this group, the Church, through the Archdiocese of Evora, should be mentioned first, as
proprietor of some examples of religious architecture, which remain open for worship, an
instance of the continuing connection between the local community and built heritage. Under
agreements with the State and, wherever applicable, the bodies responsible for classified
cultural heritage, conservation initiatives, as well as day-to-day management of properties
fall to IGESPAR.
Another private institutional stakeholder of some importance that is represented in the local
ownership structure is the Santa Casa da Misericordia of Elvas, which has properties in the
Intramural area and owns 60 items of civil architecture, both housing and services stock,
including entire buildings and parts of buildings. In addition to these it owns religious
architecture, including the eponymous church in Largo da Misericordia, as well as the
Mortuary Chapel in Largo de Nossa Senhora das Dores, both open for worship.
This stakeholder also stands out because of its role in social action, assuming special
importance within the local community, which strengthens the virtue of its participation in
decision making that affect this community and, therefore, in the process of integrated
conservation. Although we are talking about a private stakeholder, some proposed uses of its
property, are subject to protocols with the State, especially when it comes to public facilities
and classified buildings and those in the protection areas.
22
Another private institutional stakeholder with a prominent presence in SICA is ENATUR, a

private enterprise with mostly public capital, which operates a national chain of Pousadas,
quality hotel establishments in cultural, heritage and natural value sites. The importance of
this stakeholder in SICA stems not so much from the assets it owns here a piece of civil
architecture, built according to the canons of the Estado Novo (1932-1974), located in the
extramural area and inaugurated on April 19, 1942 - but particularly from its functional
relevance, being the fruit of the role of tourism in local development and because it is the first
Pousada to be built, and has had its own protection area since 19535.
It is ENATUR that pays for the investments made in the conservation and rehabilitation of
buildings it uses, and according to its guidelines it seeks exemplary architectural
interventions, which respect the context in which the heritage belongs.
As mentioned, in the context of the city of Elvas and because of the relative loss of importance
of other economic activities, tourism is an important contribution to sustainability, both in
generating revenue and in creating local employment. Thus, it is justifiable that this
stakeholder, through its representative associations, should be called upon to participate in
the Fortifications of Elvas Project.
It should be noted, however, that in the intramural area there remain, other outstanding major
urban functions such as schools, with three institutions, one of which is of higher education6
and the media, with four bodies located in this space.
Relating to the social and demographic problems noted here, it is not surprising that social
support institutions social have an important role in the intramural area, with the existence of
seven such units. We should also note the presence, of institutional stakeholders that reflect
spontaneous forms of social organisation, as well as the ability to participate in issues of
interest to the community. This fact can be seen in the presence of sixteen sports and
recreation associations in this area.
2. 4. Other private stakeholders and the urban dynamic
In the area covered by SICA, and especially in the intramural area in Elvas, as in the vast
majority of Portuguese historical centres, most of the civil architecture is privately owned.
According to the latest statistics7, there are within the walls of Elvas 5013 buildings, with a total
5
The protection area was established by an executive Order published in DG no. 205, series II, September 2, 1953. See attached map.
6
In this case it is a public institution, the Elvas Agricultural College (Escola Superior Agrria de Elvas), belonging to the Portalegre Polytechnic
Institute.
23
of 7339 homes. These buildings, which are the essential components of the urban fabric, may
have an intrinsic heritage value, or only as part of their context. Whatever their characteristics,
the property situation poses a set of specific problems at the level of heritage management,
which we would like to emphasise.
We would like to address, first, the business owners. Of some relevance in the intramural
area, here they are essentially linked to the activities of trade and services, with emphasis on
the hotel and restaurant sector. These stakeholders are more likely to adopt a dynamic
posture regarding conservation and rehabilitation of the heritage they hold. This attitude,
which extends to the participation in options related to local development, reflects the fact that
they consider such initiatives as a direct and remunerative investment in their activity.
However, the structure of ownership in the intramural area is mostly made up of domestic
owners and, above all, private individual tenants, whose profile8 reveals more complex
features for the management objectives. With limited investment capacity, the local
population presents the low socio-economic and high illiteracy rates, typical in such
circumstances, so one cannot expect much involvement in ways of participation that
contributes to the process of integrated conservation.
Although the average age of the population in the council area of Elvas is below average for
the region9, this is not the case in the intramural area, where these and other indicators of
dependency reach a very high level. To this we should add the intense residential exodus
from the historic centre: in twenty years it has seen its population reduced to about a third10
(see table).
City of Elvas Resident Population Intramural Area Dynamics

Year Resident Population (inhabitants) Observations
1970 9923 Place Elvas
1981 12,880 Total number of

intramural urban blocks
1991 5603 Total number of intramural
urban quarters as defined
for statistical purposes
2001 4643 Idem
Source: INE-RGPH
7
National Institute of Statistics - General Census of Population and Housing 2001 (INE-RGPH 2001), available information, unpublished.
8
For this characterisation we used, among other sources, the studies of the "Plan for the Protection and Development of the Historic Centre of Elvas",
prepared between 1989 and 1995 by the Local Technical Office, not ratified, and by the "Elvas Strategic Plan, 2002.
9
INE-RGPH 2001.
10
This urban area went from 12,880 inhabitants in 1981 to 4643 inhabitants in 2001 (INE-RGPH 2001, available information, unpublished).
24
Equally serious for an integrated conservation plan is the fact that a considerable number of
the owners are absent, or are not identifiable, and often the ownership of property
complicated, as a result of successive owners and poorly documented transactions. This last
situation leads to a real operational block in many management activities, with repercussions,
especially at the level of urban heritage.
The standard of the property regime points to a large percentage of housing leased by private
owners, usually with very low rents. The low level of owner occupation is another adverse
factor in motivating conservation and participation in the options for management of this
heritage. In this context it is not surprising that the existing housing shows worrying levels of
degradation.
In this context, there is a low level of investment in buildings, which can be confirmed by the
financial support programmes for rehabilitation that are resorted to, and also by the volume of
private works in the intramural space. According to data obtained from the City of Elvas, the
total number of rehabilitation interventions carried out with the help of the RECRIA and
SOLARH11 support programmes, does not exceed, respectively, 81 and 7 homes. On the
other hand, the number of cases of private works for the area within the walls, registered by
municipal services from 1997 to the end of 2006, is 168, that is, works were only carried out in
little more than 3% of the total buildings in this space.
As mentioned earlier, the sustainability of the Fortifications of Elvas Project is inextricably

linked to the urban sustainability of the historic centre, which this application and its tools must
address with policies and instruments directed at the regeneration of the area within the walls.
In the SICA area outside the walls of the city of Elvas, the space is, in general, not built up, and
consists mainly of private property, with plots of small dimensions maintaining rural uses. The
protection regimes in force here strongly constrain the transformation of land-use, which is
reflected in the low dynamics of property in this area. However, there has been a tendency for
scattered occupation with buildings for housing and industry, with access points surrounding
the base of the hill where the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graa stands. This is a situation that
needs to be controlled, and the necessary legal instruments for this purpose are already in
effect.
The diversity of activities and inherent problems with private individual stakeholders in SICA
justify and make desirable the participation of these individuals in its management. This
participation must be structured and assumed by the associations representative of the
interests at stake.
25
From this brief description of the structure of ownership and associated rights, as well as the
recent urban process, it follows that the diverse stakeholders in SICA have different
motivations and dynamics, served by unequal means, and there must be some reservations
as to the role some of them might play in the process of integrated conservation. It follows,
equally, that the capacity of intervention by the public authorities currently responsible for the
management of this area, especially the City of Elvas Council, is limited by these factors.
3. The legal status of the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area
3.1. Introduction
The legal status of the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area, defined as SICA in this
application (Fig. 1.e.4 annexed to this document), is the result of various overlapping legal
regimes. Of these, some are specific, relating to the protection of cultural heritage and natural
assets in the surrounding area, while others stem from rules related to land and urban
management, and yet others are related to National Defence.
The implementation of these regimes lacks coordination, because the first and the last of
these depend on central public management, some devolved to the regional level, while the
powers in the management of the territory lie, essentially, with the local government. The
various bodies involved in the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area, as well as their
remits are identified in Chapter III. 3 of this IMPFE.
3. 2. Legal status of the cultural heritage
This status applies to elements of the heritage system and the corresponding legally defined
protection areas that are in force and which constitute the Fortifications of Elvas system, as
well as the assets of built heritage classified under Portuguese law and their corresponding
protection areas in SICA, defined within this application.
As mentioned above, within the whole complex that comprises this heritage system, a true
field entrenchment," all the fortifications are classified as National Monuments.
However, because of the way the areas were defined to protect built heritage in Portugal
since its establishment, the territory covered by the land- use controls in the surrounding area
of this heritage assets complex is discontinuous. This situation is consistent with the nature of
26
the Fortifications of Elvas system and leaves extensive intermediate areas, which are an
essential complement, without any legal protection as for built heritage.
Of the heritage assets mentioned, only one the Amoreira Aqueduct enjoys the more
effective and territorially coherent special protection area (SPA), status, with higher efficiency
and territorial coherence. Note the case of the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graa, whose
"automatic" protection area of 50 metres is completely inadequate to that monument's
importance and prominence in the landscape, and is not conductive to connecting it with the
rest of the complex.
The classifications referred to place these heritage assets and the nearby surrounding area
under the close supervision of the IGESPAR, which is directly involved in its management.
Here, the legal status of the Fortifications of Elvas and their surrounding area was established
with successive classifications of the properties in question and the constitution of their
corresponding protection areas, is as follows:
i. In the heritage system of the Fortifications of Elvas

23.06.1910.

23.06.1910.

210, 05.09.
27
ii. In the surrounding integrated conservation area - SICA
a Classification of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assuno, the former Cathedral of

Elvas, as a National Monument, by Decree of 16 June 1910, published in the Government
a1 Constitution of the special protection area (SPA) of the Church of Nossa Senhora da
b Classification of the Church of S. Pedro as a National Monument, by Decree of 16 June

b1 Constitution of the special protection area (SPA) of the Church of S. Pedro, published in
c Classification of the Church of Dominicos as a National Monument, by Decree of 16 June

c1 Constitution of the special protection area (SPA) of the Church of Dominicos, published
in the Government Gazette, 2nd. series, No. 83, 08.04.1953.
d Classification of the Church of Dominicas, or Church of the former Convent of the Sisters
of St. Dominic, in Elvas, as a National Monument, by Decree of 16 June 1910, published in the
e Classification of the Elvas Pillory, parish of Alcova, as a Building of Public Interest, by

f Classification of the Church of the Ordem Terceira de S. Francisco, in Elvas, as a Building

of Public Interest, by Decree No. 129/77, published in the Journal of the Republic, 1st. series,
No. 226, 29.09.1977.
After several developments, the legal status of the cultural heritage property is governed by a
28
new instrument of Portuguese cultural heritage policy, Law No. 107/2001, of 8 September. In
summary, a control regime is enforced in respect of classified property and their
corresponding protection areas, applying both to modifications on the built property, and to
the change of land- use, as well as to property rights, which are subject to the binding
authority of the Ministry of Culture, through IGESPAR.
It should also be noted that in the Portuguese legal system of cultural heritage, the
classification of property requires the demarcation of an SPA12, as well as the drawing up of a
Detailed Preservation Plan (DPP), executed through the competence of the municipal
authority, in partnership with the former IPPAR13, now IGESPAR. The implementation of these
actions involves, in principle, local authority bodies which are responsible for managing the
territory, together with the guardianship bodies for cultural heritage.
3. 3. Legal status of the natural assets making up the SICA
The SICA, or buffer zone, is defined in Fig. 1.e.4. annexed to this document, within the scope
of this IMPFE. This definition is based on the integration of several plots subject to various
protection regimes, delimited by the SICA perimeter. A breakdown of these is given in the
graph form in the annex.
Two points should be noted concerning the legal status applied to the natural assets making
up the SICA, considering the environment and natural resources, and these in some
instances overlap in the surrounding space of the historic centre of Elvas.
Firstly, because they are extensions to SICA and because of their nature, the areas of the
National Ecological Reserve (NER) which are in the nearby surrounding area of the
Fortifications of Elvas system, and are controlled-use areas. The legal status of the NER is
defined by Decree-Law No. 93/90, of 19 March, subsequently amended by Decree-Laws
Nos. 316/90, of 13 October, 213/92, of 12 October, 79/95, of 20 April and 180/2006, of 6
September.
The legal status of this area, here classified as rural, introduces major constraints in regard to
land-use and is subject to the authority of the Ministry of the Environment, through its regional
bodies, especially the Regional Directorate for Environment and Land-use Planning of
Alentejo (RDELPA).
11
Two measures used in the intramural area, respectively, the Special Support Regime for the Recovery of Rented Buildings, regulated by Decree Law 329-
C/2000 of 22 December and the Solidarity Support Programme for the Recovery of Housing, regulated by Decree Law no. 39/2001 of 9 February.
12
See Article No. 43 of Law No. 107/2001, of 8 September.
13
See Article No.53 of the same legal law.l.
29
Secondly, the areas of the National Agricultural Reserve (NAR) in SICA that are also
classified as rural. The legal status of the NAR is defined by Decree-Law No. 196/89, of 14
June, subsequently amended by Decree-Laws Nos. 274/92, of 12 December and 69/92, of
27 April.
The legal status of this area authorises its use for intensive farming and introduces
constraints on other land uses, subjecting it to the authority of the Ministry of Agriculture,
through its regional bodies, especially the Alentejo Regional Directorate of Agriculture
Alentejo (ARDA).
The boundaries of the NER and NAR areas are given on the restrictions map of the Municipal
Master Plan (MMP) of the municipality of Elvas, ratified by the Council of Ministers Resolution
No. 11/97, of 22 January14.
3. 4. Legal status arising from regulatory land-use planning and territory management
and from national defence
Besides the legal status defined by the special regimes already mentioned, the Fortifications
of Elvas and surrounding area are subject to the territorial planning and urban management
regulations in the MMP of Elvas, as well as the legislation ensuring the role of its military
installations in national defence.
As already mentioned, the MMP, which typologically speaking is a municipal structure plan,
came into effect on being ratified by the Council of Ministers Resolution No. 11/97, of 22
January. This plan falls within the legal regime governing instruments of territorial
management, established by Decree-Law No. 380/99, of 22 September, which derives from
the national policy on land management and urban planning, defined by Law No. 48/98, of 11
August.
The Fortifications of Elvas and surrounding area are included in the MMP in the "urban space"
classes in the intramural area, and in the "cultural space" and "natural area, or of protection"
classes in the areas subject to classified cultural heritage regimes and their protected natural
assets15. In each case, measures of protection provided by the applicable regimes are part of
the regulations of the MMP, under the plan's current legally binding status.
Also included In the boundaries of SICA were the spaces with restricted permitted use in the
nearby surrounding area of the Fortifications of Elvas, corresponding to the "cultural space"
14
Currently under review.
15
See Articles 20 to 23 of the Regulations of the MMP of Elvas (pages 501 and 502 of this volume).
30
class in the legislation of land-use and urban management established in the MMP.
The implementation of this plan, a single measure for planning and management, fully legally
effective within the territory of the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area, is the
responsibility of the Elvas City Council, under the terms of land-use planning policies.
Also in force within the SICA territory are the national legal rules governing town planning and
building regulated by Decree-Law No. 555/99, of 16 December, as amended by Decree-Law
No. 177/2001, of 4 June. The principal responsibility for their implementation lies with the City
of Elvas Council.
There are still other areas in the nearby surrounding area of the fortifications affected by the
military easements of the MP (Municipal Plan) 91 / Elvas Stronghold of Elvas, established by
Decree No. 36,937, of 25 June 1948. The implementation of this regime is the responsibility of
the Ministry of National Defence.
From the legal status resulting from the totality of the regimes that apply to the Fortifications of
Elvas and the surrounding territorial system occur a series of protective measures, whose
implementation we shall discuss in the next section.
4. Protective measures in force
4.1. Introduction
Examination of the legal status of the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area and the
regimes on which it is based shows that various measures of protection are imposed,
cumulatively covering the whole territory considered in SICA. It should, however, be
recognised that the drawing up and implementation of these measures do not always have
coherent and effective results.
Following the regimes listed, it can be understood that the protective measures in force here
correspond to various uncoordinated objectives, and several of them are managed by non-
local bodies, guided by policies of a sectoral or generic character. It should be noted that, as
we have mentioned throughout this IMPFE, the coordination at local levels of the various
government policies and actions is one of the foundations for a process of sustainable
conservation.
31
The protective measures in force in the Fortifications of Elvas and SICA define a framework of
constraints on the activities of private stakeholders, with the aim of protecting the integrity of
the existing cultural heritage and natural assets. The measures are not specific to this area,
but reflect the local variety of the assets which enjoy protection regimes arising from national
policies. The protection is established by State, and is based on the recognition of a collective
interest, imposing a set of obligations on the stakeholders, as well as restrictions on the right
of ownership.
Monitoring the transformation of land-use and the interventions on the buildings in this area is
a consequence, first, of legal status, determined by the protection regimes that are in force
here. However, there are also devices for public control over private initiatives, exercised
through the provisions contained in laws of general application and the territorial
management measures effective in this area. These devices that control the dynamics of the
heritage and territorial systems, also reflect protection objectives, and overlap in the whole
area that is considered in the Fortifications of Elvas Project, causing some problems because
of the nature and methods of the various implementations.
In the process of implementing these measures the bodies involved, in the first case, manage
the protection regimes of the cultural heritage and natural assets on which we are focusing
here, which are outside the remit of local management, in particular, IGESPAR, RDELPA and
ARDA.
Protection by way of general public control over private initiatives within the built environment
belongs, above all, to the municipality, which must enforce the applicable legislation on
private works, as well as the municipal structure and management plans. In this area there is
only the MMP of Elvas, the only instrument of this nature fully in force in SICA. In some
specific local development initiatives, as in the case of tourism, other external bodies
intervene in the process of land management, namely the Committee for the Coordination
and Regional Development of Alentejo (CCRDA) and Tourism Portugal (TP).
Next we will show the monitoring process covering change of building and land-use that is in
force in the Fortifications of Elvas and surrounding area, both through the protection regimes
and administrative easements, and through territorial management, as well as the bodies
competent to participate in this process.
4. 2. Measures to protect the cultural heritage
The measures to protect the buildings of the cultural heritage of the Fortifications of Elvas, as
32
well as the existing one in SICA, are a result of the protection regime that is currently defined
by Law No. 107/2001, of 8 September, which are implemented by the Ministry of Culture
through the IGESPAR. They are based on the classification of the assets of the property
which is the subject of the application process, which in turn has determined the territorial
scope of the application of these measures, with several PAs and SPAs being defined.
In the territory covered by these areas, which is currently discontinuous and narrower than
the one proposed for SICA16, the protection of the heritage assets is under IGESPAR and is
mandatory in respect of all modifications to built heritage environment, whether these are
subject to licensing or not. This regime applies not only to the classified buildings, but also to
all other SPAs and PAs, including physical modifications, as well as changes of use and of
ownership.
The SPAs and PAs which currently occur in SICA consist of administrative easements and
are the territorially most comprehensive protection measures in this area, as the above
mentioned regime applies here. It is important to discuss in this section the delineation of
these areas and their importance for the management of the Fortifications of Elvas and its
surrounding area.
The delineation of the various PAs and the SPAs of the Fortifications of Elvas exhibits a purely
geometric pattern, incoherent in terms of heritage or territory and inconsistent, both internally
and with the other PAs and SPAs in the SICA, and so these deserve a review proposal in this
IMPFE. Redefinition, in order to coincide with the boundaries of SICA and with the drawing up
of a corresponding plan for Preservation and Enhancement (the aforementioned PEPFE), is
one of the measures proposed at the end of this document, under the reassessment of the
protective measures17.
The responsibility for drawing up the Preservation and Enhancement plans lies, at present,
with the municipalities, pursuant to the law covering territorial management measures,
established by Decree-Law No. 380/99, of 22 September, which includes them under the
municipal plans for land management. Note that the former IPPAR is similarly assigned, by
virtue of Decree-Law No. 106-F/92, of 1 June, now applicable to IGESPAR.
It is thus important to get around this overlapping, coordinating between the IGESPAR and
City of Elvas Council for the redefinition of the PAs and the SPAs and also for drawing up the
PEPFE, in the sense of merging them into an entire single SPA, with a territorial management
16
SICA is also designated as a buffer zone in this candidacy.
17
Until the approval of the mentioned proposal for changes referred to above has been approved, the PA and the SPA maintain their current boundaries.
33
function applied to the heritage covered by the Fortifications of Elvas Project. This task will be
one of the priorities undertaken by the local management structure proposed in this IMPFE,
the Fortifications of Elvas Company (SFE).
4. 3. Measures to protect the natural assets in SICA
Measures to protect the existing natural assets in SICA are imposed in two distinct ways,
namely, by areas being included, respectively, in the NER and the NAR.
Inclusion of areas in SICA in the NER means that they benefit from its regime of land
protection measures 'biophysical structure' established by Decree-Law No. 93/90, 19 March,
subsequently amended by Decree-Law No.316/90, 13 October, Decree-Law No. 213/92, 12
October, Decree-Law No. 79/95, 20 April and Decree-Law No. 180/2006, 6 September. Once
an area is included in the NER, and cartographically registered on the MMP restrictions map,
and is subject to the corresponding regime, it is also subject to supervision by the Ministry of
Environment, through its regional bodies, specifically the RDELUPA (Regional Directorate for
the Environment and Land-Use Planning of Alentejo).
The protective measures associated with the NER areas introduce major restrictions on their
use, imposed with respect to any change in the characteristics of the natural ecosystems and
on the use of the land, to ensure their protection. Note that, the logic of the protective
measures directed at natural assets focuses the NER regime on the 'rural area' class,
although it may also be apply within the city perimeter.
The legal status of SICA areas in the NAR in SICA is defined by Decree-Law No. 196/89, 14
June, subsequently amended by Decree-Law No. 274/92, 12 December, and Decree-Law
No. 69/92, 27 April. The NAR regime relates only to the 'rural area' class, and it does not apply
within the city perimeter.
This regime restricts land-use, favouring intensive agriculture use at the expense other uses.
The areas in question are subject to the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, through its
regional bodies, specifically the Regional Directorate for Agriculture in Alentejo.
4. 4. Protective measures in the framework of urban administration
The land-planning regime with its associated measures in force in SICA incorporates
measures to protect the cultural heritage and the above- mentioned natural assets, referring
its implementation to the corresponding regime. The City of Elvas administers this protection
34
legislation in respect of initiatives by private stakeholders by means of licensing and

