What is forte de graca?

Forte de Graça, also known as Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Graça, is a fortress located in the city of Elvas, Portugal. The fortress was built in the 18th century with the purpose of defending the border with Spain and protecting the city.

Forte de Graça has a pentagonal shape and is surrounded by a moat. It has four bastions and a central court that houses the chapel of Our Lady of Grace. The fort also has a large underground cistern that could hold up to 11 million liters of water.

During the Napoleonic Wars, Forte de Graça was occupied by French troops and saw heavy fighting. In 1801, a British force led by Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Hardy captured the fort from the French, but it was later recaptured by the French in 1807.

Today, Forte de Graça is a popular tourist attraction, known for its impressive architecture and historical significance. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the other fortifications of Elvas.