Marvao Sunset – Heading to Marvao in Alentejo

We found many other gems when we headed to Marvao for Sunset in Alentejo

We set off from Our winery stayMarvao, a hill town in Alentejo, is the perfect place to watch the sunset.  Our road trip day included many great stops.

We had lunch in Portelegre, a small town.  We were delighted to visit the Convento de São BernardoBeautiful Azulejo Portuguese blue tiles art.  

We continued our road trip by visiting interesting small towns and historical monuments. We also enjoyed the breathtaking views from fortified mountaintop towns.  We reached the castle city of Marvao just in time for us to explore.  We watched the sunset transform into night.

Lunch In Portelgre

We had a day trip planned from Our stay at the winery of Alentejo.  Portalegre was our first stop.  This small town was near the Spanish border on the green slopes of the São Mamede mountains.

We researched lunch options in Portalegre.  When we walked into Sal Alho Restaurant, we were delighted by the local ambience.  We ordered the local meat specials and sat at a small table within the crowded restaurant.  

Portalegre is a classic hill-town.  After eating, we wandered around and found some interesting statues in the town.  

We had one last sight to see in Portalegre, before we drove to Marvao and the sunset in Alentejo.

Exploring The Convento de São Bernardo

We read about the Convento de São BernardoWith its beautiful Azulejo tile art.  Having researched this in advance, we knew the striking monastery was inside the GNR (Portugal’s military police) headquarters that was used as a training school. The site was open for the public.  We were escorted by police to the gated entrance, where we toured the building.

Before we entered, we admired the tile work at the entrance.  Each panel told a story. The large Cloister looked inviting and green.

In the monastery, we found even more walls decorated with blue tile art.  Some were decorative and others told the story of St Bernardo’s life.  We found a tomb of Bishop Jorge de Melo, and an altar.  There were cyrpts scattered on the floor.

We were glad we stopped in Portalegre to see the sights. Convento de São BernardBefore we moved on to Marvao, we stopped at sunset in Alentejo.

The following are some of the ways to get in touch with each other Stop At Menir da Meada

Our second stop was a bit different.  This area in Portugal dates back thousands of years, and we learned the surrounding countryside is dotted with ancient megalithic site.  The ancient megalithic monuments are dotted around the countryside. Parque Megalítico dos CoureleirosThe Megalithic Park of Coureleiros included Dolmens (menhirs), cromleches and cromleches dating back to the late Bronze Age.

We found parking after following the signs that led us through the cork trees.  The Menir da MeadaThere was only one standing stone (or “menhir”).  The largest standing stone on the Iberian Peninsula was 7.15m (24ft) tall.  After visiting one the Stonehenge’s most famous standing stone areasIn England, this was an obvious stop for us.  

Anta do Pombal and Anta do Curral do Galhordas are also nearby.  We were happy to see the Menir da Meada during our road trip from Marvao to Alentejo for sunset.

Wandering In Castelo de Vide

The small town of Castelo de Vide was our next stop.  The whitewashed houses with red roofs sat in the foothills of the Serra de São Mamede.  We saw the castle at the highest point.

We parked near the town square, and then wandered the narrow streets of the town.  We found interesting pieces of art everywhere we looked.  

Near the town center, the Igreja Santa Maria da devesa is a Baroque-style church.  The church has twin bell towers as well as an ornate Baroque-style doorway.  A quick peak inside showed us more decorative design.

The castle was reached after a steady climb.  It is now a National Monument.  The castle had a small museum that was part Military Museum, part Archaeological Museum.  We did not have time to visit the castle museum on this visit as we were moving to Marvao to see the sunset in Alentejo.

Marvao Sunset – Finally Reaching Marvao

We followed the signs to Marvao.  Marvao’s name was derived from a Moorish rebel, Ibn Marwan, who built the first castle on this site.  On top of Sapoio Sierra we were very near the border with Spain.  

From the distance we got our first glimpse of  the castle and the old town on the hill.  With a height of about 8,60m (2,800ft) it was the highest Portuguese town.  Marvao was the only Portuguese fortification that served a strategic function until the 19th Century.

We arrived at the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Estrela as we walked up.  This national monument is named after the patron saint of Marvao, who was considered to be a protector and miracle maker.  This vantage point gave us a view of the rolling landscapes in the Alentejo region, and the castle on a hill.

We were eager to get to Marvao and watch the sunset in Alentejo.

Wandering In Marvao

We found the city gate as we approached the walls of Marvao’s old city.  Only a few streets inside the gate were wide enough for a car.  We were able to successfully navigate that challenge driving Obidos – inside the wallsOn a previous trip to Portugal.  We parked outside of the gate for this trip to Marvao.

We wandered around the cobblestoned roads for a while.  Charming whitewashed homes were decorated with terracotta rooftops and wrought iron balconies.

We made a reservation for dinner at the Veranda do Alentejo. A large patio was located at street level. A higher level had some oblique but not as panoramic views as we had envisioned.  We ate a leisurely dinner and finished before sunset.

We walked up the hill to the castle in Marvao, Alentejo for sunset.

Extensively,The Castle Grounds

We walked towards the castle, stopping first at the former Church of Santa Maria.  The Marvao Museum is now located here.  The church was Gothic in style and had a variety of artifacts, but we didn’t stop to see it.

We got our first view of the castle from this point, over the large gardens.  It was a beautiful medieval sight.  The castle was rebuilt and expanded over the years.  The walls and the towers blended seamlessly into the granite mountainside.

We walked through the castle to get to the main entrance, and we discovered the interesting carving depicting a knight riding a horse.  We found the steps that led us to the walkways by heading to the walls.  We walked along the castle walls in the same way we did during the Obidos, a walled townPortugal.  Cannons were still aimed at walls.

We had a panoramic view of the old town from the top of the walls. The views stretched all the way to Spain.  As the sun set, we headed to Marvao in Alentejo for the perfect sunset spot.

Sunset And Night Sky Views From Marvao

We walked up to the walls near the Marvao Museum.  We saw the sunset colors paint the sky, and the church.  

As the sun began to set, the sky became a sea of colour and the castle darkened against the sky.  As the sun went down, we could see the castle lit in different colours.  We saw the town lights turn on along the cobblestone roads. 

We slowly made our way through the town to our car.  We had one last stop to make before we left Marvao.  We enjoyed the sunset views of Marvao in Alentejo.  The castle was lit from below, but even in complete darkness the view was fascinating.  

Our Road Trip To Marvao For Sunset In Alentejo Was A Real Treat

The following are some of the ways to get in touch with us. Our winery stay in AlentejoEach day, we set out to explore this historical region.  On this day, our road trip included a number of stops as we drove to Marvao in Alentejo for sunset.  

We stopped in Portalegre to have lunch and marvelled at Azulejo Portuguese blue tiles art. Convento de São Bernardo.  The Menir da MeadaThe region is home to many fascinating ancient megalithic monuments. As we drove towards Marvao, the small town of Castelo de Vide provided us with another interesting hill town.  

Marvao was a charming city to visit, with its castle perched on a hill.  It was beautiful in daylight.  Marvao was transformed as the sun went down and darkness fell.  We were so glad that we found this area. Visit to the Alentejo regionPortugal

Did you stop at Marvao to watch the sunset in Alentejo? Did you stop at any other interesting places along the way?

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