administrative authorisation procedures, and the CCRDA (Committee for the Coordination
and Regional Development of Alentejo) may intervene in specific cases. Once such initiatives
have been declared compatible with the objectives of the relevant regimes they are referred
back to the bodies responsible for their implementation.
The land use plans may include additional protection measures, directed at built and natural
areas, which may be non-classified, based on the identification of existing heritage assets
and the application of preservation regulations. In the case of the Fortifications of Elvas and
surrounding area and given their coverage by national protection regimes, the MMP is limited
to developing operational aspects of territorial management and determining, by its Article
31, the drawing up of the Urbanisation Plan of the Historic Centre of Elvas (UPHCE)18,
although limiting the intervention area of this plan to the intramural sector.
This IMPFE will propose the extension of the entire SICA in the UPHE area of intervention
and its development through PEPFE, as well as the merger with the absorption into the
already existing SPA and PA areas of intervention. The intention is, therefore, to cover the
whole surrounding area of the Fortifications of Elvas complex and the natural assets of the
surrounding city, reinforcing the territorial integrity and coherence of these systems.
Other protection measures are a result of the implementation, in this territory, of the general
regime of urbanisation and building. The national level regime, of which local implementation
falls to the City of Elvas, ensures the protection of the buildings and the transformation of
land-use, ensuring that no new buildings are permitted, nor any physical modifications or
changes of use without the necessary municipal licence. As already mentioned, the binding
authority of IGESPAR will apply this process.
The process of licensing or administrative authorisation, currently governed by Decree-Law

No. 555/99 16 December, with amendments introduced by Decree-Law No. 177/2001, 4
June, contributes to the protection, by ensuring that projects comply with the general law, with
land-use planning measures in force and with the implementation regulations. Of these we
may highlight the General Regulation of Urban Buildings (GRUB), along with those that
establish legal regimes specific to the building intended for the various economic activities.
Among these latter we should here mention, because of its local relevance, the measures
covering on tourism enterprises, which imposes complex and demanding legislation to
18
This designation follows the recommendations made by DGLUPUD (Directorate-General for Land-Use Planning and Urban Development) in
relation to the Preservation and Enhancement Plan for the Historic Centre of Elvas, drawn up between 1989 and 1995 and never ratified.
35
ensure compliance with its building and operational regime. This regulation thus contributes
to the protection of buildings on which work is proposed, as well as the urban image profile,
and was established by Decree-Laws Nos. 54 to 57, all of 11 March 2002. The implementation
of this regime is governed by the former Directorate-General of Tourism, now Tourism of
Portugal, I.P, a government body, which intervenes in municipal licensing issues.
This legal and institutional framework provides protective measures in force for the
Fortifications of Elvas and surrounding area adequate to ensure the monitoring of changes
made to the cultural properties and natural assets involved. However, it does not offer the
protection that is necessary and fundamental in the politics of cultural heritage in Portugal, nor
does it ensure by itself the sustainability, or even the survival, of the systems in question.
There are numerous cases where heritage is covered by protection measures and is
nonetheless on the verge of collapse: this is the reason why in this IMPFE we place the
emphasis on rehabilitation and revitalisation, activities in the field of strategies central to
integrated conservation.
Protection is governed by different bodies, local and external, organised at various levels and
on various scales of action, and integrated conservation depends on other factors: such is the
problem of coordination in action. Developing a strategy that goes beyond mere protection
and is directed at the implementation of an integrated model of sustainable conservation,
supported by the territorial integration of policies, should be attainable within the
management structure proposed, in the manner indicated below.
36
III. Bodies and instruments in the management of the Fortifications of

Elvas
1.Management levels for the Fortifications of Elvas and SICA

2.Bodies that will participate in the management of the Fortifications of Elvas and SICA
3.Plans devised and adopted in the territory of the Fortifications of Elvas
4.Available means for the management of the Fortifications of Elvas
5.Sources and levels of financing
1. Management levels for the Fortifications of Elvas and SICA
The intervention area of the Fortifications of Elvas Project is dominated by the city of Elvas, a
medium-sized central place in a sparsely urbanised region which is remote from major axes
of national development. The relatively small territorial intervention area of this project and
the spatial characteristics of the area in which it is situated, could lead to a centralised vision
only of the heritage assets, in a small scale perspective.
In our view, this perspective is not valid, both in face of the universal importance of the present
values, and in the context of the management approach that we advocate. Indeed, the values
and the urban process that are competing in the intervention area of the project of
Fortifications of Elvas carry it to a level that transcends its territorial definition. In addition, the
demand for its sustainability cannot be separated from the broader territory in which it is
situated and from the need to rebuild a regional socio-economic base.
Elvas, because of its territorial level and administrative position, corresponds to a democratic
level of power which is closest to its inhabitants, therefore justifying, from the start, the reason
for the primary responsibility for the management of Fortifications of Elvas and its
surrounding area to lie here. In the allocation of powers within the State, it is to the local
authorities that the municipal administration of the territory falls, this attribution is seen as
central in the public power exercise. At the municipality level, this administration has as its
main instrument the MMP (Municipal Master Plan) of Elvas, in full effect, in which the
legislation the heritage and territorial systems that this IMPFE is covering are contemplated.
The level of approach of the MMP of Elvas will be, successively, detailed in what respects the
area defined in the Fortifications of Elvas Project through UPHCE as had been previewed,
and of which we propose the development in the form of PEPFE (see Chapter II).
Considering that it is at the local level that the leadership of the management for the project of
37
Fortifications of Elvas should be based on, for operational and representativeness, reasons it
should be noted, however, that this administration should project itself to the exterior, opening
itself to a much wider level. Hence, the integration into a model of regional development and
the setting out of objectives and policies with the broadest of scopes.
The recognition of the collective value of the Fortifications of Elvas and territory in which it is
situated, expressed in the special measures for the protection of the cultural heritage and
natural assets that exist here, lead to intervention in its systems by bodies acting on a broader
level, thus reflecting national objectives.
This transposition of the level of management of the Fortifications of Elvas and its
surrounding area for the regional and national scope expresses itself, at the level of cultural
heritage and natural assets in some of the already mentioned areas, such as protection for
classified buildings and the integration in NER.
The level of action refers to broader areas, if we consider the contribution of international
bodies such as ICOMOS and UNESCO that intervene, whether it is by providing frames of
reference, or by contributing through the level of advice for the management, as is the case
with several Portuguese and Spanish universities.
This interaction of several levels of action brings the need for integration and coordination at
the local level, where the strategic capacity and operational management of disperse policies
and actions lie. One of the objectives of management, according to the proposed structure
(see Chapter IV), will be the setting up of bodies and the integration at the local level of non-
territorial sectoral policies, and activities undertaken on a larger scale from a regional to
international level.
2.Bodies that will participate in the management of the Fortifications of Elvas and SICA
In this IMPFE the several public bodies present in the management systems in the
intervention area of the Fortifications of Elvas Project were already identified. To summarize,
we indicate the bodies that are currently involved, and the so-called "external bodies" which,
because they are not local, they administer, essentially, the general measures for the
protection of cultural heritage and natural assets that are here in force.
These bodies operate either under the municipal licensing process or in the monitoring of
initiatives in the city council, or even still on their own initiative in carrying out their
38
responsibilities. The coordination of actions is guaranteed in the first two cases only by the
procedural rules.
- At the local level, the City of Elvas Council, who is responsible for, among other areas of
action, the urban planning administration, licensing and administrative authorisation of
private works and changes of use, housing policies, various forms of social and educational
actions and the implementation of national programmes of urban rehabilitation. It is also the
City Council's responsibility to manage the built environment and in the specific case of the
Fortifications of Elvas, under agreements with the State (see Chapter II.2), its participation in
the management of the assets of the monumental heritage.
- In the region, although it is a decentralised body of the Ministry of the Environment, Land Use
Planning and Regional Development and forms part of central public administration, the
Regional Directorate for the Environment and Land Use Planning of Alentejo (RDELUPA),
which is involved in the management of NER, which in turn is an environmental protection
body operating at the national level and a participant in SICA. The intervention in this area of
RDELUPA, arises from the legal status of NER and the competence of that Regional
Directorate.
- Also at the regional level, the Regional Directorate for Agriculture of Alentejo (RDAA), a
decentralised body of the Ministry of Agriculture, which operates in the management of NAR,
another protection aid operating at a national level in the SICA. The intervention of the RDAA
in NAR arises from the legal status of this reserve and the competence of that Regional
Directorate.
- Still in the region and intervening in specific situations of some licensing procedures and in
the administration of regional development programmes, is the Committee for Coordination
and Regional Development of Alentejo (CCRDA), a crucial body at this level, based in Evora
with another office in Portalegre.
- Managing in the areas included in SICA, the protection regime for classified built heritage
and intervention in the licensing procedures within the existing SPA and PA, the IGESPAR, a
body at the national level is integrated into the Ministry of Culture. The intervention in the
Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area, is one of its more crucial ones in the context of
its management, it operates through the decentralised body at the regional level, through the
Regional Directorate of Evora.
Because they are not critical for the systems management in question, other bodies of the
39
central public administration are not considered, usually they have a regional basis. These
bodies operate punctually in licensing procedures, performing strictly technical functions and
the management of public services. This is the case, for example, of the National Firemen
Service (NFS), and Electricity of Portugal (EDP).
The existence of different bodies involved in the areas included in SICA does not necessarily
mean a greater effectiveness in action. On the contrary, we verify that often there is a
disjointed overlapping of responsibilities and a lack of policies and actions in territorial
integration, situations that we intend to correct with the strategy outlined in this IMPFE and
with the management structure proposed by it. The situation described above is frequent in
Portugal in the areas under the special measures protection, we consider it imperative for the
project of the management of the Fortifications of Elvas to find operational ways of resolving
these situations.
In this context, it is important for management to set up mechanisms for the regular
participation of public bodies that supervise the heritage and territorial systems in local
relevant decisions. This objective can be achieved by the presence of their representatives,
with the authority to make decisions, in the structure proposed for the operational
management. It is also necessary that at the central and regional level increased
responsibilities are taken that arise from the important heritage assets in question,
strengthened by its eventual inclusion on the World Heritage List.
3. Plans devised and adopted in the territory of the Fortifications of Elvas
The plans, in force and under development, covering the area in which the complex of the
Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area are situated are exclusively of the "land-use
plans" type; other types such as "development plans", "strategic plans" and these of any other
nature are not applied locally.
The planning tools applied here are not specifically of the heritage type. It should be noted
that, currently in Portugal, the special plans directed at the protection of cultural heritage
buildings fall under the category of land-use planning. This results from a comparison of the
land-use planning and cultural heritage measures which have not yet been fully legislated. In
fact, the latter regime defines the plans targeted at the protection areas of classified buildings
as "detailed plans for preservation", referring specifically to the legal instruments of territorial
management19. For its part, the land-use planning regime refers to the detailed plans as being
19
In this regard see Article 53 (3) of Law No.107/2001, 8 September.
40
within the scope of the municipal plans.
The current land-use planning regime and its associated measures was established by
Decree-Law No. 380/99, 22 September, which develops the basis for the policy of land-use
planning and urban development, established by Law No. 48/98, 11 August. In this regime the
management system and the territorial scopes, namely, the national, regional and municipal
levels, are defined for the different types of plans. The effective intervention of bodies in these
three areas of the territory of the Elvas Fortifications and in the areas covered by SICA, under
the terms already indicated, should provide for the existence of the corresponding planning
measures in this area. In fact, this is only true for measures at the local level.
It should be noted that none of the plans, whatever their scope, are approved at government
level: they only produce legal effects and are then deemed "in full effect" after their
publication in the Journal of the Republic.
Since there are regional level plans that focus on the Fortifications of Elvas and its
surrounding area20, it is at the municipal level that we find the only applicable structure plan.
This is the MMP of the municipality of Elvas, which is in full effect (see Chapter II.3); it is
important for regulating the occupation, use and change of use of the land surrounding the
Fortifications of Elvas and the municipal territory, and also because it plays a synthesising
role. This planning measure, which is applied to the entire municipality, provides a model of
spatial structure of its territory, classifying and describing the land. It incorporates the specific
regimes mentioned above.
Ratified by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 11/97, 22 January, the MMP is a summary of
the development and local planning strategy and incorporates national and regional level
options which impact on the municipality. Thus, it fosters the adoption at the local level of
objectives and policies on various planes, especially in this case, those relating to cultural
heritage and the natural assets that occur in its surrounding area.
These plans remain in force for ten years, so we consider that the current revision of the MMP,
launched in 2006, will be an opportunity to incorporate the proposals of this IMPFE. Among
these, in particular, we emphasise the proposal for the overall classification of the complex of
the Fortifications of Elvas and the buildings with a military function, as a National Monument, a
review of the existing SPAs and PAs to coincide with the SICA, the extension of the
intervention area of UPHCE and its development as PEPFE. We also propose that the
territory boundary defined for the SICA constitute an operating unit for planning and
20
Although it does not impinge on this territory, we would like to mention that the geographically nearest regional plan in force is RLUPMA,
Regional Land-Use Planning for the Marble Area, which covers the two adjoining municipalities, namely, Borba and Vila Viosa.
41
management (OUPM).
Adding to the managerial capacity of the local municipal authority, the full effectiveness of the
MMP allows for a considerable autonomy over the administration of its territory, exercising the
power to implement the plan. The assessment of private initiatives in the use and
transformation of the land is made, in the first instance, by the inclusion of its framework in the
legislation of the MMP. This assessment is complemented by ensuring compliance with other
laws and applicable regulations, which is also a municipal responsibility.
It should be noted that the drawing up of the PEPFE, proposed in this IMPFE, will address the
lack of a "safeguard plan", which is now long overdue in light of the protection regime for
classified heritage, due to the existence of several SAPs, which require that such a plan be
drawn up.
When preparing for the World Heritage candidacy process it was decided to propose the
redefinition and merger of the existing SPAs and PAs, in order to coincide with the SICA,
which also includes the corresponding redefinition of the intervention area of the "safeguard
plan". The process of these redefining proposals, which should merit the agreement of the
bodies that supervise the classified heritage, will follow the legal procedures, regardless of
the candidacy. While this plan is a municipal initiative, bodies outside the municipality will
participate in the development of the PEPFE, in particular the Directorate General for Land-
Use Planning and Urban Development (DGLUPUD), as well as the former IPPAR, under the
terms of its legal remit.
The development of the PEPFE represents an opportunity to introduce some legal provisions
to increase the capacity of the municipal authority to intervene in the systems of management
that are considered in the Fortifications of Elvas Project. Particular attention should be paid to
the introduction to the legal system of land-use planning mechanisms for the programming of
the implementation of the plans, as well as the promotion of an equitable distribution of
benefits and costs generated by its implementation.
The diverse centres of responsibilities relevant to the management of the Fortifications of

