Marvão

Marvão is built on a hill, more than 800 meters high, in the perfumed Serra de São Mamede mountains. From the top, one can see the pastoral valley of Aramenha and the green and ochre coloured moors. Its foundation is pre Roman but it really developed under Moorish domination. The Moorish chief was Marvam. It was conquered by King Afonso Henriques in 1166. King Dinis built the elegant castle and King João IV built the extensive walls that crown the hill. The houses are white washed with Gothic stone work, precious wrought iron verandas and flowering window boxes.

It was the scene of many battles. It sided with the Master of Avis during the dynastic crisis of 1383-85. During the War of Restoration it fought with Valência de Alcântara for 20 years. It suffered the French invasions and the Liberal Wars of Patuleia. Marvão deserves its peace and beauty.