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Fortress · Elvas, Portalegre
Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça
18th-century fort on the summit of Monte da Graça, north of Elvas, with star-shaped ramparts, a moat, galleries and the Casa do Governador at its center. From the top you can see Elvas, the aqueduct and the plain stretching to Spain.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça
The Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça, also called Forte Conde de Lippe, sits atop Monte da Graça, just over 1 km north of Elvas. The hill was the weak point of the city's defenses during the Spanish siege of 1658, when enemy troops established themselves there. For that reason, after the Seven Years' War the Count of Lippe, a German officer in Portuguese service, ordered a fort built on the site to prevent another attack. Construction ran from 1763 to 1792.
The fort has a star-shaped plan, with bastions, a ditch, monumental gates and a maze of corridors, casemates and cisterns. In the center stands the Governor's House, with a chapel on the lower floor, surrounded by a circular redoubt. The complex was designed to withstand long sieges, with its own water supply and magazines.
In the 19th and 20th centuries the fort was used as a prison, including for political prisoners, until it was decommissioned in 1989. After restoration it opened to visitors and is part of the Elvas ensemble inscribed by UNESCO in 2012.
From the top of the walls the view reaches the city of Elvas, the aqueduct, the Forte de Santa Luzia and the plain stretching to Spain. There are self-guided visits and guided tours through the internal corridors; check opening times before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1h30 to 2 hours, or longer with the guided tour through the internal corridors.
Best time
In the morning, to make the most of the light and avoid midday heat in summer. The fort is usually closed one day a week: check before you go.
How to get there
It is located on top of Monte da Graça, just over 1 km north of the walls. The most practical access is by car or taxi via the road that climbs the hill; on foot, the ascent is long and without shade.
Tip
Bring water and a hat: the fort is extensive and mostly outdoors. From the top, look for the Aqueduto da Amoreira and the Forte de Santa Luzia to understand how the defenses complemented each other.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça
Why was the fort built on Monte da Graça?
Because during the siege of 1658 Spanish troops occupied the hill and attacked Elvas from there. The fort was built in the 18th century to prevent that from happening again.
Can you walk there from the centre of Elvas?
Yes, but the climb is long, along a road and without shade. The most common way is by car or taxi.
Does the fort offer guided tours?
Yes, with a tour through the internal corridors, in addition to a self-guided visit. Check the times in advance.
Was the fort ever used as a prison?
Yes. In the 19th and 20th centuries it served as a prison, including for political prisoners, until it was decommissioned in 1989.