The best things to see and do in Marvao, the most beautiful town in the Alentejo

Its about most beautiful town in Portugall?

Of course I can't say it, but I can tell you that marvao It is a beautiful town whose visit is well justified travel to Alentejo en Portugal.

One of the characteristics of said Portuguese region that extends to the south of the tagus river is the accumulation of historic towns with castles, As is the case marvao.

And as I have been able to verify in my recent trip to AlentejoThere are other interesting towns too, Vide Castle, Alter do Chao o Evora Monte.

Where is Marvao

The beautiful enclave of Marvao is found at northern Alentejo, at the foot of the Sierra Sao Mamede and right on the border with Spain, near Valencia de Alcantara, not far from the cities of Caceres.

This has not been the first time I have visited marvao, which, surely, is the most beautiful town in this region.

What's more, being aware of its attractiveness, on a car trip I took to Lisbon during a eastern I decided to make the return route passing through said town.

I was not lucky with the weather, as I arrived at marvao a somewhat rainy day, very windy and quite cold.

The town was almost empty of visitors, but despite the bad weather, I was really surprised by its spectacular location, its castle and the charm that its streets contain.

On my most recent visit, this time with very good weather, I have been able to confirm this charm and, without a doubt, it leads me to place marvao between the most beautiful towns in Portugal…and Europe.

As you approach Marvao, from afar you will see the silhouette of the walled town and its castle on top of a hill.

Curiosities of the history of Marvao

La Marvao history It dates back to pre-Roman times.

In this regard I remind you that the Alentejo It is a region where dolmens and other megalithic monuments abound.

In Roman times, under the name of Ammaia, was a very important enclave, since it is estimated that it had about 6.000 inhabitants, much more than its very small current population.

Later, the period of Muslim occupation stands out during which Marvao was under the rule of the taifa from Badajoz.

After his conquest by Alfonso I in 1160, shortly after Marvao joined the kingdom of portugal and was transferred to the Knights Hospitaller, who expanded the castle making it a feature medieval fortification.

What to see and do when visiting Marvao

When you arrive in Marvao, you must leave the car outside the wall; You will find a place on an esplanade next to the Convent of Our Lady of Estrela, whose origin dates back to the 15th century.

After going through the door that opens in the Marvao wall, you will soon discover that it is a town of corners.

On your walk through the interior, going up towards the castle along a narrow street between houses with bright white facades, you will discover small corners, while enjoying great panoramic views of the surroundings.

When you approach the castle you must pass through the gardens of Santa Maria next to the church of the same name.

You will verify that the castle It is a large fortification with a large central courtyard and another interior fortification where the typical tower of tribute.

I advise you to walk the walls, as you will have the opportunity to see spectacular panoramic views of the Alentejo and of the adjoining Cáceres province, as well as the people of marvao.

It is time to calmly enjoy this impressive enclave, and confirm how much your visit was worth it.

Medieval fair in Marvao

Furthermore, my visit coincided with the celebration of a event in Marvao a medieval fair, but the most important cultural event that takes place in said border town is a classical music festival that takes place in the summer.

Classical Music Festival in Marvao

This is the International Classical Music Festival that takes place every year at the end of July.

The concerts are held in different corners of Marvao, such as churches and cultural centers, with the main auditorium located in the central courtyard of the castle.

In addition, this festival usually also takes place in the nearby Spanish town of Valencia de Alcantara, specifically in its Rocamador Cathedral.

Here you can check the Marvao Classical Music Festival program.

Photos of Marvao

In advance of your highly recommended visit, here is more photos of Marvao, in the Alentejo.

Map: how to get to Marvao

marvao It is located 117 kilometers away and hour and a half west of the city of Cáceres, passing through Valencia de Alcántara.