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Fernandina Tower Elvas

Introduction

The Fernandina Tower in Elvas was once part of the second city walls during the Muslim period in Portugal. This tower got separated when changes were made to the second wall of the city in the 14th century. Changes were made to this tower during the rule of D. Fernando of Portugal, hence the name Fernandina refers. From the end of the 15th century, this tower served as a jail.
Due to the location of ELvas being close to the Spanish border (15km west of Badajoz), many battles were fought between the two countries to control this city.

A side view of the Fernandina Tower of Elvas - seen from Rua da Cadeia
A side view of the Fernandina Tower of Elvas - seen from Rua da Cadeia
Three iron rods outside the balcony are used to hoist the flags
Three iron rods outside the balcony are used to hoist the flags
A sign at the Rua da Cadeia pointing towards the direction of the tower
A sign at the Rua da Cadeia pointing towards the direction of the tower
A short history of this tower shown on this sign
A short history of this tower shown on this sign
Steps leading to the entrance of the Fernandina Tower - to the left base of the tower can be seen
Steps leading to the entrance of the Fernandina Tower - to the left base of the tower can be seen
Looking at the Rua da Cadeia while climbing the steps beside the Fernandina Tower of Elvas
Looking at the Rua da Cadeia while climbing the steps beside the Fernandina Tower of Elvas
Free standing tower is still impressive looking to this day
Free standing tower is still impressive looking to this day
A closer look at the stones used in the construction of the tower
A closer look at the stones used in the construction of the tower
Approach to the Fernandina Tower Elvas
A banner with tower's name hangs beside the entrance

Rooftop

Inside the tower (on the ground floor), there are displays about the history of Elvas. Then a spiral staircase leads to the upper parts of the tower. At the top, a small tower like structure covers the area where the stairs are. From the roof of Fernandina Tower, one can have wonderful views of the city. Old town of Elvas is compact and small in size and from the top of this tower most of the monuments can be made out. 
Coming down from the top of the tower isn’t an easy task, one of the problems is the low ceiling of the stairs. Stairs are winding, very narrow and poorly lit but visit to the top is well worth the difficulty.

A window above the entrance of Fernandina Tower Elvas
A window above the entrance of Fernandina Tower Elvas
Entry door of the Fernandina Tower
Ground floor of this tower displays information about the history of Elvas
Ground floor of this tower displays information about the history of Elvas
A staircase leads to the upper parts of the tower
A staircase leads to the upper parts of the tower
Roof of the Fernandina Tower is protected with tiles
Roof of the Fernandina Tower is protected with tiles
Another defensive tower can be seen in this photo
Another defensive tower can be seen in this photo
Old town of Elvas - seen from the top of the tower
Old town of Elvas - seen from the top of the tower
Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça can be seen in the background
Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça can be seen in the background
Looking downwards at the Largo da Misericórdia
Rua da Cadeia is beside the tower and this street is full with shops and restaurants
Rua da Cadeia is beside the tower and it has many shops and restaurants
A view of Rua da Cadeia from the edges of the Fernandina Tower of Elvas
A view of Rua da Cadeia from the edges of the Fernandina Tower of Elvas
Low headroom of the tower at the stairs
Low headroom of the tower at the stairs
These stairs are winding, very narrow and poorly lit
These stairs are winding, very narrow and poorly lit