Elvas and its surrounding area, as well as the hierarchy which spreads the practical tasks
across all levels from the national to local, poses some problems for management at the local
level. One of the solutions to this coordination problem is contained in the legal and technical
rules for drawing up for land-use management plans that incorporate aspects of higher level
regimes, serving hierarchically superior objectives in local-level plans.
42
The availability of planning tools focused on the intervention area of the Fortifications of Elvas
Project is considered a priority, achieving the merger of the operational aspects of its
management with the implementation and elaboration of those policies of broader scope that
are being applied. It is up to the bodies of local management to include and develop in the
objectives of the IMPFE in the contents of the PEPFE, as well as the rules and regulations
defined in the MMP and in the general regimes in force. When completed, and incorporated in
the management structure, this will be a privileged instrument for operational intervention in
the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area, by promoting an integrated approach to
the heritage, territorial and administrative / institutional management systems.
4. Available means for the management of the Fortifications of Elvas
By "means" we are talking about applicable resources that are available, and are deployed, to
support the implementation of the management model of the Fortifications of Elvas Project
established in this IMPFE, it is important to distinguish their different natures. Only the means
that are deemed relevant to the project are indicated, namely, those of a strategic nature,
those that are organisational and operational, and financial ones, and their use will be more
fully described in the following chapter.
We shall first take into consideration, those means that have a strategic nature, and which
can be managed in such a way that they would contribute, in the long run and decisively, to a
desirable model for sustainability of the project. The local land and built environment are the
main means of this type, and the concern here is to monitor the effects of being able to build
from scratch and to transform the existing constructions21.
There are two different factors here. One is the land suitable for building and private property
construction, on both of which the management of action is based, whether in binding legal
instruments, or in business processes or even in the design and implementation of
appropriate and expeditious ways of acting in the place of the owners. The other factor is the
public heritage (land and buildings), especially that held in municipal hands, that could
constitute a reserve supply, to be managed strategically by exemplary actions and with a
multiplying effect, influencing the terms of finding relevant tasks for the project.
Other resources that can have a strategic use are those that are within the reach of local
management for the dissemination and promotion of the Fortifications of Elvas and its
surrounding area and its potential, securing investment, attracting new dynamic stakeholders
and creating conditions for negotiation of development partnerships.
21
In this management area, the declaration of an ACRRU, mentioned in chapter II, adds considerably to the public authorities' freedom of action,
especially the local municipality's.
43
As for organisational and operational means, including the technical and human resources
available to manage the project, we must distinguish at local level, dependent on the
municipality, from those assigned to outside bodies that have jurisdiction here. In the latter
case these are IGESPAR, and CCRDA. Since these are bodies with areas of action that are
not confined to one place, it is necessary to recognise that resources available to them will be
shared with other projects in which they are involved
These bodies belong at regional and national level and, for the most part because of the
regimes in force, they are involved in the management of the Fortifications of Elvas and its
surrounding area through the role they play in the protection of cultural heritage and existing
natural assets. As for the cultural heritage, the IGESPAR has qualified means, essentially of a
technical and human nature, and they also hold the technical and financial means which are
important for conservation. As for intervention in the natural assets in the area surrounding
the Fortifications of Elvas, the RDELUPA and ARDA have in their organisation the means for
the management of the areas with special regimes that they supervise, particularly regarding
the environment and natural resources.
Also, in the case of CCRDA the concern is the exercise of other competencies, and what must
be considered here is the financial resources that it can provide, by virtue of its powers in the
management of regional development programmes and through the National Strategic
Reference Framework (NSRF) 2007-2013.
Given their size and the considerable and highly skilled structures of these bodies, it would be
expected that with the increased responsibility of the possible inclusion of the Fortifications of
Elvas in the World Heritage List, they would provide additional resources to intervene in the
areas subject to their guardianship. Given the dispersion of competencies and the number of
bodies involved, the question will be the effective coordination of these interventions, as part
of the strategic objectives and the structure of local management.
As to the means that the municipality has available for the management of the Fortifications of
Elvas and its surrounding area, we should first mention its technical and administrative
structure, including its human resources, about thirty qualified personnel. This structure in the
municipality's area of responsibility will intervene in the daily operation of the heritage and
territorial management systems.
In the first phase of implementation of the management processes contained in the IMPFE,
the City Council will create a proper technical and administrative base for the Fortifications of
Elvas Project. This procedure will be complemented in operational terms on the ground by a
44
rapid-reaction task force, which will ensure maintenance and conservation actions in various
situations involving private and municipal built heritage.
The municipality also has other means it can deploy, stemming firstly from the fact that they
are responsible for the local management and enforcement of national programmes of urban
rehabilitation, especially in the intramural area of SICA, and secondly from their role in the
housing policy.
The former are destined for financial participation in urban rehabilitation actions, which may
involve the completion of works, preparation of studies and projects, or the creation of
management teams and structures. In this case several options are open, from the
establishment of an Urban Rehabilitation Company (URC), under Law No. 106/2003, 10
December and Decree-Law No. 104/2004, 7 May, to recourse to specific programmes such
as PRAUD, managed by DGLUPUD.
Included in this area are also the means to support participation in rehabilitation works in
privately owned buildings, municipal and social solidarity institutions, such as the SOLARH
programme, as well as those targeted at rented buildings, as is the case of the RECRIA22
programme, as well as in property in a condominium, as in the case of the RECRIPH
programme. Another programme of this nature, the REHABITA, has no application in this
area.
There are two aspects to the issue of the resources available to the local municipal authority
to carry out their role in the promotion of rent-controlled housing. On the one hand, it is linked
to strategic management of resources already mentioned, such as land and buildings. On the
other hand, it allows access under special conditions to funds managed by central public
authorities, which are responsible for the implementation of housing policies such as
IGAPHE and INH.
The diversity of resources available and deployed for the management of the Fortifications of
Elvas and its surrounding area, and their dispersal among bodies with different bases of
operation and policies, alert us once again to the need for a strategic and articulated vision for
their use. They also reinforce the reasons for setting up an operational structure, with a local
base, which takes the lead in managing the systems in question, coordinating the activities
and allocation of resources. This structure, led by the SFE, also forms part of the training
resources, which we will deal with in the next chapter.
22
These two programmes are used in the intramural area (see chapter II.2).
45
The financial and deployed resources available for the development of the integrated
management strategy presented in this IMPFE will be enlarged upon in the next section,
especially as to the sources and levels of decision involved. The fact that a large number of
these resources are not available, but are nonetheless deployable, emphasises the need for
an organised prospecting, for the development of concrete projects and the development of
systematic procedures to attain them.
5. Sources and levels of financing
The sources of financing, available or deployed, relate to resources managed by outside

bodies and the resources of the municipality. This distinction is crucial, given the definition of
the City Council's own powers and the role advocated in this IMPFE for a local based
management of the integrated conservation and sustainable development of the
Fortifications of Elvas.
a) External Bodies
Financial resources from outside bodies, at the regional and national level, whether available
to or deployed in the management of this project, are directed to the areas of action indicated.
In these ways, which seek to provide a comprehensive view of a mobilised universe, note the
dispersal of sources and the different levels and sectors involved, emphasising the need for
advanced planning and integrated organisation.
In this context, the main sources of funding comes are from EU funds through various
interventions of an operational nature, are:
- Community Initiatives
- Sectoral national programs
- Regional programs
i. Operating Environment Program (OEP), with emphasis on measure no. 2.1 "Improvement
of the urban environment", which can finance urban regeneration actions in the intramural
area.
ii. Operational Program for Culture (OPC), relating both to Aim 1, "Valuing the Historical and
Cultural Heritage", and to Aim 2, "Promoting Access to Cultural Heritage."
iii. URBAN Community Initiative, with emphasis on the conservation of cultural heritage and
integrated systems of public transport in the area and Intramural SICA.
iv. POLIS programme, as part of urban regeneration and environmental improvement in the
intramural area and SICA.
46
v. INTERREG Community Initiative, under the various heads of cooperation concerning

interventions that have as objectives the promotion of urban development and good
management of cultural heritage.
vi. LIFE programme, under the LIFE-Environment head, applicable in the areas of NER and
SICA and the non altius tollendi transitional area.
vii. Operational Program for Economic Affairs (OPE), with particular reference to:
- The System of Incentives for Commercial Town Planning Projects - URBCOM programme,
applicable in the intramural area;
- The System of Incentives for Strategic Tourist Initiatives - SIVETUR programme, applicable
to projects of rehabilitation and adaptation of the classified heritage, undertaken as
enterprise ventures;
- The Integrated Tourist Programme of a Structuring Nature on a Regional Basis - PITER
programmes;
- Measure for Supporting the Infrastructural Dynamics of Historic Pousadas.
viii. Operational Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (OPARD), in rural areas
and for NARs included in SICA and the transitional zone of non altius tollendi.
ix. Cohesion Fund, increased funding for regional operational programmes in support of the
basic infrastructure of the territory.
x. Alentejo Regional Operational Program (AROP), with an emphasis on measures for
"Improvement and Use Optimisation of the Territory", including the enhancement of heritage,
and Local Utilities and Infrastructure."
In conjunction with these funds, there will also be national funds, i.e. financial contributions
and the national component of the investment, as well as responsibility for submissions for
EU funds already mentioned. This funding can be obtained:
- Under the technical and financial cooperation between the State and local
authorities, according to the Local Finances Act, taking into account the regime of
celebration of programme contracts. In particular, actions that contribute to the
promotion of the economic development of the urban intramural nucleus can be
considered here;
- Through the Programme of Rehabilitation of Degraded Urban Areas (PRAUD)
either by setting up a Local Technical Office (LTO), or by supporting urban
rehabilitation operations, involving restoration of buildings, public spaces,
infrastructure and utilities;
- Through the Programme for Investment and Development Funding of the Central
Administration (PIDFCA) of the Regional Directorates (RDELUPA, ARDA) of ICNB,
of IGESPAR and DGLUPUD.
47
As to the application of these sources of funding in the integrated action areas for the
protection of cultural heritage, in protection of natural assets in the surrounding area, in urban
and regional rehabilitation and in regional development, the situation is as follows:
- Protection of cultural heritage: funds from the Ministry of Culture administered by IGESPAR.
At the moment no activity within the scope of these programmes is taking place in the
Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area.
- Protection of natural assets in the surrounding area: financial resources from the Ministry of
Cities, Land-Use Planning and the Environment. At the moment no activity within the scope of
these programmes is taking place in the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area.
- Rehabilitation and urban upgrading: funds from the Ministry of Cities, Land-Use Planning
and the Environment, managed by DGLUPUD, from the Ministry of Public Works,
Transportation and Housing managed by the INH and IGAPHE. The following works were
recently carried out in the urban area within the walls of the Fortifications of Elvas, funded by
programmes of this kind, to a total amount of 5,706,688.98, the RECRIA Programme
totalling of 269,293.71 and the POLIS Program totalling 5,437,395.27, distributed as
follows23:
i. Upgrading of Republic Square and construction of underground parking, in a total amount

of 4,311,152.92
ii. Upgrading of the Rossio of S. Francisco, in a total amount of 1,126,242.35
- Regional development: financial resources from the Ministry of Cities, Land-Use Planning
and Environment, administered by CCRDA, in the framework of community support (QCA
III) and the QREN and the EU structural funds. Operations financed by programmes of this
kind are currently taking place in the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area,
operating at the municipal level.
b) City of Elvas Council

The municipality has been the main stakeholder in the conservation and restoration of the
Fortifications of Elvas and the surrounding area, and is also its main financial contributor. The
municipality's own funds invested here, available for or deployed in the management of the
Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area. They are applied by and are the responsibility
of the City Council, and derive from transfers from the State and, above all, from the City
Council's own revenue.
23
Data provided by the City of Elvas Council.
48
In the period between 2002 and 2006, the City of Elvas Council invested in this area a total
amount greater than fourteen million Euros (14,190,226.12)24, divided among the following
main items:
i. Conservation and improvement of Fortifications - around 1.3 million
ii. Urban and environmental upgrading, including networks of public infrastructure in the area
within the walls around 5.2 million
iii. Acquisition and rehabilitation of buildings with heritage value for installation of Public
Utilities around 6.5 million
iv. Studies and related projects - around 0.8 million
Taking as a reference this level and investment and the priority actions of management listed
at the end of chapter IV, we can estimate the public investment involved in launching the
Fortifications of Elvas Project and its surrounding area.
However, the model defined for the Fortifications of Elvas Project should not rely excessively
on funding from public funds. Instead, conditions of self-financing and sustainability should be
looked for, especially among private stakeholders who may be attracted to this project, as part
of the SFE, as well as from the local community. It is, however, undeniable that during the
launch of the project much of the basic investment will depend on the authorities because of
the great need for skills in areas within its jurisdiction, in order to create conditions for stability
in the local systems.
The assessment of the specific means needed to launch the Fortifications of Elvas Project
should be developed under the Integrated Conservation Programme (ICPFE), one of the
management tools that the SFE should possess, as listed below. Firstly, it is estimated that
this process requires funds of around 10,000,000 (ten million Euros) per year during the
start-up phase, which is expected to be five years.
An important component of the means considered for the management of the project should
be the securing of investments, consistent with the model of sustainability defined by private
institutions at the regional, national and international levels. This effort should be developed
within the framework of the SFE along with the contribution of the optimisation and
information strategy to be adopted.
There is also the need for the SFE to undertake financial management for the projects, in
direct liaison with the local structures, with the emphasis on restraint and accuracy, and cost-
effective and profitable economic and social investment.
24
Data provided by the City of Elvas Council.
49
IV. The development of the Fortifications of Elvas Project
1. Management process and objectives

2. The management model for the Fortifications of Elvas Project
3. Priority actions for management
1. Management process and objectives
The application and the possible inclusion of the Fortifications of Elvas on the UNESCO
World Heritage List is a stimulating opportunity, which incorporates a wider project, called the
"Fortifications of Elvas Project." It is, essentially, to promote the sustainability of the heritage
here and the territory in which, by preserving the assets of built heritage with the possibility of
building a model of sustainable local development supported by them.
The added responsibility that arises from the application is yet another stimulus to safeguard
this heritage and for the rehabilitation of its environment, with emphasis on the intramural
area of the City of Elvas, with the search for solutions of excellence for its use and enjoyment.
The application of this management plan (IMPFE) is sui generis in the Portuguese legal
system and therefore does not legally bind the stakeholders with interests in this area. It is
also true that for some ongoing processes we depend on external factors and the ability to
transcend the guidance of this and other management documents.
The IMPFE should thus be limited to the principles and strategic guidelines for the
implementation of the project presented here, setting out the lines of programme
management systems that it identifies and considers relevant to the objectives of the
application. In an operational perspective, it should also seek forms of engagement with the
legal instruments to protect the property and for territorial planning and management in force
and in preparation, and with the authorities herein.
Despite this, and the project that is now beginning for the Fortifications of Elvas is not limited
to this application, the IMPFE also tries to be a reference tool for the initiation and conduct of a
strategic process of integrated conservation, turning to all the relevant systems for this
purpose, with a view to integration of objectives and actions.
50
In this context, it is understood that the viability of the final draft of the Fortifications of Elvas
project is inextricably linked to pushing forward the "usage value" of its heritage and the urban
sustainability of the historic centre itself. Emphasis is thus placed on the interdependence of
fortifications with the development of the city, linking this application with the policies and
instruments aimed at its rehabilitation and revitalisation.
Creating the conditions for sustainability of the Fortifications of Elvas project, which
competes for the management of systems previously identified, does not depend on a single
action, or even a set of actions limited in time. It must take place within a prior dynamic
process, a constant effort of imagination and implementation of exploration opportunities in
order to achieve the strategic objectives proposed.
The design and implementation of a management model for the Fortifications of Elvas and its
surrounding area should, given the strategy, respond to operational needs and develop pro-
active and resourceful forms of assistance, integrating the external guardianship and the
process of participation of stakeholders. They must consider also the creation of monitoring
devices for responding to reactions.
In this logical process, the model that, in the Committee of Submission and this IMPFE, is
considered appropriate for the management of the Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding
area, takes place in several stages. These range from the design of a sustainable
development strategy for this system, the definition of a management model of the systems
concerned, the identification of operating conditions for its implementation, the
implementation of structures and instruments for intervention and the implementation of the
proposed actions, as well as monitoring their effects. We can represent this process
schematically as follows:
Objectives>>Strategy design>>Management model>> Fields of action>> Instruments

and resources>> Actions>> Monitoring and feedback
The process management, on a multidisciplinary basis, must be developed methodologically

in blocks of tasks, organised in stages, incorporating the monitoring devices, with the ongoing
reassessment of its initial assumptions. The implementation of these tasks is integrated as
part of the management structure of the SFE, with the support of one of the proposed
instruments, the Program for Integrated Conservation of the Fortifications of Elvas and its
surrounding area (ICPFE). The blocks of tasks and the contents of the various
methodological steps are:
51
i. Planning - devising the strategy for sustainable development of the project involves the
listing, prioritisation of objectives and justification, as well as the identification of problems
and areas of conflict; to rely on the organised participation of local stakeholders and support
of advisers and outside experts.
ii. Definition of the management model - this is the definition of the philosophy and model of
the legal and organisational structures that will compete for system management method and
its surrounding area, identification of participating bodies and the conclusion of partnerships
for the purpose.
iii. Programming- involves the design of instruments and means of management and the
definition and planning of concrete measures to meet the objectives; identifies the conditions
for the implementation and deals with the means available for the implementation of
management instruments as well as the raising of resources and the identification of
additional sources.
iv. Operation- implementing the measures, involves the implementation of structures and
instruments of intervention and their measures, including, in the assets, the actions of
conservation, rehabilitation and reconstruction, and actions in retraining and upgrading this
system and the environment; also deals with the operational management of the means of
intervention.
v. Tracking and monitoring - this is the component of the management structure that is
continually reviewing the results of the implementation of this process, based on the
behaviour of indicators constructed under the ICPFE; it should include feedback devices, or
reactive monitoring, with reports, points of situation and other documents issued periodically
as well as other channels of information that, analysing the performance of management and
assessing its results, proposes, as appropriate, new measures. It is also in this context that
the property is monitored.
As to the objectives and the areas in question in this case, as mentioned in Chapter I of this
IMPFE, management pursues objectives and performs actions relating to the systems
identified, including:
- The system assets, which include the cultural heritage of the Fortifications of Elvas;
- The surrounding area system, including natural and cultural assets, with emphasis on the
urban area within the walls;
- The administrative / institutional and stakeholder system;
52
- The information system.
We attempt to disaggregate these goals and give them an operational range, articulating
them in specific areas of action and specifying the conditions for their implementation. These
derive from the nature of these systems, the problems identified and the principles of
integrated conservation, in particular the activities on the property, envisaged for use by
present-day society and its dynamic integration into the territory. Later, under the operational
management structure proposed and through the instruments and means set out, these will
be translated into actions, of which we shall refer at the end of this document to those
considered to have priority.
As for the heritage system, in addition to protection, conservation and rehabilitation, the
general principles are the promotion of the value of use and integration of the assets in a
model of sustainable local development.
In this system, the objectives and actions are considered in relation to the monuments,
classified and in the process of classification, which comprise the Fortifications of Elvas. The
method of operation, basically multidisciplinary, must follow a process of inventory, hierarchy
of priorities, setting standards and levels of intervention, selection of exemplary cases and
disclosure of actions. It covers three main objectives:
- Protection: unification of normative legal system of protection applied to the Fortifications of

