The town of Marvão, named for Queen Maria II, is located in the district of Portalegre, in the Alto Alentejo. Between the town of Castelo de Vide and the city of Portalegre, Marvão dominates the mountain landscape from its highest point. With an extraordinary view over the area surrounding Marvão, making it unforgettable and inexhaustible.
At the top of the Serra do Sapoio, in the heart of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, one of the main access points in Portugal, Marvão Castle has a dominant and strategic position on the border line and its surroundings.
Marvão was conquered by King Afonso Henriques, and in 1190 it was once again reconquered by the Moors. Later, King Dinis took possession of the Castle of Marvão, which eventually gained great importance in the wars against the Spanish troops.
Marvão Castle’s walls are reinforced by towers, which are distributed along three defensive lines, the inner line with two towers and a cubicle, dominated by the Keep.
The town of Marvão is difficult to reach, as it is located high up in the Serra de S. Mamede. A great advantage in the past, it served as natural protection against enemies.
Marvão Castle was the only Portuguese fortification with a strategic purpose until the 19th century. Great battles and political struggles were fought and won, making the town a center for defending its opponents over the centuries.
