VISIT CASTELO DE VIDE
Visit the stunning town of Castelo de Vide, its white houses standing out against a green landscape.
The castle at Castelo de Vide is not the only attraction this town has to offer. It's famous for its original medieval architecture too. You'll discover doors and windows with features over five hundred years' old, and ancient chimneys rising up into sky. Whilst round every corner you'll catch a glimpse of the ancient castle.
From the top of the castle with Castelo de Vide below, you'll see one of the most magnificent panoramas in the province of Alentejo. You can see Spain in the distance and the "eagle's nest" of Marvão rising out of the landscape.
Take a stroll through one of Portugal's best-kept Jewish quarters and discover its medieval monuments.You'll find Jewish influence in the street names too, such as Rua das Espinosas - named after the 17th Century philosopher Spinoza, son of a local resident. On the granite gateways you'll see signs of Hebrew worship over generations, and can visit the town's ancient synagogue.
The wealth of mineral waters in the region originate from springs along your route. Sit down in the shade of a roof supported by renaissance columns and sample water from the Fonte da Vila. In Castelo de Vide you can also drink water from the romantic Fonte da Mealhada. It's said that those who drink from this fountain will come back here to get married.
VISIT MARVÃO
Visit the town of Marvão and see one of the tallest castles in Portugal.
Climbing up through the trees in the São Mamede mountains, the huge walls of Marvão Castle come into view.Before reaching the castle you’ll see the small Gothic convent of Nossa Senhora da Estrela and a marble pillory. Continuing to climb, more of this historic town can be seen: its small, winding streets, houses with Gothic style windows and elegant wrought iron verandas. You’ll see Renaissance doorways, such as those on the Church of the Holy Spirit, and Gothic style doorways built in granite, such as those of the Church of Santiago.
The Town Hall is decorated with the shields and armillary spheres of King Manuel I.In town, the Church of Santa Maria has been converted into a museum.
Here you’ll see a variety of archaeological finds, all of which help us understand the history of the region, its natural wealth and people.Finally, when reaching the castle, you’re rewarded with a spectacular view.This splendid location has another significance in the history of Portugal. The almost inaccessible rocks made this fortress “the most invincible in the entire Kingdom.”
Since the time of its conquest in 1116 by King Afonso II up to the Wars of Independence between Spain and Portugal in the 17th Century, this castle was continually adapted to new techniques of war. Today it is a place of peace and beauty.
