Castelo de Vide and Marvão
- Catarina Araújo
- Mar 24
- 10 min read
In this article, we talk about two jewels of Alto Alentejo, Castelo de Vide and Marvão, which are located in the heart of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, the most important mountain range in Alentejo.
The Natural Park, as it is located in a border area with different climatic influences, Mediterranean to the south and Atlantic to the north, is home to different types of habitat. On the northern slopes, oak and chestnut trees predominate, and cherry, hazel and walnut trees are also cultivated. On the southern slopes, cork oak forests and dryland crops such as olive groves and vineyards are predominant.
Its history is marked by wars with the kingdom of Castile, as a result of its border position. For this reason there was a need to build fortified spaces, and today it is possible to visit the castles of Marvão, Castelo de Vide, Portalegre and Alegrete.
On the weekend of November 14-16, 2025, we invite you to join us for our event where we will be hiking some of these trails and celebrating our 10th anniversary.
Weekend in Castelo de Vide + 10th Anniversary
From November 14, 2025 at 7:00 pm to November 16 at
4:00 pm - Castelo de Vide
Castelo de Vide, the Sintra of Alentejo
History
Nicknamed the Sintra of Alentejo by King Pedro V when he visited this land in 1861, the history of Castelo de Vide dates back to Roman times, when it was a transit point between Mérida and the western part of the peninsula.
It was during the medieval period that the town expanded, due to its important castle. The medieval town was surrounded by a set of walls.
In the 14th century, the burgh expanded into the area outside the walls and the suburb on the southern slope began to develop, mainly due to the various churches and the water source.
The Jews of Castile and Aragon found refuge here from their persecution, and settled here, contributing to the development of the town.
What to visit
Castle
The castle is a testament to the various battles that took place in this village. Construction work began in the 13th century, during the reign of King Dinis, but was only completed in the 14th century during the reign of his son, Afonso IV. It was at this time that Vide became Castelo de Vide.
Within the walls is the old town and the castle on the south side, with a parade ground delimited by walls and turrets and a Keep. The entrance to the castle leads to a tunnel that ends in the courtyard.
The materials used are stone (quartzite and granite), brick, lime mortar and earth.
The Portas da Vila (village gates) are misaligned and are located to the southwest, with access to Rua Direita which, in turn, crosses the old town to the Portas de São Pedro, on the opposite side.
Jewry
The Jewish quarter of Castelo de Vide is located next to the old medieval center, in a fascinating set of narrow, cobbled streets.
Having been expelled from Spain in 1492 by the Catholic kings, many Jewish families sought refuge on this side of the border, dedicating themselves mainly to mercantile and manufacturing activities. The Jewish community of Castelo de Vide was the birthplace of some notable personalities such as the doctor and botanist Garcia de Orta.
The Jewish quarter preserves several elements from that period, such as a large number of ogival-shaped doors (there are 63 in total). Some are even decorated with professional symbols.
After a stroll through the winding, steep streets, looking for signs of worship and Jewish faith engraved in the granite of the doors, we suggest a visit to the Synagogue, the community's meeting place. In the Synagogue Museum we can find the story of the Jews of Castelo de Vide.
Jewish quarters in Portugal emerged through royal decrees requiring Jews to live in their own neighborhoods. Later, there was no longer freedom of worship of religion in Portugal.
House of the Inquisition (Casa da Inquisição)
An interpretation center about the Inquisition was installed in Casa do Morgado, an 18th century house in Castelo de Vide. Through augmented reality, the visitor is led through an inquisitorial process of the "Holy Office of the Inquisition", an institution created by the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages, with the aim of maintaining the purity of the Christian faith, combating heresies and the dissemination of ideas considered contrary to the official doctrine of the Church. This exhibition recalls the trial of the new Christian Guiomar Mendes, who was arrested and condemned by the Inquisition in an act of faith.
Because it had such an important Jewish community, Castelo de Vide had a strong inquisitorial presence, through the figure of the “Visitor”. It is estimated that in Portugal, 1175 people were burned alive and more than 30,000 were imprisoned or tortured.
Fountains
Castelo de Vide has a large number of fountains that demonstrate the wealth of water resources in this land. The PR5 Percurso das Fontes da Vila route runs along the village, allowing you to discover some of its corners, with a fountain theme.
The Fonte da Vila stands out for its entire architectural complex, having been classified as a Property of Public Interest.
Marvão, the “impregnable village”
History
The village of Marvão is located on the largest and highest quartzite ridge south of the Tagus. The use of the Marvão rocks as strategic points has been used since very ancient times.