Elvas, with merger under a single classification and systematisation of its provisions.
Although this power resides in the Ministry of Culture, the proposed redefinition of this
scheme should be submitted by the City of Elvas, in the process of application, taking the
guidelines of this management plan into account.
- Conservation: systematic preventive maintenance supported by a comprehensive

diagnosis, to be held under the PEPFE. As responsibility in this area is divided between
outside parties and means are limited, these actions should be ranked and negotiated, with
these main criteria:
i. the urgency of defending the integrity of this heritage and its structural
stabilisation;
ii. optimising effects, through the joint actions directed to the urban heritage and
natural assets;
Iii. the increase in areas accessible to the enjoyment of the public.
25
Ver captulo I.
53
- Use: to promote the enjoyment of property assets, in conjunction with the links to the
intramural and extramural areas. It is seen as essential to allocate compatible and relevant
functions that can ensure the attractiveness and viability of the monuments. Achieving this
goal is especially important for the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graa, given its characteristics
and prominence in the system and the fortified territory.
- Also of importance in this objective are the recovery of panoramic views, the use of the free
areas between the walls and panels and connecting these with the enjoyment of the
surrounding natural areas. Improving access to the environment should also be considered,
given the clearly "constrained" nature of the stronghold, with the necessary connections to
other elements of the fortified system.
In the surrounding area system, included in SICA and integrated into the urban area within
the walls, in addition to what emerges from the attainment of the objectives set out for the
system assets, the general principle is to integrate it into a model of sustainable land
management. The targets considered and the areas in which these are pursued are as
follows:
a) Regarding the urban heritage in the intramural area, including fortified complementary
elements of the system:
- Conservation, rehabilitation, reconstruction: the methodology of action is to be guided by
criteria of authenticity, and it is important to distinguish the surviving original elements,
representative of the various stages of the formation of this heritage, from what is new,
ancillary or even dissonant. From an inventory to be held in PEPFE, priorities and strategies
of intervention should be adequate to the differentiated features that are detected, bearing in
mind that unity and coherence are central issues in this context. Although the protection
schemes generally fail to do so, the PEPFE must establish a degree of protection and
flexibility of differentiated intervention, without compromising the unity and the morphological
image of the complex, whose assets are essential here. Consistently with the characteristics
identified and in order of priority, the interventions range from maintenance to new
construction, and this is always seen, through the level of excellence and quality, as an
opportunity for creating new heritage.
- Use: to promote the value of use of existing assets, including their use for socially useful
purposes and seeking to extend their development. To develop public investment in
functional rehabilitation of buildings and public spaces, including the creation of collective
equipment, enabling their use by visitors and the local community.
54
b) Regarding the extramural area and also considering the natural assets:
- Containment of urban growth within the boundaries defined in the existing MMP of Elvas,
avoiding construction in the surroundings of the system assets.
- Conservation of the geomorphologic characteristics of the territory and its biophysical

structure; recovery of traditional land-use and achieving social, ecological and economic
viability.
- Strengthening the functional and symbolic centrality of the city of Elvas in the municipality
and in the region, with the establishment of the population and the devolution of core functions
from a higher level of hierarchy, contributing and profiting from the use of the building and
public space.
- Classification of public space, infrastructure and local services in order to promote

excellence in Elvas's urban amenities; guidance for best practice in public interventions and
the creation of current assets, stimulating conditions for the use of the city.
- Creation of a network of connections, whether pedestrian or supported mechanically,

between the elements of the fortified system thus reinforcing their connectedness and
interdependence.
Regarding the administrative, institutional and stakeholder system, the general principle
is to consider this system, despite its intangible nature, as essential for the completion of the
Fortifications of Elvas project and therefore as deserving special attention. As for
organisational aspects, objectives and areas in which they apply are:
- Leadership and management centre site; focus the tasks of planning and management for
the project on the local council area, optimising the performance of the powers exercised at
this level, promoting cooperation with outside bodies and local integration of relevant policies
for the project.
- Establishment of a local company, here called the "The Fortifications of Elvas Company
(SFE)", including public and private partners with which it will develop the management
objectives defined in this IMPFE to establish modes of cooperation with external bodies to
identify and secure funding for the project and coordinate the dependent operational
structures.
55
- Creation of an executive body for the operational management, with a technical

infrastructure dedicated to and integrated into the SFE, here called the "Office of the
Fortifications of Elvas (OFE)," for the fortifications and surrounding area; it will have the task
of implementing the tools and IMPFE actions taken hereunder, as well as monitoring and
evaluating the whole process of integrated conservation.
- Strengthening the capacity for local intervention, with the inclusion of objectives and actions
of the draft of the Fortifications of Elvas in the operational tools of the municipality, to establish
a systematic approach to the preparation of projects in national and community programmes,
not only as to their heritage, but to the other areas (infrastructure, communications, energy,
socio-economic development) relevant to the project and associated with the development of
local systems.
As for the stakeholders, although they are a different kind of factor they are inseparable from
the prior issues and essential to the sustainability of the project. The objectives focus on the
strengthening of the local community and involvement in decision-making of stakeholders
who operate here, developing two additional lines, one endogenous, addressed to resources
and local stakeholders, the other exogenous, led by the fund-raising and external
stakeholders with potential for skilled interventions. The objectives and areas, in which they
are involved are:
- Promote a balanced local community, with the strengthening of the resident intramural
population base and revitalisation of its social structure, promoting the restoration of a viable
economic base, with the location of new activities and conserving the skills of existing ones.
- Establishment of operational forms of participation, structured, transparent and

representative of the stakeholders in decision-making.
- Stimulating the property in the model's intramural management area, with the revitalisation
of its structure and control of property speculation; in this field, issues of liability that regularly
arise regarding building, public intervention and its implications are discussed in Chapters II
and III. The strategy to involve the owners within the Fortifications of Elvas Project in the
making of relevant decisions falls within the guidelines of this IMPFE, relying on two
operational fronts:
i. additional means of public intervention, as the instruments of territorial management,
placed at the service of the management structure of the project, involving, among
other things, regulatory and fiscal resources;
26
Consideram-se nesta categoria as vrias obras complementares funo defensiva, como o sistema de abastecimento de gua a jusante do Aqueduto da
56
ii. the institutionalisation of mechanisms for participation of stakeholders into the

management structure and its instruments, with discussions on concrete targets for
this system.
Finally, the interpretation, presentation and information system assumes a key role in
creating value, contributing to the sustainability of the Fortifications of Elvas Project. It
involves organisational aspects, related to the management model, but also physical
infrastructure, relationships with the educational system, tourism and the production and
dissemination of information. The objectives and the areas in question are:
- Creation of a body for communication and marketing, incorporated in the SFE and to
promote the creation of content, programming and distribution of cultural products and
initiatives based on Fortifications of Elvas.
- Creation of infrastructure to support the interpretation and understanding of the heritage and
its relationship with the territory, including museums and groups of museums, centres of
interpretation, informative and explanatory panels and signposting, creation of facilities,
whether permanent or temporary, that promote the usage value of the Fortifications of Elvas
and providing logistical and cultural support to visitors and tourists.
- Coordination with the educational system by establishing collaboration with schools in Elvas
and neighbouring counties for the organisation of supported school visits, as well as
promoting school activities and practical work on the Fortifications of Elvas.
- Support for Tourism, through initiatives to enhance the enjoyment and use of tourist assets,
such as the development of accessibility, guided tours or the creation of roadmaps, as well as
the production of information, creation of incentives for local programmes, of a regulatory and
fiscal nature, to support tourism investment.
- Putting on events of different kinds that will contribute to promoting the Fortifications of Elvas
as a centre of activity and cultural tourism for the city and region; organisation of festivities
related to the history of Elvas and encouraging the organisation of events and the area
surrounding the fortifications.
- Creation of the "Fortifications of Elvas" brand and its merchandising.
- Scientific and cultural production and information, with the support of research on the
Fortifications of Elvas and the implementation of national and international meetings on the
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fortified systems; achievement of emblematic and high-level artistic and scientific initiatives
with national and international scope.
In implementing IMPFE and following from the application, the priority should be to create the
managing body, according the model to be adopted and its organisational structure. This
body will, in turn, favour the development of operational tools for action, namely, the
Programme for Integrated Conservation and the Preservation and Enhancement Plan.
2. The management model for the "Fortifications of Elvas Project"
2.1. Presentation
In developing the presentation of the management of the Fortifications of Elvas Project, it is

now time to define the organisational structures and indicate the actions identified as priorities
for achieving the objectives set out. This management structure will also be responsible for
the implementation of the strategy outlined in this Integrated Management Plan, which is the
most comprehensive guide to its operation.
The definition of a management model for the Fortifications of Elvas Project, in its various
dimensions and presented in its institutional and organisational aspects, should be based,
from its launch onwards, on a set of principles and guidelines which we shall set out here:
i. The organisational structure and logic of operation of boards of management should follow a
business model, with a view to obtaining results and in the logic of "project" and management
by objectives. The scarcity of available resources and the current limitations faced by public
investment, which could imply a genuine change of paradigm for the management of "public
affairs", including property assets, so dictate. Remember that the use of this model of
management is dominant in Europe where built heritage is concerned, and it has been this
way to ensure the sustainability of those assets.
ii. The dispersal of skills and the prevalence of centres of decision away from the local level
are a major factor in the stagnation of built heritage. It is necessary to design and implement
organisational forms for overcoming the problems of integrating the various levels and
branches of government that affect the Fortifications of Elvas and their immediate physical
context In this regard the key role of local government actions in relation to this heritage and its
environment should be strengthened and consolidated, as it is par excellence the fund
manager of the territory.
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Plano de Gesto Integrada das Fortificaes de Elvas
iii. The model adopted to promote an open and participatory management, and establish
partnerships between different stakeholders who have interests in assets in this heritage and
its surrounding territory. It should also ensure the mobilisation of resources adequate to the
needs of intervention identified in management tools.
iv. One should emphasise the importance of the economic and social viability of this model,
generating revenues that balance the operating costs of the organisational structure and to
create funds to preserve the heritage concerned. The sustainability of the integrated
conservation thus aims at building up a set of activities that generate and secure income, as
devised by relevant systems, and that combine to make the Fortifications of Elvas Project
self-financing, or at least to mitigate significantly its dependence on public resources.
The main guidelines are: firstly, the definition of a management model and its organisational
structures; secondly, the effective combination of the various institutions that deal with the
assets and the surrounding area, and thirdly, mobilising the stakeholders with local
connections in participation at different levels in the process of integrated conservation and
the economic and social viability of the model.
It should be noted also that a sustainable integrated conservation project for the Fortifications
of Elvas and its surrounding area, integrated into SICA, means the complete and accurate
definition of the "concept" that it is intended to deploy here, with the creation of operational
structures and allocating the necessary resources for this purpose.
The most recent international experience in similar situations and the need to ensure the
sustainability of the process point to the option of a management model of the business type,
but here it is perhaps more accurate to think of a consortium or configuration of public-private
partnership, or even a foundation, taking advantage of the benefits that this status allows.
These options are based on a vision of heritage as a factor of development and, at the same
time, the recognition that, at this juncture, its conservation can only tend to be self-financed.
This means that built heritage should be capable of generating, at least in significant part, the
revenue necessary for its viability.
2.2. Organisational management
To launch the process of integrated management of the Fortifications of Elvas and its
surroundings, it is expected to adopt a set of organs and instruments as well as a range of
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actions. Of the instruments provided, some are already available or in the final stage of
preparation. As for the actions, some have already been carried out and others are planned
by the City of Elvas Council or other bodies involved in the relevant systems.
The bodies to be created for the management of the "Fortifications of Elvas Project", as set
out here, are proposed in this IMPFE, and embody the principles and objectives presented
here.
2.2.1. The General Administration of the project
The "Fortifications of Elvas Project" should be managed globally by a body based on a

business model, on which are represented the stakeholders most relevant to the objectives of
development and sustainability of the assets involved, with leadership from the City of Elvas
Council.
2.2.1.1. The The Fortifications of Elvas Company"
The body responsible for implementing this project, following the model of management
above - which, for purposes of this IMPFE is called "The Fortifications of Elvas Company
(SFE)" - could be a municipal company, or modelled on a foundation and should include both
public and private partners selected on the basis of their ability to contribute positively to the
process.
There will thus be contributions both from public authorities that deal with the property and its
surrounding area, as well as from private stakeholders, and their representatives, who live,
work or invest here.
The SFE will be set up to develop and elaborate the management objectives defined in this
IMPFE to establish modes of cooperation with other public and private bodies to identify and
secure funding sources and coordinate the dependent operational structures.
The creation of organisational management structures should also contribute to another goal,
namely, the effective integration of different institutions and levels of expertise that focus on
the asset and its surrounding area, intervening in their management. It will thus deploy within
the SFE models of organisation that enable a vertical integration and sectoral policies and
actions.
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It is important that the SFE has the administrative resources and management capacity
afforded by legal provisions that strengthen its ability to act, including the management of the
use of compulsory purchase for public purposes, exploring the possibilities of the regime
established with the declaration of the intramural area as a Critical Area of Recovery and
Urban Conversion (ACRRU), under the Land Law.
As an administrative structure, providing the comprehensive and integrated systems

identified in this IMPFE, the SFE could move closer to the arrangements for the Urban
Regeneration Companies (SHU), as set out in Decree-Law No. 104/2004, of 7 May, when it
comes to intervention in the management of the buildings and public space as well as the
relationship with local stakeholders.
As for options of an institutional nature, in a field involving business and organisational forms
of which we have little experience in this area IMPFE only points to guidelines and general
principles, and the formulation of a legal management model (preferring the option of
municipal enterprise, foundation or otherwise) will be detailed in its appropriate place.
2.2.2. Operational structure
While the proposed overall administrative structure for the "Fortifications of Elvas Project"
may assimilate something of the spirit of urban societies, or tend in a more comprehensive
direction geared to local development, that of the British "Urban Regeneration Companies",
the operational structure responsible for implementing the tools and concrete actions of the
project may in turn come to resemble a "super-Technical Office Site."
The direct intervention in the SICA territory will be made in operational terms by one of the
structures of the emerging model of management, an executive body set up by the City of
Elvas Council, which will take the name of the Office for Project Management of the
Both the SFE and the OFE should be formed by decision of the bodies that own and protect
the assets, including representatives of the owners of civil Intramural buildings.
2.2.2.1. The Office of the Fortifications of Elvas"
For operational management, it is proposed to create an executive body, the OFE, which will
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constitute an operational structure and to support implementation of the Integrated

Conservation Programme for the Fortifications of Elvas (ICPFE). Among other management
activities in the area of intervention of the project, the OFE's tasks will include:
i. the development and implementation of ICPFE;
ii. actions in the various operational systems, according to strategies and priorities
determined by SFE;
iii. the development of instruments of intervention, whether plans for territorial management,
municipal programmes or other types of instruments;
iv. the preparation of projects of intervention (IP), or the definition of the terms of reference for
its external inspection and the monitoring of their preparation;
v. the financing of IDPs and monitoring of its implementation.
The OFE should have the technical capability to design and manage studies and projects
required for interventions, as well as launching and monitoring of works.
The OFE should be supported by a technical-scientific advisory board and directly linked to
the SFE, for the management of the fortifications and the surrounding area, corresponding to
SICA in the various dimensions discussed here. It will have the task of implementing the main
objectives under the programme of integrated conservation (ICPFE) and the instruments and
actions thereunder, as well as monitoring and evaluating the whole process of integrated
conservation.
The OFE, which will also fall within existing municipal procedures, or have review functions in
the field of licensing and authorisation, for example, which contribute to the management of
SICA, may have the organisational and operational profile described below.
2.2.2.1.1. OFE - Constitution
The OFE is a locally based operational structure, whose legitimacy derives from a
democratically elected local government body, the Elvas City Council. It will be chaired by the
Councillor for Culture and made up by technical staff from the municipal services and by
specialists in all areas of cultural heritage and urban management, representatives of public
bodies that supervise SICA and representatives of relevant local stakeholders. Some experts
will be moved, possibly, to the Candidacy's Scientific Committee.
So this office will have:
a) Coordination
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The OFE will have a coordination structure composed of three elements, appointed by the
Mayor of the City of Elvas Council, which will be chaired by the Councillor for Culture.
b) Technical and executive structure: composition and professional profiles

- A business manager to address the operational aspects of the operation.
- An urban specialist, specialising in management of historic centres.
- Two architects, with experience at the level of intervention in historic centres and military
architecture.
- A historian, specialising in architectural heritage and military architecture.
- A landscape architect with experience in public spaces in historic areas.
- An expert in museology (museologist).
- A sociologist, specialising in problems of human communities in property contexts.
- Two civil engineers with experience in intervention in old structures and management of
infrastructure in historical areas.
- A technician from tourism.
- Secretarial and administration office.
In order to assure the OFE the measure of protection appropriate to the assets and territorial
systems, the public bodies involved here, as well as higher education institutions in the
region, will be represented, with a status to be defined.
It will endeavour to conclude a protocol of cooperation and one regarding rules with these
bodies, which will result in the issuance of opinions concerning their areas of operation in
SICA being negotiated and on time, within the deliberations of the OFE. This action, together
with the activities of the advisory structure to be followed will ensure the operability of the
indispensable scientific and institutional support to the management of the Fortifications of
Elvas Project.
c) Advisory structure
- Ten representatives chosen from the most important local stakeholders, chosen from the
Juntas, from the Misericordia, from cultural bodies, from the church, from local business
people who run hotels and restaurants. The purpose behind this inclusion, which follows the
guidelines of the application process, is to institutionalise forms of participation.
- Experts and outside consultants, some from the Scientific Committee's candidacy, and
other relevant national and international figures. They will be called upon for occasional
collaboration, limited in time, or with a broader remit, in the definition of guidelines and
strategies, or analysis of specific cases.
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2.2.2.1.2. OFE - Skills
The OFE is, essentially, a technical and executive structure, originating in the City of Elvas
Council and the World Heritage Nomination Committee, which exists to manage the territory,
implement the management tools and promote the integration of activities of bodies involved
in this area.
Instruments of intervention shown at the end of this chapter are closely defined, and are
complementary in their effects. They deserve a special allocation of resources in the
management structure, ways of assessing their performance and monitoring of the dynamics
of these systems through monitoring devices, "reactive", or feedback, especially those
developed in the most comprehensive of the tools listed (ICPFE).
The OFE will also:

- Supervise the whole process of integrated conservation, in particular the actions of
maintenance, conservation, restoration, rehabilitation and recovery of assets of the
Fortifications of Elvas and surrounding area;
- Advise on all operations involving change to the level of indicators for the integrated
conservation defined in the ICPFE on all draft amendments and new construction in SICA;
- Study and propose measures that promote sustainable local development, improving the
quality of life of people with the enjoyment of the tourist system of the Fortifications of Elvas;
- Study and propose measures to contribute to the cost of integrated conservation through
income from tourism and ad hoc projects.
2.2.2.1.3. OFE - installations, operation and financing
The OFE will have its own premises, provided by the City of Elvas, where regular work and
work of a technical and administrative nature will be carried out through the defined structure,
developing and implementing the management tools in this IMPFE.
The OFE will have its own budget, appropriations from the city budget and specific funds that
could be used by the SFE, generated by sales of services and products for scientific, cultural,
educational or tourist use. It might also benefit from programmes of state funding, with or
without EU funds, for which the City of Elvas Council or the SFE may compete.
In this area, the various possibilities, according to Section 5. Chapter III, using the operational
and regional programmes, the Cohesion Fund, the PIDDAC, among others, must be
considered.
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To finance the operational structures, the municipality may, within their jurisdiction and within
the framework of support for the implementation of municipal plans for land management,
charge fees, issue licences and concessions for the use of public spaces and buildings and
advertising contracts. Profits might also accrue from investment by private stakeholders, for
example those generated in commercial ventures and activities of high economic added
value, such as tourism.
2.2.2.2. Operational teams
To facilitate the process of regular and ongoing interventions required in built heritage of the
Fortifications of Elvas in the field of conservation, i.e. not involving rehabilitation measures,
technical assistance teams for maintenance and restoration should be created.
Thus, associated with the structure of the OFE, operational intervention teams (OIT) should
be set up, their number and composition to be defined in the ICPFE, with a multifaceted
technical-professional capacity to intervene on a daily and permanent basis in priority
conservation actions. These actions will be carried out under a technical and operational
direction based on the OFE with monitoring and advice from technical consultants with
relevant training from this Office.
The OIT will develop in the medium and long term, work campaigns, primarily for
maintenance, as previously studied and agreed with the IGESPAR, including:
a) Annual disinfestations of bushes and shrubs (with the assistance of non-specialised
personnel);
b) Continuous conservation of staircases, wall walks, parapets and tower terraces;
c) Repointing work on all the facings of the walls, towers and bulwarks;
d) maintenance and preservation of old military buildings;
e) The OIT can and should participate in all works of conservation and restoration designated
for the Fortifications of Elvas, although these may be put out to competitive tender, by
IGESPAR;
f) Experience will show whether these teams, in years to come, can or cannot dedicate
themselves to interventions in other areas of the property (civil and religious architecture;
managed or municipal property).
The running of the OIT may be financed from the following sources:
- Budget of the City Council and appeal for projects whether reimbursed or not by the EU.
- Allocation of a percentage for heritage conservation from entries into every museum both
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existing and yet to be created, the hiring out of former military facilities and the sale of
publications and merchandising at any point of sale under SFE management.
- Establishing a protocol with the IGESPAR the body responsible for the conservation of the
Fortifications of Elvas - that the works of conservation will be planned annually and
reimbursed to 50% by that body (materials and labour).
2.2.3. Communication and marketing
The importance of this area justifies the setting up within the framework of the SFE, of a body
dedicated to communication and marketing, whose mission is to promote and contribute to
the creation of content, the scheduling of events and dissemination of cultural products based
on the Fortifications of Elvas. This body will be responsible, among other activities, for
planning, managing and improving operations to enhance the existing heritage in SICA at the
level of cultural, educational and tourist promotion.
The responsibilities of this body may even include measures such as the creation of the
"Fortifications of Elvas" brand and exploitation of its merchandising, under the supervision of
the SFE.
2.3. Performance model
The complexity of operations and assets in the context of the property and the surrounding
area requires sound technical and scientific reasoning, reflection and strategic thinking as
well as evaluating the social costs and benefits.
Accordingly, any intervention should not mean, necessarily, high public costs. Rather,
interventions should focus on effective and exemplary measures to create conditions for the
conservation and collective enjoyment of cultural assets and the management of the
surrounding areas. Also and above all, priority interventions should seek to achieve multiplier
effects, both upstream and downstream, and to leverage quality private investment.
Consistent with the principles presented throughout this IMPFE, the model for implementing
the "Fortifications of Elvas Project proposed in this management plan is based on the
Intervention Project (IP), based on defined objectives for the various systems and depending
on priorities and expected effects.
In the next section of this chapter (IV. 3.) priority activities are set out, corresponding to some
of these projects and these have been discussed within the Commission's Technical and
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Scientific Application. However, we believe that these IDPs and their ranking should,
essentially, be defined either by the SFE, or else by the City of Elvas, within its mission
framework.
Presenting briefly its model of enforcement, we would say that the IP should be established
ultimately under the Integrated Conservation Programme of the Fortifications of Elvas
(ICPFE) and be provided with planning tools approved by the City Council and the SFE
business plan.
The multifaceted nature of the interventions in the four systems mentioned in " the
Fortifications of Elvas Project" (property, surrounding area, institutional stakeholders and
disclosure) and the diversity of stakeholders is not necessarily reflected in the IP. Thus,
projects have characteristics and requirements for implementing a wide variety of media and
also involving several bodies. So they must be carried out in line with different models,
tailored to each case as defined by the SFE and implemented under the coordination of OFE.
In terms of the implementation of "the Fortifications of Elvas Project", or its subsidiary ICPFE
programme, it should be considered an "open model", where, for each IP and according to its
characteristics, a scheme is devised in the organisation of which stakeholders and relevant
means are brought together.
In each IP the following should be defined:

