About Marvão

Marvão is a municipality in Portugal. It is located in the District of Portalegre. The population in 2011 was 3,396, in an area of ​​212.33 km². The municipality is composed of 11 civil parishes. The municipality is located in the northeast corner of the district of Portalegre, bordering Spain. It is 38 kilometers from the district capital (Portalegre) and 216 kilometers from Lisbon. Marvão is situated atop a granite hill at an altitude of 813 meters. The highest point of the municipality is the hill of São Mamede, at an altitude of 1,018 meters. From the top of this hill, on a clear day, it is possible to see seven Portuguese counties: Portalegre, Castelo Branco, Guarda, Vila Real, Bragança, Viseu, and Coimbra. The municipality is served by the A25 motorway, which connects Lisbon to Porto. The nearest airport is in Porto, about 160 kilometers away. Marvão has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Historically, Marvão was an important border town between Portugal and Spain. Its strategic location atop a hill made it ideal for defense. The municipality has a number of well-preserved castles and other fortifications. The economy of Marvão is based mainly on agriculture and tourism. The municipality is known for its cured meats, cheeses, and wines. It is also a popular destination for hiking and birdwatching.