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Fortifications of Elvas

Les noms des biens figurent dans la langue dans laquelle les Etats parties les ont soumis.

Portugal (Europe et Amérique du nord)

Date de soumission : 26/11/2004
Critères: (i)(ii)(iv)
Catégorie : Culturel
Soumission préparée par :
National Commission of Portgal to UNESCO
Coordonnées
City of Elvas, Elvas Administrative District
Ref.: 1982

Description

The Castle of Elvas dates from the reign of Dorn Sancho II, and is founded on the vestiges of a Moslem structure, of which two surrounding walls still remain. The city was twice taken from the Moors, in 1166 and 1220, but it was only in 1226 that the castle was finally captured, followed by immediate reconstruction works, which were concluded in 1228.

In the reign of Dorn Dinis certain alterations were made to the roofing and supporting structures, such as turrets and battlements. In the centuries that followed, Dorn Joao II and Dorn Manuel I added a new system of buttressed reinforcements to the castle, in Renaissance style, whilst the whole cluster of buildings took on a more residential role, under the supetvision of the city's alcaides.

As a result of the great military reforms of the 1 7 ~ century, the Castle of Elvas became one of the most remarkable fortifications in Europe, owing to the need for defence during the Border wars (1641-1668). The works are attributed to an engineer, Father Cosmander, and other masters, who were summoned to the Portuguese court by Dorn JoBo IV and Dorn Afonso VI, specifically for this purpose. Outstanding, among the works carried out during this campaign, are the complex system of walls, ravelins and ditches, as well as the two secondary forts of Santa Luzia and Grap. Throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries Elvas' walled fortifications underwent constant modernisation, making it into an enormous entrenched camp.

Despite the great transformations it has undergone throughout history, the Castle of Elvas has retained its medieval military structure, whilst it is recognised as one of the most important examples, both of the overlaying of functions, and the historical evolution of strategic and military thinking, clearly demonstrating the implementation of the best practical and theoretical knowledge.

The application of the Fortifications of Elvas for UNESCO World Heritage listing aims to focus attention on its existing, predominantly military heritage, which clearly bears witness to its position as a border town.

Elvas gradually evolved into a remarkable fortified city with predominantly defensive objectives, due to its border situation and military vocation, which meant that it regularly bore the brunt of military aggression and violence, particularly in times of armed conflict.

A historical analysis of the different military defensive systems, patent in the edified structures and in the design of the city itself, demonstrates the need to throw light upon the systematic and erudite process of architectural and military design, and urban planning, rather than to focus on a particular period.

Notwithstanding its defensive military character, Elvas also has a strong link to agricultural activities, whilst its urban layout, though essentially the outcome of military imperatives, exhibits strong rural affinities and characteristics. Elvas has always behaved as a centre of diffusion, in both peacetime and in war, which led it to become the capital of the region, with a consequent administrative role, patent in the large number of office buildings of architectural value, certain representative administrative edifices with remarkable architectural features, and a vast and coherent series of supporting buildings.