i. where the system operates
ii. the area or object of intervention
iii. the bodies / stakeholders
iv. the identification of actions to be undertaken
v. technical support for implementation
vi. the timing of implementation
vii. the budget estimate
viii. the sources of funding
For the implementation of each IP there must be a protocol of cooperation or an agreement

setting out the terms of the partnership between institutions and individuals involved.
Accordingly, the model of implementation of an IP may be based on either contract
programmes between the central government and City of Elvas Council, or cooperation
agreements between the municipality and central government departments, or public-private
partnerships.
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3. Priority actions for management
Listed below are the priority actions to achieve the objectives identified as part of the strategy
outlined in this management plan. These actions are part of the main lines of action directed at
four systems and identified areas that will be developed by the SFE over the management
process. Some of the actions identified are already underway, and even at an advanced stage
of implementation, dependent on the date the application is made completion of other
business processes with local and external stakeholders.
The priority actions listed below take the form of projects of intervention (IP) to develop
initiatives within the framework of the operational structure of management, and are of various
types, including:
a) interventions on the material elements of the property, alone or in partnership with others,
which attempt to assume an exemplary character;
b) creation and implementation of organs and management tools;
c) creating conditions and incentives for the repopulation of the area, seeking to encourage an
influx of new, especially young, inhabitants;
d) creating conditions and incentives for action by private stakeholders in the field of
intervention of the Fortifications of Elvas Project" and the revitalisation of the local economic
base and its regional context;
e) improvement of amenities - urban and tourism within the walls of Elvas, including
collective action on equipment and infrastructure;
f) affirmation of Elvas as a place of excellence, linked to educational, scientific and cultural

initiatives;
g) dissemination of information, both at the local level (visitors) and towards the outside, and
organising events.
Subject to the required depth of the hierarchy and to establish the framework of the SFE and
the City of Elvas, the body of this document will consider the following activities, addressing
four systems and launched on short (ST, 2009-2013), medium (MT, 2014-2018) and long (LT,
2019-2023) term bases:
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3. 1. Heritage System
For this system, in addition to conservation and rehabilitation, general principles, as

mentioned in this management plan, are the promotion of the value of use and integration of
the assets in a model of sustainable local development.
A systematic preventive maintenance is proposed, supported by a comprehensive diagnosis,

to be carried out by OFE. As the responsibility in this area is shared with outside parties and
means are limited, these actions must be negotiated and ranked according to criteria already
listed, including:
- the urgency in defending the integrity of this heritage and its structural stabilisation;
- maximisation of effects, through the joint actions directed at the urban heritage and natural
assets;
- the increase of accessible areas for the enjoyment of the public.
Regarding the creation of conditions of use, it should promote the enjoyment of heritage
assets, in conjunction with the links to the intramural and extramural areas. In this sense, it is
essential that the allocation of functions be compatible and relevant, in a way that can ensure
the attractiveness and viability of the monuments. Achieving this goal is especially important
for the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graa, given its characteristics and position in the fortified
system and the territory. It is also important to promote:
- the exploitation of panoramic views,
- use of the free areas between the walls
- optimising the enjoyment of the natural surrounding areas. This implies access
improvements (in terms of pedestrian accessibility, assisted where necessary, intramural /
extramural), adapting to the "constricted" nature of the stronghold with the necessary
connections to the other elements of the fortified system.
Action 1 (ST). Proposal for a comprehensive classification system of the Fortifications of

Elvas as a National Monument. In addition to all measures that the management plan
advocates, we believe in and urge the classification of all the fortifications as a "national
monument", defining as areas non aedificandi all ditches, roads and covered terraces of the
69
9
bulwarked fortifications. This proposal will be presented in the process of this application by
the municipality and comes under the heading of "urgent decision in the face of potential
threats" (see the application file), based on territorial delimitation of the property.
The Fortifications of Elvas as candidate property for World Heritage status is, qua defensive
system, an important presence in the surrounding territory. Its various elements, including
works to the defensive line, such as, among others, the water system formed by the Amoreira
Aqueduct and its cisterns, are inseparably linked, in terms both of spatial relationship and of
unifying logic and functional characteristics.
The delimitation proposed involves the deployment of elements of the defensive system,
including in the case of the Stronghold of Elvas the whole urban intramural area. The
definition of each element of this in the setting of its territorial context was determined within a
limited set of scientific criteria arising from the nature and characteristics of each of the
fortifications.
Action 2 (ST). Identifying areas with the potential to install and embrace the aspects of the
programme base to be defined by the SFE, for the purposes of the various elements and
spaces of the Fortifications of Elvas. Among other factors to be borne in mind are the
reclaiming of assets for socially and economically viable functions and the continuity of
walking routes.
Action 3 (ST). The proposed establishment of a global SPA for this piece of heritage
coincides with the SICA defined in this management plan, areas designated non aedificandi
and referenced in drawing up the detailed plan for preservation and recovery. This action will
be launched as a redefinition of the existing SPA, narrower and purely geometric and will
have operational and legal status upon publication in the Journal of the Republic. It will
originate in IGESPAR and other bodies which protect the heritage will be made aware of it.
Action 4 (ST). Establishment of protocols with the protecting agencies for the regulation of
their actions, aimed at consultation within practicable time limits and standardisation of
procedures.
3.2. Territorial System
In this system, integrated into SICA and including the urban area within the walls, the general
principle, which goes well beyond what emerges from the convergence with the objectives
set out for the system assets, is to integrate it into a model of sustainable land management.
70
Action 5 (ST). The implementation of a surrounding integrated conservation area (SICA), or

buffer zone, as proposed in this management plan. One of the tools outlined under the
Management Plan is a buffer zone involving the entire candidate property, a device that is
now considered essential in view of UNESCO. The definition of the buffer zone, and the
criteria used, should be an opportunity to give territorial coherence to the various areas and
existing protection laws. It is important to confirm, however, that this buffer zone, in the same
way as the actual inclusion on the World Heritage list, does not produce any legal or binding
effect in our internal order, thus creating, obviously, operational problems in its
implementation.
The key objectives of a protection area for the heritage assets in question, which we are
calling the buffer zone, reside in the establishment of a surrounding area of the heritage
property that ensures smooth integration into the territory and allows an effective control of
the actions of various private stakeholders, particularly at the level of land-use and
processing. The buffer zone should thus be locally relevant to the perception of identity of the
asset and to guarantee its operational nature, by establishing a legal status and a public body
responsible for the attainment of its objectives.
Action 6 (ST). Establishment of the Detail Plan for the Protection and Exploitation of the
Fortifications of Elvas (PEPFE), for the entire area of SICA. The development of PP may
include plans for conservation, reconstruction and urban regeneration and urban projects,
pursuant to Decree-Law No. 380/99, of 22 September, with the wording in force.
From an inventory to be carried out PEPFE, priorities and strategies of intervention should be
adequate to detect features that are differentiated, bearing in mind that unity and coherence
are central issues in this context. Although the protection schemes in force does not make
such a distinction, the PEPFE must establish degrees of protection and the flexibility of
differentiated intervention, without compromising the unity and the morphological image of
the whole, which are core assets here. In accordance with the characteristics identified and in
order of priority, interventions will range from maintenance to new construction, and this will
always be examined from the viewpoint of necessity and with an eye to quality, as an
opportunity for creating new heritage. Selective demolitions may be considered.
In establishing a regulatory planning regime, the PEPFE is the basis for the management of
the fortified area and the surrounding territory, as well as initiatives relating to the buildings. It
is produced by OFE which answers to the City of Elvas Council. Once the drafting of this
instrument has been completed, the OFE will follow its implementation process.
71
Action 7 (ST). Definition of a non tollendi altius protection area, taking into account the need
to defend the perceived distance of the Fortifications of Elvas system, protecting "viewing
channels" via prospects and sight lines and the perspectives they present in their territory as
approached by the main access roads. Thus, designating a wider area as additional
protection must be considered; this may also be termed a remote area of protection,
peripheral protection, or "transition zone" (TZ). In this TZ, the regulatory framework of the
ongoing process of revision of the Municipal Master Plan of Elvas will set standards for
monitoring the processing of land-use, imposing restrictions on the size of future buildings.
Action 8 (ST). Integration of the norm-established protection of the "Fortifications of Elvas

Project" in the MMP of Elvas and the UPHCE therein, providing the OFE indications for its
preparation, particularly by defining the SICA as a planning and operational management
unit (POMU) and including its charter.
Action 9 (ST). Establishment of criteria for intervention negotiated with the IGESPAR under
PEPFE for future SPA (SICA) providing, in particular, the differentiation of modes of
intervention (material, language, and usage) based on the diversity of property assets, taking
into account the criteria of authenticity and integrity.
Action 10 (MT). Rehabilitation of public spaces in SICA within the implementation of PEPFE,
particularly, in regard to paving, vegetation and street furniture.
Action 11 (MT). Review and possible partial replacement of the water supply network and
drainage network of sewers, and their respective bodies, in SICA.
Action 12 (MT). Renewal of distribution networks for electrical power and

telecommunications in SICA, in view of new needs and new equipment. The supply lines
should be updated, transforming them into underground networks. Implementation and
installation as buried infrastructure of the whole system of terrestrial and satellite signal
transmission of, to receive signals on a single antenna, thus avoiding the proliferation of
individual antennas. At the same time a single system for transmission of the signal for
mobile telecommunications should be deployed.
Regarding the urban heritage in the intramural area, including fortified complementary
elements of the system:
Action 13 (ST). Allowing, within the PEPFE rules, the possibility of positive discrimination to
encourage desirable features in the intramural area (for example, hotels), in particular, with
72
building grants, to aggregate several buildings (resulting in buildings composed of several

units), or to free plots for construction.
Action 14 (ST). Identification and programming of situations capable of providing new

building space within the walls, based on the interpretation of documented cases of previous
occupation.
Action 15 (MT). Revision of the network of public lighting, urban and environmental lighting,
with the aim of improving the urban experience. To optimise the scenic possibilities of the
entire area and the fortified elements of the system, promoting the identity of the place. To
develop a plan for lighting the urban environment that ensures the proper integration of all
historical and architectural assets in an urban image of high scenic quality.
Action 16 (ST- MT). To promote the value of use of existing assets, including their use for
socially useful purposes and seeking to extend their development.
Action 17 (ST- MT). Development of public investment in functional rehabilitation of buildings

and public spaces in the intramural area, enabling their use by visitors and the local
community.
Regarding the extramural SICA area, and considering also the natural assets:
Action 18 (ST). Containment of urban growth boundaries within those existing as defined in
MMP of Elvas, avoiding construction in the surroundings of the system assets.
Action 19 (ST- MT). Conservation of the geomorphologic characteristics of the territory and
its biophysical structure, with the recovery of land use and its traditional social and economic
development. Launch of a programme to rehabilitate the indigenous forest cover in the areas
of protection for natural assets included in SICA.
Action 20 (MT- LT). Strengthening of the functional and symbolic centrality of the city of Elvas
in the municipality and the region, with the establishment of population and the capture of
those core functions from higher in the hierarchy which might contribute to the profitable use
of buildings and public space.
Action 21 (ST- MT). Improvement of the public space, infrastructure and local services in
order to promote excellence in Elvas's urban amenities, directed at exemplary public
interventions and the creation of current assets, stimulating conditions for the use of the city.
73
Action 22 (ST- MT). Creation of a network of connections, whether pedestrian or supported

mechanically, between the elements of the fortified system thus reinforcing their
connectedness and interdependence.
3.3. Administration, Institutional and Stakeholder System
For this system, the general principle is to consider it, despite its intangible nature, essential
to realising the " Fortifications of Elvas Project." Thus, as to the organisational aspects and
towards the objectives listed above for the leadership and balance of local management and
the sustainability of the project, the following actions should be considered:
Action 23 (ST). Establishment of a local company, or a foundation, here called the "The
Fortifications of Elvas Company (SFE)", including public and private partners which will
develop the management objectives defined in this IMPFE to establish modes of cooperation
with external bodies, identify and attract funding for the project and coordinate the dependent
operational structures. The SFE will allow the strengthening of capacity for intervention of
local management, with the inclusion of objectives and actions of the "Fortifications of Elvas
Project" in the operational tools of the municipality.
Action 24 (ST). Creation of an executive body of operational management, its technical

infrastructure dedicated to and integrated in SFE, here called the "Office of the Fortifications
of Elvas" (OFE), for the management of the fortifications and the surrounding area. It will
have the task of defining and implementing the objectives of this IMPFE as well as the
instruments and actions hereunder, and monitoring and evaluating the whole process of
integrated conservation. It will thus be responsible for the coordination of public projects and
the implementation of municipal programmes and will be a channel dedicated to the
appraisal of private works in SICA.
Action 25 (ST). Establish a systematic approach to the preparation of projects in national

and community programmes, not only relating to heritage, but also to other areas
(infrastructure, communications, energy, socio-economic development) relevant to the
project and associated with the development of local systems.
As for management tools, in addition to those already mentioned for the management of the
territorial area of SICA, it is necessary for the development of the project to be launched to
draw up a set of instruments, as well as completing those already begun. These tasks and the
subsequent implementation of those instruments will be carried out under the OFE. The
74
management tools considered and their contents are as follows:
Action 26 (ST). Operation of the Integrated Management Plan of the Fortifications of Elvas
(IMPFE); this document, of the nature of a strategic plan, sets the objectives and framework
for the management process. It identifies and articulates its determinants, defining the
management model to implement. It was prepared under the responsibility of the Candidacy
Committee. This stage having been completed, there follows the review process and
implementation of this instrument by OFE, which includes putting in place the operational
objectives, processes and actions of the document. Not having legal force beyond that which
it has by virtue of being adopted by the municipality, it refers to the administration of the
territory by the PEPFE. In the implementation of IMPFE, the priority should be to set up the
managing body (SFE), following the model set out and its organisational structure, which, in
turn, should favour the development of operational tools for action, namely ICPFE and
PEPFE.
Action 27 (ST). Preparation Programme of Integrated Conservation of the Fortifications of

Elvas (ICPFE), an instrument of direct intervention that develops the specifics of this IMPFE in
terms of operational management. It sets out a number of public initiative projects and
activities organised to intervene in the relevant systems (Intervention Projects - IP) together
with administrative and budgetary support, and monitors its implementation. Ensuring
coordination between the central and local government, it will be developed and managed
under the OFE and also include:
Action 28 (ST). Preparation Programme Monitoring of the Fortifications of Elvas (PMFE),

defining the performance appraisal of project management and including a set of indicators
directed at the four systems involved, their criteria for measuring and feedback devices. It is a
system for evaluating impacts on urban and tourist areas, and the performance of the
structure and management tools. It will be based on the monitoring, under the OFE, of the
behaviour of a set of indicators to assess the conditions for sustainability set out for the
PEPFE and ICPFE.
Action 29 (MT). Drawing up of the Geo-referenced Information System of the Fortifications of

Elvas (GRIFE) to support the heritage and territorial management systems, based on
surveys.
Action 30 (ST- MT). Creation and launch of the Housing Programme of the Fortifications of
Elvas (HPFE), which develops and systematises the municipal initiatives in this area, with the
management of the supply of subsidised rented property, directed primarily at young people.
75
Action 31 (ST). Drafting of the Tourist Development Programme of the Fortifications of Elvas
(TDPFE), more concrete and detailed than a "plan for tourism," elaborates local
specifications from municipality guidelines for tourism development and the guidelines of
more comprehensive sectoral plans. It will indicate the lines of development of this activity of
central importance to the project in its relationship with the assets concerned and a
sustainable model for their use, given the local carrying capacity. It will indicate actions to be
taken in relation to tourism, in conjunction with other instruments, dealing in particular aspects
of promotion and forms of organisation for visitors. It will be drawn up within the OFE.
Also foreseen within the framework of action of the OFE in the management of the
"Fortifications of Elvas Project," is the adapted use of other planning and management,
legislative and operational instruments, for optimising the capacity for local intervention,
including among others:
Action 32 (ST). Integration of IDPs in the Plan of Activities of the council, the management of
the project by providing a framework for action in the programming of locally-based action,
independent of reliance on other sources.
Action 33 (ST). Establishment of programmes for urban rehabilitation and municipal

regulation of buildings and urban rents, supporting the possibility of additional interventions in
place of the owners in the intramural area, under the ACRRU.
Action 34 (ST- MT). Development, for SICA, of specific arrangements and legal provisions
concerning protection of cultural heritage, to apply here and in addition to public powers, such
as the right of preference in SPA.
Action 35 (ST). Creation of provisions of a fiscal nature, usable as incentives for private
stakeholders, such as assessments and registers, and the contributions and taxes of a local
nature.
Action 36 (ST). Establishment of an operational framework with legal support, allowing

intervention in the allocation of land and buildings in order to implement the construction of
new dwellings (for example, cost-controlled construction) and public facilities in the intramural
area.
Action 37 (ST). Promoting the upgrade of the assets of urban building stock, with
revaluations of buildings that are empty and for sale in order to prepare an intervention in the
property market, increase revenues and boost the local ownership structure. Part of the
76
revenues raised will be reinvested in a programme of subsidies for care and maintenance.
As for the stakeholders, who are essential to the sustainability of the project. Priority action
should be directed at strengthening domestic and community participation in decision-
making by stakeholders who operate here in two additional ways, one endogenous,
addressed to resources and local stakeholders, the other exogenous, directed at fund-raising
and external stakeholders. Thus, we have (Actions 38 to 48):
Action 38 (MT). Promoting a balanced local community with the strengthening of the resident
intramural population base and revitalisation of its social structure. Encouraging the
restoration of a viable economic base, with the location of new activities and improving
existing ones.
Action 39 (ST). Establishment of operational forms of participation, structured, transparent

and representative of the stakeholders in decision-making by establishing mechanisms for
participation of stakeholders, into the management structure and its instruments, with
negotiations on concrete objectives of the project.
Action 40 (ST- MT). Boosting property in the management model's intramural area, with the
revitalisation of its structure and control of property speculation. Here, it is important to
regulate the issues of liability concerning the buildings, public intervention and its
implications, discussed in Chapters II and III. The strategy of involving the owners in the
"Fortifications of Elvas Project " and reaching relevant decisions falls within the guidelines of
this IMPFE, supported by the addition of public intervention, with the instruments of territorial
management, placed in the service of the project 's management structure, involving, among
other things, regulatory and fiscal resources.
Action 41 (ST). Creating incentives for the creation of small business services related to
intervention in built heritage (conservation and maintenance).
Action 42 (ST- MT). Creation of a support system for training in areas related to tourism and
traditional and modern handicrafts. Incentives for setting up workshops for painting and
ceramics. Development and support for craft and aesthetic innovation.
Action 43 (ST- MT). Creating incentives for rehabilitation and recovery of the housing stock
(technical support in drawing up projects and their implementation) for housing and / or in
combination with tourist accommodation.
77
Action 44 (ST- MT). Creation of support and encouragement for renewal of local commerce,
seeking its identification with the project and a diversity of services in terms of size and
features.
Action 45 (ST). Support for the installation of a high quality restaurant, with a nationwide
gastronomic reputation. This support might extend, in terms of choice of location, to
incentives.
Action 46 (ST). Launching negotiations with outside bodies, public and private, for the
installation of top-level or prestige functions, in the scientific and cultural fields, in Elvas, in
particular, research centres, exhibition centres, etc.
Action 47 (MT). Supporting youth associations, existing or to be established with

technological innovations in the field of information technology as applied to built heritage, in
order to encourage skills in this field and exchange with other associations.
3.4. Interpretation, presentation and Information System
Finally, this system has a central role in the creation of value, contributing to the sustainability
of the "Fortifications of Elvas Project." It involves organisational aspects, related to the
management model, but also physical infrastructure, related to the educational system (from
elementary to higher education), tourism and the production and dissemination of
information. In the listed priority activities there are some that involve several IPs.
Action 48 (ST). Creation of CEME - Elvas Centre for Military Studies, with the participation of
Portuguese universities and the Portuguese Ministry of Defence, constituting a body which
produces scientific material on which the whole process of interpretation, presentation and
information is based.
Action 49 (CP- MP). Support for research on the Fortifications of Elvas, particularly with the
creation of scholarships and prizes for research. Initiating and supporting studies and
research projects on the theme of fortified systems.
Action 50 (ST- MT). Creation of infrastructure to support the interpretation and

understanding of the heritage and its relationship with the territory. In these infrastructures
are to be museums and museum complexes, research and interpretation centres,
informative and explanatory panels and signs.
78
Action 51 (ST). Creation of the National Museum of Portuguese Military History as a joint
initiative of the Ministries of Culture and Defence.
Action 52 (MT- LT). Creation of a body for communication and marketing, as part of the SFE,
whose mission is to promote and contribute to the creation of content, programming and
distribution of cultural products and initiatives based on the Fortifications of Elvas.
Action 53 (ST). Implementation of a Signposting Plan in the area of intervention of the

