Nestled in the heart of Elvas, Portugal, stands the enigmatic Nossa Senhora da Graça Fort, or the Fort of Our Lady of Grace, a true marvel of military architecture.

@LukeHill

Constructed between 1579 and 1592 under the reign of King Philip II of Spain, this captivating star-shaped fortress was brought to life by the brilliant military engineer Francisco de Arruda. Its strategic location near the Spanish border made it a bastion of defense critical to the protection of Elvas.
The fort’s ingenious star design, coupled with its formidable walls and bastions, was meticulously engineered to withstand the onslaught of artillery fire, showcasing the military tactics of its time. Throughout history, the fort has witnessed a series of fierce confrontations, playing a vital role in significant conflicts such as the War of the Spanish Succession and the Peninsular War.
As the tides of time shifted, the fort’s purpose evolved, and by the 20th century, it found itself transformed into a military prison. Eventually decommissioned, it has since been restored, standing proudly as a testament to Portugal's intricate tapestry of history—a silent guardian of stories untold.

#NossaSenhoradaGraça #ElvasFortress #MilitaryArchitecture #PortugueseHistory #WarOfSuccession #HistoricalLandmark

6 months ago

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