Marvão is situated on the highest crest of the Serra de São Mamede, so the view from the Castle does provide some spectacular images. The Marvão Castle walls that embrace the houses inside in a calm and protective way, are from the 13th and 17th century and said to be made from the ruins of the village of Ammaia. Underneath, an impressive cistern provided water to this village

The castle enclosure is surrounded by gardens of cropped bushes, perfumed roses, and geometrical paths from which you may reach the Igreja de Santa Maria, a church that has been transformed into the Municipal Museum.

Also worth mentioning the Renaissance Capela do Espírito Santo and the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Estrela. The latter lies outside the castle walls.

Built in 1321, the Igreja de Santiago and the nearby church Igreja de Santa Maria belonged at the time, to the Order of the Hospitallers of the Priorate of Crato

The Igreja de Santiago, although fairly simple in its gothic design and wood carvings it has some peculiarities worth mentioning in its decoration such as the 17th-century azulejos and the work done with the Estremoz marble

This convent lies outside the castle walls. Very popular festivities are held in the honour of Nossa Senhora da Estrela (Our Lady of the Star), the Patron Saint of Marvão

The Couldelarian Alter do Chão (Stud Farm) was founded in 1748 by D. João V, in order to provide Lusitanian horses for the Royal house. Three hundred Andalusian mares were brought from the finest horse lineages of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, to the Portuguese Court.

The Alter-Real Lusitanian horse is a very docile, elegant and intelligent horse. Its coat is usually brown and its height varies from 1.52 to 1.62 m.

Some of these horses are then selected, trained and taken to the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art where regular shows occur to promote the Portuguese race and maintain the Portuguese tradition of Alta Escola

At the Coudelaria de Alter do Chão you can visit the various stables, see the mares with their foals being released to the courtyard, the coach showroom and the Exhibition Gallery.

By previous arrangement, you may also try horse riding or go on a carriage tour

It is, without doubt, a part of the Portuguese culture that deserves your visit

It is believed that the name Portagem (Toll) comes from the time when the Jews, expelled from Spain by the Catholic Kings, had to cross the bridge that still exists today to enter Portugal,  where they were asked to pay the “toll”

It is a small and picturesque village, on the banks of the Sever river, where you may enjoy the swimming pool or the river beach. You will also find several walking trails, some by Roman ancient routes given the proximity of the Roman Ruins of Ammaia.

Be sure to try the Mil Homens Restaurant for typical local food at good prices and a family atmosphere.

Crato is a municipality rich in history, with a past marked by the megalithic with several Antas scattered throughout the region; by the Roman presence, still visible in villas and monuments; and by the settling of the Order of the Hospitallers whose mission was to service and support the pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. This Order later named the Sovereign and Military Order of Malta had as 1st Prior of Crato D. Álvaro Gonçalves Pereira, who established the headquarters of the Order in the imposing Monastery of Santa Maria de Flor da Rosa and the Palace of the Grand Prior. Of the latter, the only remains are an imposing balcony and a window

Better luck befell the Monastery of Santa Maria da Flor da Rosa, now fully redeem by the architect João Luís Carrilho da Graça, it now serves as a Pousada (Hotel) belonging to the Pousadas de Portugal group, which deserves to be visited, or for the more fortunate, a stay

Photo from Rail Bike Marvão

Cycle for 15 or 32 km on a disused train line between Beirã (Marvão municipality) and Castelo de Vide train station along the beautiful landscape of the Serra de S. Mamede National Park.

More information at

http://www.railbikemarvao.com/

Marvão is a major producer of olive oil, mushrooms and chestnuts.

The Chestnut Fair and the Chestnut Gastronomic Week takes place every november. The star product can be found in just about everything: bread, biscuits, jams, bombons, pastries and even in the local sweet: chestnut kisses (Beijinhos de Castanha).