"Fortifications of Elvas Project", for the effective provision of all information to the visitor and
user, including indications of Intramural parking in the area.
Action 54 (ST- MT). Creation of equipment and facilities, which may be permanent or
temporary, that would promote the use value of the Fortifications of Elvas and would provide
logistical and culture support to visitors and tourism.
Action 55 (ST- MT). Creation of educational services. Cooperation with the educational
system by establishing collaborations with schools in Elvas and neighbouring municipalities
for the organisation of supported school visits, as well as promoting school activities and
practical work on the Fortifications of Elvas and their integrated conservation project.
Action 56 (ST- MT). Support for Tourism, through initiatives to enhance the enjoyment and
use of tourism assets, such as the development of accessibility, guided tours and
interpretation, or the creation of roadmaps, as well as the production of information. These
initiatives should be programmed for immediate to medium / long term use, promoting
facilities and installations for permanent, semi-permanent and provisional use, which will
reflect and promote the importance of "value in use" heritage.
Action 57 (ST). Creation of local programmes for regulatory and tax incentives to support
tourism investment.
Action 58 (MT). Holding events of various types and promoting their organisation in the
fortifications and surrounding area - connected or not to their history and heritage -,
contributing to the affirmation of the Fortifications of Elvas as a dynamic centre of cultural
tourism for the city and region.
Action 59 (ST- MT). Organisation of festivities related to the history of Elvas and its role in
military history. Fostering social development and reinforcing cultural identity and a feeling of
belonging in the community through the organisation of local traditional festivities associated
79
with the history of Elvas and encouragement of events of local significance in the
Fortifications of Elvas and its surrounding area. Maintaining and developing annual events.
Action 60 (MT). Creation of the "Fortifications of Elvas" brand and its merchandising.
Action 61 (MT- LT). Realisation of artistic and scientific initiatives with national and
international scope, which would be representative and of a high standard. Creation of an
annual event with a national and international profile of a cultural / artistic nature.
Action 62 (MT). Production and distribution of multimedia educational materials on the

history and characteristics of the Fortifications of Elvas.
Action 63 (ST- MT). In the area of tourism, organisation of tourism promotion as part of the
body for communication and marketing, which must be based on the supply of tourism
products relating to the Fortifications of Elvas and their surroundings.
Action 64 (ST- MT). Installation of centres for interpretation and education based on
symbolic buildings. This section will also include the challenge undertaken in the
rehabilitation and revitalisation of the historic urban area and its role in the city.
Action 65 (MT- LT). Preparation of maps linking the Fortifications of Elvas and their
surrounding area to the territory of the military campaigns, reconstituting the military events.
Action 66 (ST- MT). Organisation of scientific meetings on national and international fortified
systems, with an emphasis on the Fortifications of Elvas.
Action 67 (ST- MT). Creation of an interactive website on the Fortifications of Elvas.
Action 68 (ST- MT). Producing and disseminating scientific and cultural material, setting up
the production of information addressed to the scientific community from the activities of OFE
and within this Office.
Action 69 (ST- MT). Maintaining and expanding the publication of municipal journals of local
initiative and other editorial initiatives.
Action 70 (ST- MT). Design and implementation of a system of disclosure, with output
targeted at different audiences. Initiating actions to disseminate information, to present and
promote.
80
Action 71 (MT). Once the initiatives listed have been put into effect, establishing the tourism
product of the "Fortifications of Elvas" as a single entity.
In addition to the operational objectives and actions identified, it must be acknowledged that
the process defined, now begun, is dynamic and iterative, and it is therefore natural that other
objectives and actions arise, or need revision as part of a reassessment and permanent
monitoring of the identified and relevant systems of the "Fortifications of Elvas Project." In the
same way, it is important to constantly assess the impact of the implementation of the policies
directed here and the public actions taken.
81
ANNEXES OF MANAGEMENT PLAN
ESPANHA
PORTO
PORTUGAL
NISA
LISBOA
CASTELO DE VIDE
GAVIO MARVO
CRATO
PORTALEGRE
PONTE DE SOR ALTER DO CHO
ARRONCHES
AVIS
FRONTEIRA CAMPO MAIOR
MONFORTE
SOUSEL
ELVAS
Fig. 1.e.1 - Location of Elvas on the map of Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula
82
1000m
0
83
N
Elements of the Fortification System of Elvas

Candidacy Proposal
Aqueduct
Protected spaces within the urban perimeter

Planning Charter of the Municipal Master Plan (PCMMP)
Protected area of the Pousada de Santa Luzia
Cultural space of the Fort of Graa (altitude: 350m)

(PCMMP)
Protection and Recovery Plan for the Historic Zone of Elvas
(PCMMP)
84
National Ecological Reserve
National Agricultural Reserve
Special Protection Zone of Religious Buildings
Fig. 1.e.3 Fortifications of Elvas.

Protection zones
0 500 m
85
85 A
86
27

Fig. 1.e.8 - Location of buildings with a military function in the historic centre
1- Military Bakery 2 - Military Hospital 3 - General Auditor's Office

4 - Aqueduct / Fort's Cistern and its fountains 5 - Retired Men's Barracks
6 - Old Convent of So Paulo Barrack / Old Military Detention Centre
7 - Corner Gate Powder-magazine 8 - Conceio Powder-magazine
9 - Trem Building 10 - War Council 11 - Pontoon Storage Warehouse
12 - Rua dos Quartis Barracks 13 - Santa Barbara Powder-magazine
14 - Command-Headquarters 15 - So Joo da Corujeira Barracks
16 - English Military Cemetery 17 - Military Museum of Elvas
(Old Infantry Regiment no.8 Barrack) 18 - Engineers' Guardhouse
N
87
33
Special Protection Zone
1- Convent of So Joo de Deus 2 - Station of the Cross of Largo da

Misericrdia 3 - Calvary 4 - Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Dores
5 -Station of the Cross of Largo do Hospital 6 - Church and Hospital of
Misericrdia (Museum of Contemporary Art) 7 - Convent of So Paulo
8 -Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceio 9 - Church of So
Martinho 10-Station of the Cross of Rua Andr Gonalves
11 - Episcopal Hall 12 -Church of the Old Convent of the Dominicans
(of Nossa Senhora da Conceio) 13 - Church of Nossa Senhora da
Assuno (Cathedral) 14 - Church of Nossa Senhora da Alcaova
15 - Chapel of So Joo Baptista or of Corujeira 16 - Church of
Terceiros of the Order of St. Francis 17 - Convent of Nossa Senhora
da Conceio ofhe Xabregana Sisters or of Santa Clara
18 - Church of So Pedro 19 - Church of So Loureno or of All
Hallows 20 - Convent of So Domingos 21 - School of the Jesuit
College (or of So Tiago) 22 - Station of the Cross of Rua de Olivena
23 - Station of the Cross of Rua de Alcamim
ANNEX VIII
INVENTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHS,
SLIDES AND OTHER AUDIOVISUAL
MATERIALS AND THE APPROPRIATE
AUTHORISATION FOR USE
ANEXO VIII - A (PROPOSAL)

ANEXO VIII - B (PHOTO ALBUM, SLIDE ALBUM AND DVD)
ANNEX VIII - A (PROPOSAL)
ANNEX VIII - B (PHOTO ALBUM, SLIDE
ALBUM AND DVD)
Map of the nominated property, showing boundaries and buffer zone

(if present)
NOMINATED PROPERTY 7 504 m

(in total length)
c. 0.8148 ha
NOMINATED PROPERTY 66.8494 ha
Component Name of the component part Coordinate of the central point of Area ha
5.4081 of Area
0.2900 ha (ha)
(in11.2544
total length)
ha
c. 0.8148 ha
(nominated area)
Historic Centre 385250.23N / 70947.96 W 0.4010ha

66.8494 ha
2
3 Fort of Santa Luzia 385222.63N / 70929.79 W 0.2531
5.4081 haha
(between 2 and 3) 0.4 911 ha 368 ha
Fort of Graa 385340.62N / 70951.01 W 11.2544 ha
4
Fortlet of So Mamede 385216.34N / 70916.80 W 0.4010 ha
5
13 0 500 m
NOMINATED PROPERTY 7 504 m

(in total length)
c. 0.8148 ha
NOMINATED PROPERTY 66.8494 ha
Component Name of the component part Coordinate of the central point of Area ha
5.4081 of Area
0.2900 ha (ha)
(in11.2544
total length)
ha
c. 0.8148 ha
(nominated area)
Historic Centre 385250.23N / 70947.96 W 0.4010ha

66.8494 ha
2
3 Fort of Santa Luzia 385222.63N / 70929.79 W 0.2531
5.4081 haha
(between 2 and 3) 0.4 911 ha 368 ha
4 Fort of Graa 385340.62N / 70951.01 W 11.2544 ha
Fortlet of So Mamede 385216.34N / 70916.80 W 0.4010 ha

5
0 500 m
22
0 500 m
22A
(PHOTO ALBUM - 1)
ID num. Format* Subtitle Date (m/y) Photographer** Copyright*** Contact (Copyright) CNER****
423 Photo Aerial view of fortifications 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME Apartado 70,7350-146 ELVAS Y
424 Photo Aerial view of fortifications 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME (Phone: 268639740/Fax:268629060) Y
425 Photo Aerial view of fortifications 3 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
426 Photo Castle. Aerial view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
427 Photo Castle. General view 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
428 Photo Castle. General view 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
429 Photo Castle. Town Gate Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
430 Photo Castle. Polygonal loophole turret Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
431 Photo Castle. Alcaidaria (Military Governor's House) Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
432 Photo Urban walls. General view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
433 Photo Urban walls. Miradeiro Gate Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
434 Photo Urban walls. Templo Gate 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
435 Photo Urban walls. Templo Gate 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
436 Photo Urban walls. Republic Square Gate Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
437 Photo Urban walls. Tower of Dom Fernando Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
438 Photo Urban walls. Bishop's Arch Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
439 Photo Amoreira Aqueduct 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
440 Photo Amoreira Aqueduct 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
441 Photo Bulwarked fortifications (BF). Aerial view 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
442 Photo (BF). Aerial view 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
443 Photo (BF). Aerial view 3 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
444 Photo (BF). Olivena Gates 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
445 Photo (BF). Olivena Gates 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
446 Photo (BF). Esquina Gates 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
447 Photo (BF). Esquina Gates 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
448 Photo (BF). So Vicente Gates 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
449 Photo (BF). So Vicente Gates 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
450 Photo (BF). Crown work Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
451 Photo (BF). Ditch and outworks Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
NOTES:
*Photo (photography); S (slide); DVD (Digital Versatile Disc); D (drawing); PPS (Photograph of painting or engraving)
**RL (Raul Ladeira); DB (Domingos Bucho); CBL (Carlos Brando Lucas); ME (Municipality of Elvas)
***Municipality of Elvas ****Concession of non exclusive rights to UNESCO to reproduce image: Y (yes); N (no)
(PHOTO ALBUM - 2)
452 Photo (BF). Command building.8th Infantry Regiment Nov./2006 RL/DB ME Apartado 70,7350-146 ELVAS Y
453 Photo (BF). Barracks. 8th Infantry Regiment Nov./2006 RL/DB ME (Phone: 268639740 / Fax:268629060) Y
454 Photo (BF). Military buildings. Fortress's cistern Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
455 Photo (BF). Military buildings. Vehicle Depot Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
456 Photo (BF). Military buildings. Pontoon Storage Warehouse Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
457 Photo (BF). Military buildings. Military Court Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
458 Photo (BF). Military buildings. War Council Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
459 Photo (BF). Military buildings. Military Hospital Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
460 Photo (BF). Military buildings. Administration Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
461 Photo (BF). Military buildings. Military Maintenance Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
462 Photo Santa Brbara Powder-Magazine Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
463 Photo Conceio Powder-Magazine Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
464 Photo Rua dos Quartis Barracks Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
465 Photo Corujeira Barracks Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
466 Photo English Cemetery Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
467 Photo Fort of Santa Luzia. Aerial view 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
468 Photo Fort of Santa Luzia. General view 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
469 Photo Fort of Santa Luzia. General view 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
470 Photo Fort of Santa Luzia. First Ditch Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
471 Photo Fort of Santa Luzia. Inner Gate Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
472 Photo Fort of Santa Luzia. Ditch of Central Redoubt 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
473 Photo Fort of Santa Luzia. Ditch of Central Redoubt 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
474 Photo Fort of Santa Luzia. Military Museum 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
475 Photo Fort of Santa Luzia. Military Museum 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
476 Photo Fort of Santa Luzia. Governor's House 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
477 Photo Fort of Santa Luzia. Governor's House 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
478 Photo Fort of Santa Luzia. Chapel of Santa Luzia Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
479 Photo Fort of Santa Luzia. Covered way Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
480 Photo Fort of Graa. Aerial view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
NOTES:
(PHOTO ALBUM - 3)
ID num. Format* Subtitle Date(m/y) Photographer** Copyright*** Contact(Copyright) CNER****

481 Photo Fort of Graa. General view 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME Apartado 70,7350-146 ELVAS Y
482 Photo Fort of Graa. General view 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME (Phone: 268639740 / Fax:268629060) Y
483 Photo Fort of Graa. Dragon Gate Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
484 Photo Fort of Graa. Ditch and Inner Gate Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
485 Photo Fort of Graa. Inner Gate Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
486 Photo Fort of Graa. First Ditch 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
487 Photo Fort of Graa. First Ditch 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
488 Photo Fort of Graa. Counterscarp (barracks) Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
489 Photo Fort of Graa. Crown work Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
490 Photo Fort of Graa. Ditch of Central Redoubt 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
491 Photo Fort of Graa. Ditch of Central Redoubt 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
492 Photo Fort of Graa. Underground barrack Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
493 Photo Fort of Graa. Central Redoubt. Entrance Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
494 Photo Fort of Graa. Central Redoubt. Corridor Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
495 Photo Fort of Graa. Central Redoubt. Chapel Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
496 Photo Fort of Graa. Governor's House 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
497 Photo Fort of Graa. Governor's House 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
498 Photo Fortlet of So Mamede. Aerial view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
499 Photo Fortlet of So Mamede. General view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
500 Photo Fortlet of So Mamede. Interior 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
501 Photo Fortlet of So Mamede. Interior 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
502 Photo Fortlet of So Pedro. Aerial view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
503 Photo Fortlet of So Pedro. General view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
504 Photo Fortlet of So Pedro. Interior 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
505 Photo Fortlet of So Pedro. Interior 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
506 Photo Fortlet of So Domingos. Aerial view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
507 Photo Fortlet of So Domingos. General view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
508 Photo Fortlet of So Domingos. Interior 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
509 Photo Fortlet of So Domingos. Interior 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
NOTES:
(SLIDE ALBUM - 1)
510 S Aerial view of the fortifications 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME Apartado 70,7350-146 ELVAS Y
511 S Aerial view of the fortifications 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME (Phone: 268639740 / Fax:268629060) Y
512 S Aerial view of the fortifications 3 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
513 S Castle. Aerial view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
514 S Castle. General view 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
515 S Castle. General view 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
516 S Castle. Town Gate Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
517 S Castle. Polygonal loophole turret Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
518 S Castle. Alcaidaria (Military Governor's House) Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
519 S Urban walls. General view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
520 S Urban walls. Miradeiro Gate Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
521 S Urban walls. Templo Gate 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
522 S Urban walls. Templo Gate 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
523 S Urban walls. Republic Square Gate Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
524 S Urban walls. Tower of Dom Fernando Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
525 S Urban walls. Bishop's Arch Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
526 S Amoreira Aqueduct 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
527 S Amoreira Aqueduct 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
528 S Bulwarked fortifications (BF). Aerial view 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
529 S (BF). Aerial view 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
530 S (BF). Aerial view 3 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
531 S (BF). Olivena Gates 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
532 S (BF). Olivena Gates 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
533 S (BF). Esquina Gates 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
534 S (BF). Esquina Gates 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
535 S (BF). So Vicente Gates 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
536 S (BF). So Vicente Gates 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
537 S (BF). Crown work Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
NOTES:
(SLIDE ALBUM - 2)
538 S (BF). Ditch and outworks Nov./2006 RL/DB ME Apartado 70,7350-146 ELVAS Y
539 S (BF). Command building.8th Infantry Regiment Nov./2006 RL/DB ME (Phone: 268639740/Fax:268629060) Y
540 S (BF). Barracks. 8th Infantry Regiment Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
541 S (BF). Military buildings. Fortress's cistern Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
542 S (BF). Military buildings. Vehicle Depot Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
543 S (BF). Military buildings. Pontoon Storage Warehouse Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
544 S (BF). Military buildings. Military Court Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
545 S (BF). Military buildings. War Council Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
546 S (BF). Military buildings. Military Hospital Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
547 S (BF). Military buildings. Administration Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
548 S (BF). Military buildings. Military Maintenance Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
549 S Santa Brbara Powder-Magazine Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
550 S Conceio Powder-Magazine Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
551 S Rua dos Quartis Barracks Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
552 S Corujeira Barracks Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
553 S English Cemetery Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
554 S Fort of Santa Luzia. Aerial view 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
555 S Fort of Santa Luzia. General view 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
556 S Fort of Santa Luzia. General view 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
557 S Fort of Santa Luzia. First Ditch Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
558 S Fort of Santa Luzia. Inner Gate Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
559 S Fort of Santa Luzia. Ditch of Central Redoubt 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
560 S Fort of Santa Luzia. Ditch of Central Redoubt 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
561 S Fort of Santa Luzia. Military Museum 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
562 S Fort of Santa Luzia. Military Museum 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
563 S Fort of Santa Luzia. Governor's House 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
564 S Fort of Santa Luzia. Governor's House 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
565 S Fort of Santa Luzia. Chapel of Santa Luzia Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
566 S Fort of Santa Luzia. Covered way Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
NOTES:
(SLIDE ALBUM - 3)
567 S Fort of Graa. Aerial View Nov./2006 RL/DB ME Apartado 70,7350-146 ELVAS Y
568 S Fort of Graa. General view 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME (Phone: 268639740 / Fax:268629060) Y
569 S Fort of Graa. General view 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
570 S Fort of Graa. Dragon Gate Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
571 S Fort of Graa. Ditch and Inner Gate Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
572 S Fort of Graa. Inner Gate Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
573 S Fort of Graa. First Ditch 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
574 S Fort of Graa. First Ditch 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
575 S Fort of Graa. Counterscarp (barracks) Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
576 S Fort of Graa. Crown work Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
577 S Fort of Graa. Ditch of Central Redoubt 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
578 S Fort of Graa. Ditch of Central Redoubt 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
579 S Fort of Graa. Underground barrack Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
580 S Fort of Graa. Central Redoubt. Entrance Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
581 S Fort of Graa. Central Redoubt. Corridor Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
582 S Fort of Graa. Central Redoubt. Chapel Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
583 S Fort of Graa. Governor's House 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
584 S Fort of Graa. Governor's House 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
585 S Fortlet of So Mamede. Aerial view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
586 S Fortlet of So Mamede. General view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
587 S Fortlet of So Mamede. Interior 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
588 S Fortlet of So Mamede. Interior 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
589 S Fortlet of So Pedro. Aerial view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
590 S Fortlet of So Pedro. General view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
591 S Fortlet of So Pedro. Interior 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
592 S Fortlet of So Pedro. Interior 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
593 S Fortlet of So Domingos. Aerial view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
594 S Fortlet of So Domingos. General view Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
595 S Fortlet of So Domingos. Interior 1 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
596 S Fortlet of So Domingos. Interior 2 Nov./2006 RL/DB ME " Y
597 DVD Nov./2006 CBL/DB ME " Y
NOTES:
The Garrison Border Town
of Elvas and its Fortifications
PROPOSAL FOR INCLUSION ON WORLD HERITAGE LIST
CLARIFICATION
AND ADDICTIONAL INFORMATION
Your Ref. GB/MA 1367
Paris, 13 September 2011
Deadline date: Monday 24 October 2011
Elvas, 17 October 2011

