With origins probably dating from the Lusitanian Castro previous to the Roman conquest, the Marvão castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Portugal not only because the state of preservation but also by the magnificent landscapes seen from it. It is located in a single mountain with 850 meters surrounded by small hills.

Getting the name from the 9th century Arab conqueror Ibn Marwan, this village and castle was re-conquered to Christian possessions in 1160 by D. Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal. Being the castle located in the frontier line between the new born Portuguese kingdom and the enemies of Spain and the Arabs, soon it became a very valuable strategic point.

With several enhancements along time, it is thought that the current castle is dated from 13th /14th century due to some clear Gothic characteristics like a complex three-stage entrance with three doors and several towers. There’s also a cistern which is considered to be the largest in Europe. Due to the wars of the Independence Restoration in the 17th century, the castle was enhanced to cope with the artillery threat being added star-shaped walls.

This castle was considered for several centuries as the most unconquerable of the kingdom as it was totally inaccessible except for one side, and the height it was build allowed for the troops to monitor threats from large distances and prepare for battle.