Portugal 2013 2,5€ Elvas Fortifications

The Elvas Fortifications were classified as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in June 2012.

The group of fortifications at Elvas, the foundation of which dates back to the reign of Sancho II of Portugal, is the largest land-based star fort in the world, with a perimeter of between 8 and 10 km in an area of 300 ha. The classified complex includes all of the city’s fortifications, along with the two forts — Santa Luzia from the 17th century and Graça from the 18th century, three smaller forts from the 19th century, three medieval walls and a 17th century wall, and the Amoreira Aqueduct.

The obverse of the coin, designed by Nuno Caetano, shows the monument of the Graça Fort, surrounded by the walls of the fortifications, the Portuguese coat of arms, the words «REPÚBLICA PORTUGUESA» (Portuguese Republic) and its face value; on the reverse can be seen a map of the group of fortifications, along with the UNESCO designation and the «World Heritage» logo. On the top of the rim is the legend «FORTIFICAÇÕES DE ELVAS» (Elvas fortifications) and the year 2013 is at the bottom.