THE TECHNICAL SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
Preliminary considerations
The Technical Scientific Committee of this application acknowledges the request for
clarification and additional information submitted by ICOMOS, since it allows us to highlight
some points which, in view of the close attention we have been devoting to these issues, we
are apt to forget may not be clear to outsiders. Basically, all points fall within the remit of
management. And it is on this aspect of the application that we wish to note some preliminary,
?
necessarily brief, considerations.
We tried to make our Management Plan into something more than a repository of good
intentions to accomplish in the future, if circumstances permit, or a simple inventory of
activities budgeted but without theoretical foundation. Rather, we strived to give our plan an
updated theoretical basis and we note that its implementation has already begun (!) as
incontrovertibly evidenced by the following:
a) meetings between all parties involved directly and indirectly in property
management, from local to central government, mainly to define the forms of
organisation and management in the future;
b) the revision of the Municipal Plan (2010) (Doc 4A);
c) the official opening of tenders for:
- the preparation of three plans arising from Portuguese legislation, the most
important tools for the protection, management and enhancement of the
heritage concerned: Detailed Plan for the Protection of the Historic Centre of
Elvas, Elvas Urbanisation Plan and Detailed Plan, Protection and
Enhancement of the Fortifications of Elvas - Application for World Heritage
Status (Doc 1A-C);
- the classification of the entire property as a National Monument (Doc. 2);
- the definition and classification of the resulting Special Protection Area (Doc.
2);
d) the approval of a joint project (Elvas, Portugal - Badajoz, Spain), under the POCTEP
(Transboundary Cooperation Operational Programme between Portugal and
Spain, 2007-2013), with the value of 2.144 million, to be completed by the end of
2012, for the restoration of fortifications (Fortlets of So Domingos and So
Mamede and wooden doors of the fortifications of the historic centre, in the
Portuguese case) and to develop a common museum and tourist project on the
border.
Regarding cultural tourism, we highlight the existence of two military museums (in the
Casaro garrison building - nationwide, new and constantly expanding - and the Fort of Santa
Luzia), the recently opened Interpretation Centre for the Fortifications of Elvas and the
continual occasional exhibitions held in various fortifications buildings - Fernandina Tower,
the Powder-magazine of Nossa Senhora da Conceio, etc. - designed to bring them to life
and attract tourists and school visits.
It is our belief (supported by sometimes bitter experience worldwide) that the best guarantee
that a country can give of the future protection of a property candidate for World Heritage
status, is the state it is in today, before it is classified.
1
A. INTEGRITY/BOUNDARIES
QUESTION NUMBER 1
The advances in artillery and actual experience with the Battle of the Lines of Elvas (1659)
demanded that all high ground that surrounded the city be strategically occupied by forts and
fortlets, thus forcing the enemy that lay siege to the city to considerably disperse its forces and
not directly threaten the city in its first approach-trench. Hence the creation of the
entrenchment field which is still in existence today (Fig. 2.a.3), also known as the Lines of
Elvas since the aforementioned battle. This system is further fortified by the fortifications of
the historic centre, which also includes the Fort of Santa Luzia (construction: 1641-1648)
(Fig. 2.a.4), the Fort of Graa (construction: 1763 beginning of the 19th century) (Fig. 2.a.5)
and three of the four fortlets that were built in the beginning of the 19th century, in the form that
they present today: Fortlet of So Mamede, Fortlet of So Pedro and Fortlet of So Domingos
or of Piedade (Fig. 2.a.6, 7 and 8). (p. 36)
() there is no Fig. 2.a.3 but the map of the Battle of the 1659 Lines of Elvas p. 74 (Fig.
2.a.1.2.24) ()
Fig. 2.a.3 is on p. 39 (two pages after the quotation), with the caption: Aerial view photograph
of the fortifications of Elvas in its entirety and its setting.
() The statement quoted above from the nomination dossier appears to say that this all still
exists today.
In fact, the entrenchment field of Elvas, constructed from 1641 up to the 19th century,
because of the advances in artillery and because of the experience with the Battle of Lines of
Elvas, still exists today, with the only exception referred to the same p. 36: () and three of
the four fortlets that were built in the beginning of the 19th century (). The absent fortlet is
identified as the So Francisco Fortlet on p. 119, that also describes, with text, where it was
located: () behind the earlier cemetery of the Convent of So Francisco.
Despite the confusion caused by the battle with the same name, we think that it is clearly
written that what still exists is the entrenchment field () also known as the Lines of Elvas,
constructed to defend the city. The battle took the name from the Lines of Elvas that existed
before. It is also important to accept that both concepts are linked.
2
Entrenchment. () Closed field work surrounded by ditches and/or wire entanglement.1
Line. () General term for linear defence position, executed in permanent or field
fortification.2
Lines Linear conjugation of permanent fortification works with temporary fortification

works, with the goal to define an area of defence around a fortress or a limited region to
defend at all costs (...) The concept of "line is associated with the entrenched camp
developed by Vauban and his successors and with the detached forts of Montalembert.3
In view of Paragraph 100 of the Operational Guidelines () the property boundaries should
include those areas which in the light of future research possibilities offer potential to
contribute to and enhance understanding of the Outstanding Universal Value of the property.
Please clarify whether any remnants of the 1659 Lines of Elvas as indicated on the c. 1661
map (apart from the nominated components) and the So Francisco Fortlet are visible within
the landscape or have been the subject of archaeological research and why they are not
included in the nominated property.
a) The fortlet
The Fortlet of So Francisco is not visible within the landscape because the municipal
cemetery constructed from 1843 and extended from 1858, occupied all the area where it was
located. The Ministry of War, at the time, gave the terrain to the municipality with the condition
the city council demolishes the ruins of the fortlet.4
In this additional information, we provide the exact location of the four 19th century fortlets
(Fig. 1 and 2) and a Google aerial photo of the present-day site of the cemetery with the
probable location of the fortlet (Fig. 3). We ask you to note particularly that this fortlet is not
drawn in the same position in Figures 1 and 2.
b) Remnants of the 1659 Lines of Elvas as indicated on the c. 1661 map
1
ROLF, Rudi A Dictionary on Modern Fortification, PRAK Publishing, Middelburg, 2004, p. 127.
2
3
NUNES, Antnio Lopes Pires - Dicionrio Temtico de Arquitectura Militar e Arte de Fortificar, Lisboa, 1991, p. 133.
4
VICTORINO D'ALMADA Elementos para um diccionrio de geographia e historia portugueza: concelho d'Elvas e extinctos de
Barbacena, Villa-Boim e Villa Fernando (manuscrito). Elvas: [s. n.], 1888-1891, Arquivo Histrico Municipal de Elvas, Tombo 8 de
registos, 1858.
3
- If you are referring to the defensive fortifications of Elvas Lines, the City and the Fort of Santa
Luzia still exist, of course, but the redoubt of So Pedro and the fortlet of Nossa Senhora da
Graa, do not (Fig. 4). The former, because of the construction of the 19th century fortlet in the
same place, and continues to bear the same name. The latter, because of the construction of
the Fort of Graa, is in the same place.
- If you are referring to the siege lines, there are none at all remaining from that battle,
detectable either from aerial photos taken in different seasons, or from direct observation of
the terrain, even in the more important field fortifications: Fortlet of Corte, southeast direction,
on the road to Vila Viosa, and Garrison or Fortlet of Vale de Marmelo, probably two miles
south of Elvas, facing Santa Luzia. The field fortifications constructed during that Autumn-
Winter (between 22nd October 1658 and 14th January 1659) (Fig. 5) did not leave any traces
on the terrain, and we can state the same about the siege of 1644.
- The Spanish army came from Madrid to free the city of Badajoz that was besieged by the
Portuguese in Spring 1658 (initially, with 14000 infantry, 3000 chevaliers and 22 artillery
pieces); D. Luis de Haro was the commandant of 13000 men. As the Portuguese army (just
reduced to 8/9000 men) retreated (October, 1658), the Spanish invaded the Alentejo
(October 22nd) and besieged Elvas, occupying, with their first move, the Convent of So
Francisco. D. Luis received more 6/7000 men from Badajoz, besieging Elvas with a total of
around 20,000 men. The siege was constituted, basically, by only one line of circumvallation,
seven fortified garrisons and entrenchments, with redoubts, linking them. No approaches
were made, apparently, because of the rocks over which the ramparts were constructed and
the ditches excavated.
- A supporting army, coming from Estremoz (11/12,000 men), broke through the Spanish lines
and the battle began in the morning of January 14th, 1659. By the next morning, the besiegers
were beaten and left 2/3000 dead, 2/5000 prisoners, 20 artillery pieces and an untold number
of small arms (10/15,000). Portugal lost only 200 to 600 soldiers, but during the siege, 4000
people died of plague inside the city.
- This battle went down in Iberian history, not because something innovative had happened,
from the military point of view, on either side of the attack or defence sides, but because
(besides the considerable number of deaths of around 7000) the small state demonstrated
the capacity for self-defence and obtained, from then on, the diplomatic and military support in
Europe which had been lacking until then. As early as 1660, the experienced solder
Schomberg came from France, ahead of a large group of French officers.
4
CONCLUSION
This battle is very well-known in scientific terms, based on many contemporaneous reports
and published research. The assets arising from the Portuguese victory at the Battle of Elvas
Lines are eminently intangible, and as there are no traces on the ground, to the naked eye, of
the layout of the Spanish army, it seems unnecessary to widen the application area of t?he
property just because, in the future, we might find some archaeological traces of this event ...
or of the 1644 siege?
Despite these considerations, the battle itself took place in the north/northwest zone (Fig. 6),
which is mostly situated in the buffer zone (Fig. 7). On the other hand, the Spanish southern
field fortifications belong to the National Agricultural Reserve RAN - (Decree-Law N 73/09,
31 March) and, or, to the National Ecological Reserve REN - (Decree Law N 166/08, 22
August), which means they are super protected from any measures aimed at urbanising it.
Any non-agricultural land use is also forbidden, as are any industrial or urban waste disposal
and any action whose consequences could be to degrade (of any type) of land in any way
(RAN). In the case of REN, any intervention (public or private) that results in excavations,
landfill or destruction of vegetation is also forbidden (Fig. 8-11).
Despite all this super legal protection, the Municipal officer responsible for the archaeological
heritage (Archaeologist Isabel Pinto) did a survey of the sites during the candidature and
closely monitors all issues regarding these sites.
These facts show that although there is no evident need to widen the boundaries of the
property or of the buffer zone to incorporate the whole space where the Spanish army
constructed its field fortifications - more than 15 km around the city (!) they are, in fact,
protected.
5
B. PROTECTION
QUESTION NUMBER 2
A transition zone (TZ) is proposed in the Management Plan (p. 11), to protect more distant
approach views of the nominated property. Clarify how this will be defined and managed.
2. As stated in the presentation of the management plan, in the 15th September pp., the
Transition Zone (TZ) will be studied, defined and implemented within the next revision of
Elvas Municipal Master Plan.
Considering the technical difficulties of defining such a large scale protection zone, the limited
means available to this candidacy and the need for a legal statue, that may bind all the
stakeholders, we believe this to be the most consistent line of action.
We would like to emphasize that this is a short-medium term action and, when in place, the TZ
and its land-use regulations will be managed by the local authorities, with support of the
Fortifications of Elvas Company (SFE/FEC).
QUESTION NUMBER 3
Clarify how views between the bulwarked fortifications of the historic centre and the forts and
fortlets will be protected.
3. First, we must emphasize that, presently, there are no buildings interposing between a
viewer placed in any point of the magistral line of the historic centre fortifications, and any of
the two forts (see, for instance, the case illustrated between the historic centre and the Fort of
Santa Luzia, Fig 12).
Obviously, as regards the fortlets the situation is different, because, notwithstanding the fact
that these fortification elements maintain their esplanades (or glacis) intact, they are located
at a much lower altitude than the forts, thus being impossible to maintain uncluttered all the
views between them and the other fortifications. That would only be possible if the city was
still all enclosed within the fortified walls.
We must also state that, already in place in the current version of Elvas Municipal Master Plan
(EMMP), there are provisions for the regulation of height limits in buildings in the area
surrounding the fortifications, namely a maximum of 10 meters or 3 storeys high (regulations
for urban area, see annexed the Table I, Article 10th of EMMP, Fig. 12 and Doc. 4A and 4B).
6
The views between the bulwarked fortifications of the historic center and the surrounding forts
and fortlets will be further protected in the near future within the regulations of both the Plan
for the Safeguarding and the Added Value of the Fortifications of Elvas and Surrounding Area
(PSAVFE) Action n. 6, short term, for which a public concourse, as we already refer, was
initiated on the 24th August 2011 (Doc. 1), with an execution deadline of 365 days after
signature and the revision of Elvas Municipal Master Plan and managed by the local
authorities, with support of the Fortifications of Elvas Company. For instance, and among
other regulatory measures, these plans will regulate land use and the parameters affecting
buildings, namely height.
C. MANAGEMENT
QUESTION NUMBER 4
Clarify how development is controlled between the outlying forts and fortlets, that is between
the Fort of Santa Luzia and the Fortlet of So Pedro; between So Pedro and So Domingos,
and between So Pedro and the historic centre of Elvas, given that the proposed
surrounding integrated conservation area (SICA) buffer zone/protected spaces within the
urban perimeter Planning Charter of the Municipal Master Plan (PCMMP) does not cover the
intervening area between them (Fig. 1.e.4). Are there height limits in these areas that will
protect the views between all the elements?
4. As explained in the management plan, the proposed definition of SICA, as a buffer zone
integrating the candidacy, was based in existing legal protection areas, already in place for
the safeguarding of classified monuments, due to immediate operational concerns. It was
meant as a short term regulatory instrument, being already put in place, as the conservation
zone for the classification of the fortifications, as a whole, as a National Monument (Doc. 2).
In the areas between the bulwarked fortifications of the historic center and the surrounding
forts and fortlets not covered by this existing legal heritage protection areas, land use
regulation is established by the rule of law of the Elvas Municipal Master Plan, thus legally
binding local stakeholders. This plan has provisions for land use regulations and control
parameters affecting buildings, namely height.
Thus, legally binding control measures are in place everywhere in the urban perimeter and
the territory surrounding the fortifications system, namely managing the system of views
between the bulwarked fortifications of the historic center and the surrounding forts and
fortlets. For instance, as stated elsewhere, there are several non aedificandi areas and,
where new buildings may be allowed, there is a height limit of 10 meters, or 3 storeys high.
7
Certainly, as stated before, both the Plan for the Safeguarding and the Added Value of the
Fortifications of Elvas and Surrounding Area (PSAVFE) and the revision of Elvas Municipal
Master Plan will review these control measures, improving them as deemed necessary for
the objectives of integrated conservation.
Namely, in this detailed revision, these plans will evaluate the system of views between the
bulwarked fortifications of the historic center and the surrounding fortifications, and propose
the dislocation of any electricity and telecommunications poles that, from any specific point of
the fortlets, may prevent the full viewing of the remaining fortifications.
QUESTION NUMBER 5
The Management Plan (IMPFE) pp. 12-13 proposes an executive management body, the
OFE linked to a foundation/company (SFE) set up to promote investment and raise funds, as
well as a technical advisory board and a body directed at the management of interpretation
and presentation of the property. Clarify the role of the buffer zone (SICA) residents in relation
to management of the nominated property. Will they be represented within the advisory
structure os the OFE (Dossier p. 500; IMPFE p. 63)?
5. Acknowledging the important role of SICA residents in the management process, as local
stakeholders with a direct interest in matters of integrated conservation of the nominated
property and in local development, they will be represented, in an organized manner, via their
associations, both in the administration of SFE/FEC and within the advisory structure of OFE.
QUESTION NUMBER 6
The nomination dossier states (p. 457) that there are no known sources of deterioration in
the environment. None of the maps provided show the location of the rivers Caia and
Guadiana, although they are mentioned in the text. Clarify whether flooding is or has ever
been an issue and whether climate change is likely to influence this.
6. The rivers Caia and Guadiana do not figure in the provided maps because they are outside
those maps limits, being around 9 kilometers away from the fortifications and the surrounding
area (Fig. 13). In view of that, there is no risk that eventual flooding will ever affect the site. The
same applies, in this concern, to the effects of climate change, presuming we are referring to
the eventual raise of water level. There is no reference of Elvas ever having floods.
QUESTION NUMBER 7
Provide information on risk preparedness
8
7. ELVAS MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY PLAN FOR CIVIL PROTECTION

