Estalagem Quinta de Santo Antonio

The small doors of Elvas

by berenices

A quaint thing we observed walking around the streets of Elvas was the size of the doors -- a lot of those in old reconstructed houses were small! We have never heard of an explanation for this, but it seemed odd that anybody who goes in would have to bend down, and considerably so, to enter.

Also, note that no matter how small these doors are, the upper half of it can be opened inward, so that it serves like a balcony or window where the owner can look out, or where the neighbors can look in for a bit of gossip.

This is exactly what we found as we were walking down a street, a neighbor having a friendly chat through this "window-door". Note the door's size by comparing it with the neighboring building's entrance which is of normal size.

The Fortress City

by el_ruso

Elvas is not well-known, but it's a pity that it is often overlooked by tourists. It not only offers a lot to see, but it is also unspoiled by the touristy atmosphere of many other places.

The city is located in the Alentejo region off A6 highway just a few miles West from Spain. It takes about 3 hours by car from Lisbon and E13-15 in tolls.

The city offers well-preserved architecture, either dating from the Moorish times or built later in the same style. There is very extensive fortification: main city walls started back in the Roman era, castle built originally by the Moors, and many more walls built in the XVI-XVIII centuries, as this city served as the main fortress on the border with Spain.