I arrived in Elvas and checked into my hotel – the beautiful Hotel São João de Deus by far the most luxurious of my accommodations during my trip.  The hotel has served as a military hospital and is built right into the city’s fortification walls.  I found a promotional video for it which does a much better job describing it than I could with words.

After checking in, I started my exploration.  One of the first things I saw was a flea market that was about to wrap up.  There were some very interesting items for sale – some would call them antiques!

I continued to walk and explore the old town, walking along the amazing fortification walls that date back to the 17th century, the old aqueduct (Aqueduto da Amoreira) that was started in 1498 and finished in 1622, the castle (unfortunately closed) which dates back to before 1226 when it was rebuilt for Sacho II, and did a bit of shopping back in the new part of the city.

Elvas, PortugalElvas, PortugalThe shopping was to replenish my Portuguese wine.  I bought a couple of bottles to enjoy along the trip.  The most expensive one was about $4.00 – and it was really good.  I enjoyed a glass (or two – who’s counting, I’m on vacation) and headed out to dinner.

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I walked over to Restaurante O Lagar where I enjoyed a dinner consisting of Iberian sausage appetizer followed by pork Alentejo style (cooked with clams) with a side of fries (no, I didn’t finish it). Dessert was a local style cake with plums (cericaia con ameixa) and the waiter brought me a complementary glass of Port (said it would be better that way).  Who was I to argue with him?

I was tired from the long day, just went back to my hotel, and got some much needed rest.