Resolution No.4/2010 of the National Commission for Civil Protection, Dirio da Repblica,
No.38 of 24 February 2010 (Doc. 3A-3E)
1 INTRODUCTION
After amendment of the basic law for civil protection in 2006, the whole functioning and
structure were amended until they reached the local level. As a presentation of this document
we can say that it is a general plan for civil protection for the municipality of Elvas that deals
with its execution, to confront, to mitigate and to resolve the majority of emergency situations
that occur in the area of this Municipality.
The drawing up of the Elvas Municipal Emergency Plan for Civil Protection is the
responsibility of the Municipality and its Municipal Civil Protection Service (MCPS), according
to Para.1, of Article 5, Law No. 65 /2007 12 November.
The Director of the plan is the Mayor of Elvas and his alternates are the Councillors with Civil
Protection responsibilities and the Technical director responsible for the Municipal Civil
Protection Service.
This plan consists of four parts. Part I is a general framework for the plan, stating the reasons
for its existence, describing the way it interconnects with other similar instruments and setting
out the conditions for its activation. Part II defines the organisation's response, typifying the
missions and mode of action and the coordination of civil protection agents and other
agencies and supporting organisations. Part III presents the basic areas of intervention of the
organisation's general operations. Finally, Part IV shows the additional information described
in the previous parts.
2 SCOPE OF APPLICATION
The municipality of Elvas belongs to the district of Portalegre and is bordered to the north by
the municipalities of Arronches and Campo Maior, to the west by the municipalities of
Monforte and Borba, to the south by the municipalities of Vila Viosa and Alandroal and to the
east by the Spanish Extremadura. It is a frontier town, located on the opposite side of the
country from the capital, and is also situated at the boundary between Upper and Lower
Alentejo. As mentioned in the introduction to this plan, it is a general document that attempts
to make reference to all the risks identified in the municipality. Speaking a little of the risks and
vulnerable areas in the municipality of Elvas, one can say that these consist mainly of
drought, agricultural fires, floods in the area of the city, in some farms and villages, broken
dams, ruptured pipelines, collapse of structures, and accidents with hazardous materials.
The MEPCP of Elvas is a municipal plan.
9
3 GENERAL OBJECTIVES
The main objectives for which this emergency plan is intended are the following:
To provide, through a concerted response, the conditions and means necessary to minimise
the adverse effects of a serious accident or disaster;
To set guidelines regarding the mode of action of various agencies, services and structures in
engaging in civil protection operations;
To define the unit of management, coordination and control of the actions that are to be taken;
To coordinate and systematise support actions, promoting greater efficiency and speed of
intervention on the part of the bodies involved;
To produce an inventory of the means and the available resources to help in a serious
accident or disaster;
To minimise loss of life and property, reduce or mitigate the effects of major accidents or
disasters and to restore the minimum conditions of normality as quickly as possible;
To ensure the creation of favourable conditions for the fast, efficient and coordinated
engagement of all the means and resources available in a given territory, whenever the
severity and extent of occurrences so warrant;
To enable those involved in the plan to maintain the readiness and preparedness needed to
manage major accidents and disasters;
To inform local people through raising awareness, paying due attention to the preparation of
informational materials, and through the creation of a culture of self-protection and
incorporating these factors into the structure of response to emergencies.
4 LEGAL FRAMEWORK
General legislative sources:
Law No. 27/2006, 3 July Basic Law on Civil Protection
Law No. 65/2007, 12 November Institutional and operational framework for civil protection
at the municipal level of the municipal services for civil protection and powers of the municipal
operational commander;
Decree-Law No.134/2006, 25 July Integrated System for Relief and Protection Operations
(SIOPS);
Resolution No. 25/2008 of the National Commission for Civil Protection, 18 July 2008
Directive relating to the criteria and technical standards for the preparation and operation of
emergency plans for civil protection.
10
ATTACHMENTS
Figures and documents
11
1
2
FIG. 1 - Fortifications of Elvas plan (1819)

Arquivo da Direco de Infra-estruturas do Exrcito 1 Fortlet of So Mamede
Cota: A3; G3; P8-B; N. 113 (v 384) 2 Fortlet of So Pedro
3 Fortlet of So Domingos or Piedade
4 Fortlet of So Francisco
12
FIG. 2 - Plan showing the West front of Elvas (1802-1842)

Arquivo da Direco de Infra-estruturas do Exrcito 1 Fortlet of So Francisco
Cota: A3; G3; P8-B; N. 90 (v 361) 2 Fortlet of So Domingos or Piedade
13
FIG. 3 Municipal Cemetery and the probably location of the former Fortlet of So Francisco (regarding Fig. 2)
14
2
1
FIG. 4 - Plan of the Fortifications of Elvas

(Book of Joo Nunes Tinoco, Livro das Praas de Portugal com suas Fortificaes, 1663)
(MATTOS, 1941, Plate LXIX)
1 Fort of Santa Luzia

2 Redoubt of So Pedro
3 Fortlet of Nossa Senhora da Graa
15
Vale de Marmelo Palmeiras or Palheiras
Cocena ou Mesas de El-Rei

Quartel da Corte
S. Francisco
1 2
N. S. Graa
3
Vergada ou Bargada
Fig. 5 - Military map (1661?) of the Battle of the Lines of Elvas (1659),
drawn by Pierre Sainte Colombe, National Library of Lisbon
1 - Fort of Santa Luzia (wrong drawing).

2 - Redoubt of So Francisco, constructed by the Spanish.
3 - Redoubt of Nossa Senhora da Graa, constructed by the Spanish.
Main field fortifications made by the Spanish army
16
FIG. 6 Elvas Lines Battle scheme

In DUARTE, Antnio Linhas de Elvas, 1659, Prova de Fora, Tribuna, Lisboa, 2003, p. 70
17
FIG. 7 The site of the battle itself inscribed in the property and buffer zone
18
FIG. 8 Site of the fortlet of Cocena or Mesas de El-Rei

(Elvas Municipal Master Plan, detail )
The site has no identifiable field fortification, is crossed by

a road (E. N. 4) and the Municipal Master Plan provides space for
equipments and lots for residences.
19
FIG. 9 Sites of the fortlets of Vale de Marmelo (1) and Corte (2)
1 2
The sites have no identifiable field fortification.

Both are protected by belonging to the National Agricultural Reserve
and to the National Ecological Reserve.
20
FIG. 10 Site of the fortlet of Vergada
The site have no identifiable field fortification.

It is protected by belonging to the National Ecological Reserve.
21
FIG. 11 Fortlet of Palmeiras or Palheiras

The site have no identifiable field fortification but a litle house sarrounded by stones removed from the fields.
It is protected by belonging to the National Ecological Reserve.
22
Historic Centre Fort of Santa Luzia
Castel belvedere Governor House

Altitude: 350 m Altitude: 328 m
Covered way
Magisterial
Altitude: 315 m
Altitude: 315 m
Valley's tallest building
Altitude:
Soil - 293 m
Roof - 303 m
FIG. 12 Visibility between the Historic Centre and the Fort of Santa Luzia
Municipally Master Plan

(Last revision: Dirio da Repblica, II Srie,
2nd February, 2010, deliberation 279/2010)
1st Article - Urbanized Area,
Table I - Urbanized Area
Gross indices
Maximum number of storeys: 3
Maximum height: 10 m
Altitude: 300 m
Altitude: 170 m
FIG. 13 Confluence of Caia

(the border line) and
Guadiana rivers
23
Document 1A
Tendering procedure for the preparation of the Detailed Plan for the Protection of the
Historic Center of Elvas, the Urbanization Plan of Elvas and the Detailed Plan for the
Protection and Enhancement of the Fortifications of Elvas - Applying for World Heritage
24
Document 1B
25
Document 1C
26
Opening of the classification process of the Fortifications of Elvas as a National

Monument and establishment of its Special Zone of Protection
27
Document 3A
ELVAS MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY PLAN FOR CIVIL PROTECTION
28
Document 3B
ELVAS MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY PLAN FOR CIVIL PROTECTION
Table of Contents
Parte I ENQUADRAMENTO GERAL DO PLANO
1 INTRODUO
2 MBITO DE APLICAO
3 OBJECTIVOS GERAIS
4 ENQUADRAMENTO LEGAL
5 ANTECEDENTES DO PROCESSO DE PLANEAMENTO
6 ARTICULAO COM INSTRUMENTOS DE PLANEAMENTO
E ORDENAMENTO DO TERRITRIO
7 ACTIVAO DO PLANO
7.1- Competncia para a activao do plano
7.2- Critrios para a activao do plano
8 PROGRAMA DE EXERCCIOS
Parte II ORGANIZAO DA RESPOSTA

1 CONCEITO DE ACTUAO
2 EXECUO DO PLANO
2.1 Fase de Emergncia
2.2 Fase de Reabilitao
3 ARTICULAO E ACTUAO DE AGENTES,
ORGANISMOS E ENTIDADES
3.1 Misso dos Agentes de Proteco civil
3.1.1 Fase de Emergncia
3.1.2 Fase de Reabilitao
3.2 Misso dos Organismos e Entidades de Apoio
3.2.1 Fase de Emergncia
3.2.2 Fase de Reabilitao
Parte III REAS DE INTERVENO

1 ADMINISTRAO DE MEIOS E RECURSOS
2 LOGSTICA
2.1 Apoio Logstico s Foras de interveno
2.2 Apoio Logstico s Populaes
3 COMUNICAES
4 GESTO DA INFORMAO
29
Document 3C
5 PROCEDIMENTOS DE EVACUAO
6 MANUTENO DA ORDEM PBLICA
7 SERVIOS MDICOS E TRANSPORTE DE VTIMAS
8 SOCORRO E SALVAMENTO
9 SERVIOS MORTURIOS
10 PROTOCOLOS
Parte IV INFORMAO COMPLEMENTAR
SECO I
1 ORGANIZAO GERAL DA PROTECO CIVIL EM PORTUGAL
1.1- Estrutura da Proteco Civil
1.2- Estrutura das operaes
2 MECANISMOS DA ESTRUTURA DE PROTECO CIVIL
2.1 Composio, convocao e competncias da Comisso de Proteco Civil
2.2 Critrios e mbito para a declarao da situao de Alerta
2.3 Sistema de Monitorizao, Alerta e Aviso
2.3.1 Monitorizao
2.3.2 Alerta s Entidades
2.3.3 Aviso Populao
SECO II
1 CARACTERIZAO GERAL
1.1 Enquadramento Administrativo
1.2 Extenso Territorial
1.3 Contexto Histrico, Patrimonial e Cultural
2 CARACTERIZAO FSICA
2.1 Hipsometria
2.2 Orografia
2.3 Exposio
2.4 Recursos Hdricos
2.4.1 Hidrografia
2.4.2 Qualidade da gua
2.5 Clima
2.5.1 Rede Climatolgica
2.5.2 Temperatura
2.5.3 Humidade
2.5.4 Precipitao
2.5.5 Ventos Dominantes
2.5.6 Geadas
2.5.7 Insolao
30
Document 3D
2.6 Uso do Solo

2.6.1 Coberto Florestal
2.6.2 Ocupao do Solo
2.7 Litologia
2.8 Sismicidade
3 CARACTERIZAO SCIO-ECONMICA
3.1 Dinmicas Demogrficas
3.2 Dinmicas Econmicas
4 CARACTERIZAO DAS INFRA-ESTRUTURAS
4.1 Rede Viria
4.2 Rede Ferroviria
4.3 Rede de Escolas
4.4 Concentrao de Combustveis
4.5 Caractersticas Cemiteriais
4.6 Caractersticas da Zona Industrial
4.7 Rede de Sade
4.8 Rede de Pontos de gua
5 CARACTERIZAO DO RISCO
5.1 Anlise de Risco
5.1.1 Identificao e Caracterizao dos Perigos
a) Cheias
b) Seca
c) Trovoadas
d) Sismos
e) Ruptura de Barragens
f) Ruptura de Gasodutos
g) Colapso de Estruturas
h) Incndios Florestais
i) Transporte de Matrias Perigosas
j) Acidentes Areos
l) Deslizamentos/ Acidentes Geomorfolgicos
m) Acidentes Industriais Graves
n) Fenmenos Meteorolgicos Adversos
o) Incndios Urbanos
p) Acidentes Graves de Trfego Rodovirio
31
Document 3E
5.1.2 Anlise dos Riscos Significativos

a) Cheias
b) Transporte de Matrias Perigosas
c) Incndios Florestais
5.2 Anlise de Vulnerabilidades
5.3 Estratgias Para a Mitigao de Riscos
6 CENRIOS
6.1 Cheias
6.2 Incndios Florestais
7 CARTOGRAFIA
SECO III
1 INVENTRIO DE MEIOS E RECURSOS
2 LISTA DE CONTACTOS
3 MODELOS DE RELATRIOS E REQUISIES
4 MODELOS DE COMUNICADOS
5 LISTA DE CONTROLO DE ACTUALIZAES DO PLANO
6 LISTA DE REGISTO DE EXERCCIOS DO PLANO
7 LISTA DE DISTRIBUIO DO PLANO
8 LEGISLAO
9 BIBLIOGRAFIA
10 GLOSSRIO
11 ACRNIMOS
32
Document 4A
MUNICIPALLY MASTER PLAN (LAST REVISION, 2010)
33
Document 4B
MUNICIPALLY MASTER PLAN (LAST REVISION, 2010)
Regulation of height limits in buildings

in the area surrounding the fortifications
(Article 10, Table I)
34
The Garrison Border Town
of Elvas and its Fortifications
PROPOSAL FOR INCLUSION ON WORLD HERITAGE LIST
ADDICTIONAL INFORMATION
Your Ref. GB/MA 1367
Paris, 12 December 2011
Deadline date: Tuesday 28 February 2012
Elvas, 31 January 2012

THE TECHNICAL SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
2
ADDICTIONAL INFORMATION
1. Extend the nominated property boundary to include the entire slopes of the glacis around
the bulwarked town and Fort of Santa Luzia.
2. Enlarge the buffer zone, particularly to the south, between the Fort of Santa Luzia and the
historic centre in order to avoid uncontrolled development and to ensure perfect visibility
between the fort and the town.
ANSWER
(See the new maps in attachment)
3. Provide a timetable for the designation (as proposed in the nomination dossier) of the
whole nominated property including the intramural area as a national monument, and the
Buffer Zone as a Special Protection Area.
ANSWER
The new designation of the Nominated Property and Buffer Zone, contained herein, are being
proposed immediately to the Government of Portugal to be classified, respectively, as
"National Monument" and "Special Protection Zone". This bureaucratic process has several
steps and the whole process will be terminated by the end of 2012 according to legally
established and specific deadlines. This is a formality which should not find any obstacles and
we expect the designation to be officially published in the Dirio da Repblica, by the end of
2012.
4. Extend the Management System to contain explicit controls over the entire glacis of the
bulwarked town and the Fort of Santa Luzia, and development surrounding Elvas
fortifications and the areas between them and the outlying forts and fortlets, and between the
forts and fortlets themselves.
ANSWER
First, we must stress the fact that the fortified system of Elvas is part of a living city and is
located within a dynamic territory, mostly in private ownership. We regard this as a positive
territorial context and an added value, as opposed to the abandoned heritage sites so
frequent in our country.
However, one must not forget that this context generates expectations and places a constant
pressure on land use and the built environment that must be managed with view to the
integrated conservation goals, by rule of law and with adequate means.
Thus, all measures taken with view of heritage conservation should involve the relevant
stakeholders and be supported by legally binding dispositions, especially if they imply
restrictions to land use in private properties.
This was the reason why the definition of the property and the limits of SICA, as a buffer zone,
were based in existing legal protection areas, already in place. It was meant as a short term
regulatory instrument, being already put in place.
3
In response to the latest observations from ICOMOS concerning said definitions, we opted to
enlarge the limits of the proposed property as to include the entire glacis of all the fortifications
(see figure 1e4a and 1e4). These areas were mostly classified either as non aedificandi or as
State-owned in planning instruments already in effect, so their legal safeguard presents no
difficulties.
Furthermore, regarding the buffer zone, we opted for its enlargement, such as to encompass
all the proposed property, thus providing an effective buffer over its elements and controlling
land use transformation in its vicinity (see figure 1e4a and 1e4). This assures State control in
the areas between the bulwarked fortifications of the historic center and the outlying forts and
fortlets, and between the forts and fortlets themselves, namely regulating the system of
views.
The legal framework that provides explicit controls for these measures, including land use
regulations and control parameters affecting buildings, namely height, comes from the Elvas
Municipal Master Plan. Namely, there is an effective height limit of 7 meters, or 2 storey high
(10 meters / 3 storey in few spots), all over said area, now defined as buffer zone.
Notwithstanding, as stated before, both the Plan for the Safeguarding and the Added Value of
the Fortifications of Elvas and Surrounding Area (PSAVFE) and the revision of Elvas
Municipal Master Plan will review these control measures, improving them as deemed
necessary for the objectives of integrated conservation.
The changes made in boundaries of the proposed property and of its buffer zone
aregraphically represented in the enclosed maps.
5. Provide a timetable for the setting up of the Office for the Fortifications of Elvas and
implementation of the Management Plan.
ANSWER
ANNEX II (MANAGEMENT PLAN) PAGE 55
- Establishment of a local company, here called the "The Fortifications of Elvas Company
(SFE)", including public and private partners with which it will develop the management
objectives defined in this IMPFE to establish modes of cooperation with external bodies to
identify and secure funding for the project and coordinate the dependent operational
structures.
The city of Elvas will promote the formation of this entity, and it is expected that it will be legally
established by the end of June of 2012.
ANNEX II (MANAGEMENT PLAN) PAGE 56

- Creation of an executive body for the operational management, with a technical
infrastructure dedicated to and integrated into the SFE, here called the "Office of the
Fortifications of Elvas (OFE)," for the fortifications and surrounding area; it will have the task
of implementing the tools and IMPFE actions taken hereunder, as well as monitoring and
evaluating the whole process of integrated conservation.
The city of Elvas will promote the formation of this entity, and it is expected that it will be legally
established by the end of June of 2012. After the creation and technical establishment of the
OFE, it will be installed by the municipality and the implementation of the Management Plan
will commence immediately.
4
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The Garrison

PROPOSAL FOR INCLUSION

ELVAS (PORTUGAL) 2010

PROPOSAL FOR INCLUSION

ELVAS (PORTUGAL) 2010

Antnio Ventura Faculty of Letters University of Lisbon

Statements and studies

. Fernando Cobos Guerra Architect, specialist in Urbanism, Documentation, Restoration and

Mrio Pereira IGESPAR

BOOK: Elvas in Travel Literature

With the Assistance of: Domingos Bucho

PHOTOGRAPHS AND SLIDES

PAGINATION and DESIGN

2. TECHNICAL SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

- Professor Domingos Bucho (Coordinator)

- Architect Professor Lus Boavida-Portugal (Responsible for the Management Plan)

- Professor Antnio Ventura

- Dra Elsa Grilo

- Engineer Mrio Baptista

Key, defence and shield

Antnio Serran de Castro (17th century)

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS.................................................................................................... 8

1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY.............................................................................................. 17

2.a. 6.1 BUILDING SYSTEMS USED IN THE FORTIFICATIONS........................................................... 164

2.b HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT

3. JUSTIFICATION FOR INSCRIPTION

4. STATE OF CONSERVATION AND FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY

5. PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PROPERTY

8. CONTACT INFORMATION OF RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITIES

9. SIGNATURE ON BEHALF OF THE STATE PARTY

ANNEX I COMPARATIVE STUDY (FOR CRITERIA IV) (SEPARATE DOCUMENT)

ANNEX II MANAGEMENT PLAN (DOCUMENT ANNEXED TO VOLUME III OF THE PROPOSAL)

ANNEX III BOOK ENTITLED ELVAS IN TRAVEL LITERATURE (SEPARATE DOCUMENT)

ANNEX IV PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM (SEPARATE DOCUMENT)

ANNEX V SLIDE ALBUM (SEPARATE DOCUMENT)

ANNEX VII CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE OF ELVAS

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

CCDRA Committee for the Coordination and Regional Development of Alentejo

PIQTUR Intervention Programme for the Promotion of Tourism

This information, to be provided by the State Party, will be updated by

State Party: PORTUGAL

State, Province or Region: District of Portalegre - Alentejo

Geographical coordinates to the nearest second:

2 Historic Centre 385250.23N / 70947.96 W 66.8494 ha

Fort of Santa Luzia 385222.63N / 70929.79 W 5.4081 ha

6 Fortlet of So Pedro 385218.59N / 70954.59 W 0.2531 ha

7 Fortlet of So Domingos 385239.59N / 71037.14 W 0.4911 ha

Total area (in hectares) 85.7619 ha 368 ha

Textual description of the boundary(ies) of the nominated property:

- the Amoreira Aqueduct (component part n. 1);

- the Fort of Graa with its esplanades (component part n. 4);

- the Fortlets of So Mamede, So Pedro and So Domingos, with their respective

SEE ANNEX PAGES (A3)

Map of the nominated property, showing boundaries and buffer zone

Criteria under which property is nominated

Criterion (i): represent a masterpiece of human creative genius.

Criterion (iv): be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or

Name and contact information of official local institution/agency

Tel: 268 639 740

1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY

1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY

1.c NAME OF PROPERTY

1.d GEOGRAPHICAL COORDINATES TO THE NEAREST SECOND