The name “Marvão“ has Arabic origins, it comes from the name Ibn Maurán, who revolted against the Emir of Córdoba and built the Castle here.
During the reconquest period, the castle passed into the hands of D. Afonso Henriques, having maintained its importance throughout the centuries, due to its role in defending Portugal's independence, both in the Restoration War and during the French Invasions.
The settlement of the locality began in the 15th century. The entire village, where the cobbled streets and various elements of traditional architecture stand out, is limited and protected by walls.
“From Marvão you can see the whole Earth.”
José Saramago, in Viagens a Portugal, 1961
The view from the walls of Marvão is superb, reaching the Tagus valley to the Serra da Estrela. Climbing the hills of Marvão to the Castle at the end of the day and watching the sunset is an unforgettable experience.
What to visit
Castle
The castle stands on top of a cliff, 843m above sea level, on the summit of Serra do Sapoio. You can walk along the wall corridor and visit the Keep, the highest tower of the castle. The entrance to the tower is via a wooden bridge, which could once be raised to isolate the tower. To reach the top, the climb is demanding, but the view is worth the effort. Furthermore, it is an amazing place to observe large birds of prey, such as griffon vultures. In this place we are higher than the flight of the birds, as you hear the locals say “in Marvão the birds fly backwards”. The rock thrush is also frequently seen in these rocky areas.
At the highest part of the wall, and facing the steepest area, are the betrayal gates, which allowed the evacuation of the castle in siege situations.
In the Castle you can visit one of the largest Portuguese cisterns, approximately 10m high and 46m long. As there was no water available at the top of the Marvão ridge, rainwater was collected and stored in the cistern, which allowed water to be stored for 6 months. This was essential for them to be able to withstand longer sieges.
Ammaia Roman City and Museum
The ruins of the Roman city of Ammaia are well worth a visit. Founded in the late 1st century BC, Ammaia survived as an urban center for around six centuries.
It is one of the few cities from the Roman Empire that remains in good condition, representing a significant example of Roman civilization.
In addition to a museum, visitors can explore several ruins, including the Forum, a Thermal Complex, a Temple, a Theatre, and part of the urban layout.
Portagem River Beach
In Portagem, we can enjoy the clear waters of the Sever River, a tributary of the Tagus River, in the river pool complex built there. The tree-lined banks provide a very pleasant coolness on summer days.
Next to the river beach of the Sever River, housed in an old watermill, is the Moinho da Cova Cultural and Environmental Interpretation Center. In addition to a permanent exhibition on the milling process, we also find a shop here where you can buy local products such as apples, chestnuts and mushrooms from Serra de São Mamede.
16th-century Bridge and Torre de Portagem (Toll Tower)
Also in Portagem, crossing the Sever River we find the 16th century bridge and Portagem tower, where passage was controlled and a toll was charged, hence the name of the town.
Escusa lime kilns
In the town of Escusa there is a monumental set of nine lime kilns that possibly date back to the Roman period.
Chestnut Forest
The northern slope of Marvão is covered by a majestic forest of centuries-old chestnut trees, creating a unique and verdant environment characteristic of this region. The chestnut trees in this region are of great local economic importance, and their wood is highly valued in the artisanal production of basketry and in the manufacture of furniture.
In Portugal, chestnuts played a fundamental role in the population's diet until the 17th century, being a basic and versatile food that sustained generations. With the introduction of corn from the Americas and later potatoes, chestnuts gradually lost their central position in the Portuguese diet.
The Marvão chestnut stands out for its exceptional quality, being recognized with the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), a distinction that encompasses three traditional local varieties, each with its own characteristics and adapted to the region's unique microclimate.
There are two main types of chestnut groves in the region: the soutos, which are forests of cultivated sweet chestnuts (Castanea sativa) grown for high-quality chestnut production, and the castinçais, which consist of wild chestnut trees traditionally used for wood production and basketry rods.
To walk
Here are some suggestions for hiking trails that you can take to get to know the region better:
GR41 - Great Route of Castelo de Vide
This is a Grand Route, around Castelo de Vide, ideal for those who enjoy long-distance walks and like to “savour” the region at a slow pace, experiencing nature in a deeper way.
Length: 61 km
Duration: 3 days
Difficulty: very difficult
PR1 PTG - Senhora da Lapa Trail
This route starts from the village of Besteiros, going up to the chapel of N. Sra. da Lapa, which is almost in Spain. A small colony of griffon vultures lives on the quartzite cliffs.
