Marvao

Marvao - Simply breathtaking...

Marvao is located in the Portalegre district in the Alto Alentejo region with a population of around 3,700. Today, it's a mountaintop town on the highest crest of the Serra de Sao Mamede encircled by castle walls.

Its medieval castle rising from the rock, dates back to the 9th Century. It has walled what was once a village, for centuries and is bordered by the Sever River. The castle was used as a watchtower looking out over the Alcantara Bridge (70 kilometres away) and was dominated by many tribes and cultures
serving many battles as a point of defence, during the first five centuries.

The village was originally named Ammaia but later renamed Marvao. The name Marvao derived from the Moorish Warrior, Ibn Marwan (who has a statue in Badajoz). He and his descendents used the fortress fighting for an independent state against the Monarch of Cordoba. The village was later captured by Afonso I (the first Portuguese King) in the 1160s and recaptured by Muslim control. Eventually, the Christians conquered the land and the village status was raised from village to a town in 1266.

The drive through Marvao is, however, for the bravehearted as the lanes are
very steep with narrow slopes. But its uniqueness is awe-inspiring and has
been listed in the book '1000 places to visit before you die'.

The Roman Ruins of Ammaia, located in the heart of the Nature Park are also
well worth a visit. It is an excavated site where Roman temples and houses
once stood. The park was founded in 1989 and is situated on the outskirts
of Marvao.

About 4 kilometres from the Ammaia ruins you'll come across the Ponte Velha (the Old Bridge). Located in the Portagem settlement, situated on the margin of the River Sever and by the EN359 motorway. Take a stroll across this pretty Roman ruin, it's just divine. It is believed that the bridge collapsed in 1982 but has been reconstructed on the original ruins.

Marvao is also known for its Chestnut Festival in November each year and for
having Europe's largest colony of bats.

Marvao lies on the border of Portugal and Spain (10 miles from Spain), with the most spectacular views of the sweeping countryside, as far as the eye can see. Views reaching as far as Serra da Estrela (based in North Portugal) and across the River Tagus. You can also see the Castelo de Vide in the distance.

Marvao's main industries over the centuries have been agriculture, but mainly
the production of olive oil, wine, figs, cork, oak, cattle and horse-breeding,
pottery and the mining of rock crystal and quartz. Tourism is now its main industry which has increased over recent years, mainly from one day trips.

With its 360 degree panoramic views, cobbled streets and typical Alentego white washed houses, gothic arches and wrought iron balconies, Marvao is an absolute gem.

Listed are some superb places to visit: The Church of Santa Maria, Espirito Santo Chapel. The Convent of Nossa Senhora de Estrela from the 13th Century and many fortified gates from the 17th Century. At the entrance to the castle a huge water cistern supplying water to the village is also still in existence today.