Marvao Attractions 
The little market town of Marvao, the Roman Herminio Minor, lies near the Spanish frontier on a steep sided hill in the Serra de Sao Mamede. Its great attractions are its unspoiled medieval atmosphere and its castle, with a commanding view from above the town.
This strategically situated little town was strongly fortified by King Dinis in the 13th century. In 1833, during the Miguelist wars, it played an important part as stronghold of the Liberals.
Townscape
The town is still completely surrounded by its medieval walls. The steep and narrow streets are paved with stone slabs, spanned by flying buttresses and lined with flower decked houses, many of them with fine 17th century wrought iron window grille, including one that has been turned into a pousada. It is advisable to leave cars outside the walls and to walk up through the maze of alleyways to the castle.
This strategically situated little town was strongly fortified by King Dinis in the 13th century. In 1833, during the Miguelist wars, it played an important part as stronghold of the Liberals.
Townscape
The town is still completely surrounded by its medieval walls. The steep and narrow streets are paved with stone slabs, spanned by flying buttresses and lined with flower decked houses, many of them with fine 17th century wrought iron window grille, including one that has been turned into a pousada. It is advisable to leave cars outside the walls and to walk up through the maze of alleyways to the castle.
Castelo
Above Marvao stands the castle (Castelo), built in the 13th century and enlarged in the 15th and 17th centuries. From the keep, enclosed within several rings of walls, there are panoramic views, extending northward to Castelo Branco and the Serra da Estrela, southward and westward to the Serra de Sao Mamede and eastward to Spain.
Castelo de Vide
A visit to Marvao can easily be combined with one to the equally interesting Castelo de Vide, 12km/7.5mi northwest, and Portalegre, 12km/7.5mi southwest.
Castelo de Vide, a hill-top village and spa town, attracts less visitors than neighboring Marvao but maintains a more traditional atmosphere.
Castelo de Vide, a hill-top village and spa town, attracts less visitors than neighboring Marvao but maintains a more traditional atmosphere.
Convento de Nossa Senhora da Estrela
Outside the town is the former Convento de Nossa Senhora da Estrela (originally 15th C.), now a hospital. The church has a fine Gothic door way.