Length: 10 km
Duration: 4h
Difficulty: difficult
PR1 Marvão - Marvão Route
Length: 8.2 km
Duration: 4h
Difficulty: medium
Start: Largo das Almas, Portagem
PR3 CVD-MRV Castelo de Vide - Marvão
The route follows a historic connection between two strategic points: Castelo de Vide and Marvão. A centuries-old crossing whose path, in some parts, consists of a medieval road, which crosses black oak forests of high ecological value.
The last 3km are a challenge, always uphill, through the chestnut groves that give rise to the Chestnut of Marvão. The route ends at Porta de Rodão, in Marvão, at an altitude of over 800m.
Medieval sidewalk
This sidewalk was the path that connected Castelo de Vide and Portalegre. It was built with granite stones from the region. The star lock prevents floor degradation. It is possible that the sidewalk was laid on an older Roman road.
Length: 9.4 km
Duration: 3h30m
Difficulty: difficult
PR3 PTG Alegrete
This route starts in Alegrete and crosses the highest points of the mountain range, where the Pico de São Mamede (1025m) stands out.
Length: 10.7 km
Duration: 4h
Difficulty: difficult
PR5 MRV Percurso dos Olhos d'Água (Water Eyes Route)
The route follows the banks of the River Sever, passing the 16th century bridge and the Portagem tower (medieval). It passes through the Roman city of Ammaia and the village of São Salvador de Aramenha. Continue towards the village of Escusa, in a stretch of rare natural beauty. It then passes through the Ponte da Ribeira das Trutas (1st century of the Roman period) before ending next to the River Sever.
Ash Tree Road or Tunnel of Trees
It is said to be “The most beautiful road in Alentejo” and is located on the national road between Castelo de Vide and Marvão. The centuries-old ash trees painted with white lime form a tree tunnel with a very attractive visual effect. The marks serve as signaling, having a reflective effect.
Length: 9.8 km
Duration: 3h
Difficulty: easy
On the weekend of November 14-16, 2025, we invite you to join us for our event where we will be hiking some of these trails and celebrating our 10th anniversary.
Weekend in Castelo de Vide + 10th Anniversary
From November 14, 2025 at 7:00 pm to November 16 at
4:00 pm - Castelo de Vide
Gastronomy
The typical cuisine of Castelo de Vide and Marvão reflects the Alentejo tradition, known for its simplicity and intense flavors, using local and fresh products.
These are some typical dishes that you can taste when visiting Castelo de Vide and Marvão:
Sarapatel
Lamb or Goat Stew
“Sopa Gata” (Cat Soup)
Alhada de Cação (small shark prepared with garlic)
Cação Soup
Migas with Pork Ribs
Chibo de Cachafrito (fried goat)
In terms of confectionery, there are several typical delicacies from this region:
Boleima de Maçã
Bolo Finto
Pão de Rala com Castanhas
Pastel de Castanha
Tarte Aramenha
When to visit
The Serra de São Mamede has a climate very distinct from the rest of Alentejo, with strong Atlantic influences and high levels of precipitation. The temperature is also not as high as in the rest of Alentejo.
Spring is a great time to visit and admire the explosion of colors of the flowers. Bring your camera and look for the wild roses, the wild carnations and the dew-pine herb, a curious carnivorous plant.
Summer is a good time to visit the towns and villages, enjoy the gastronomy, wines and take refreshing baths in the Sever river pools. In June, in Castelo de Vide, the Lavender and Other Aromatic Plants Festival takes place.
In autumn, the mountains are painted in golden tones and it is an excellent time for walking. Don't miss: Marvão Chestnut Fair. It is also time for pilgrimages and to climb up to N. Sra. da Penha to enjoy the landscape.
In winter, we suggest you climb to the highest point of the Serra de São Mamede, Pico de São Mamede (1025m) and enjoy the view of the peaks of the Serra da Estrela and Spanish Extremadura.
In conclusion, all seasons of the year are good for a visit to Serra de São Mamede, and the towns of Castelo de Vide and Marvão. We hope that this article has somehow sparked your interest in exploring this region. Share your feedback in the comments.
On the weekend of November 14-16, 2025, we invite you to join us for our event where we will be hiking some of these trails and celebrating our 10th anniversary.
Weekend in Castelo de Vide + 10th Anniversary
From November 14, 2025 at 7:00 pm to November 16 at
4:00 pm - Castelo de Vide
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