You might feel a bit like a knight in armor when you approach Elvas, Portugal—the entrance to the walled city is via a medieval drawbridge. Visit the castle and ramparts and see the 15th-century Amoreira Aqueduct, which still conveys water to the city's residents.
Elvas is located 135 mi/215 km east of Lisbon, just a short distance from the Spanish border (hence the extensive fortifications). As well as remains of a ninth-century Islamic wall, there's a medieval castle and the 17th-century fortress. The cathedral is unusually squat but beautiful inside, and there are several other churches and chapels to discover.
The contemporary art museum is housed within the former hospital and some rooms still have their original azulejo panels.
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