picture perfect

Marvão, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

A picture perfect house in a picture perfect setting...

a life full of experiences

Marvão, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

As I was leaning my back up against a wall with my foot kicked back and supporting the rest of my weight on one leg, this man stopped, raised his head, looked at me and said with a cute grin "Are you holding up the wall because you're afraid it is going to fall down?".  I hope I have this man's sense of humor when I reach his age!  He put a smile on my face.

medieval castles

Marvão, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

You can spend hours and hours gazing in the distance from this incredible 11th-13th century castle and really only hear the breeze whispering by you.

I can see for miles and miles...

Marvão, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

On a clear day, you really can see for miles and miles...

beautiful homes high up

Marvão, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Another town built high up in the São Mamede mountain range and neighboring Castelo de Vide just under 10 kilometers away is this one, Marvão!  Don't miss it as it is full of beautiful white-washed homes with a lot of charm and spectacular views built inside a fortified village with a castle from the 11-13th centuries.  The Nobel prize-winning Portuguese writer, José Saramago, wrote "From Marvão one can see the entire country".  The town's name comes from an 8th century Muslim duke by the name of Ibn Marwan who controlled the area in the 8th century.

I agree with the New York Times bestseller book "1000 Places to See Before you Die" when they say this is one of a thousand places you must see before you die!