PR3 CVD-MRV Castelo de Vide - Marvão

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This is a historical connection between two strategic points, Castelo de Vide and Marvão. A centuries-old path through a landscape of rural and natural features, along old walled pathways with some stretches still having medieval stone-paved roadways. The path is marked by the presence of numerous small farms dominated by olive growing and extensive grazing, where the occasional sound of a sheep’s bell denounces the presence of these friendly ruminants. We point out the important representation of the Pyrenean oak, which in this region forms little woods of high ecological value. Along these rural roads we will find some constructions characteristic of bygone times, such as ancient fountains, hovels, churches, and a grave excavated in rock, etc. The last 3km, always climbing, represent a challenge to our strength, attenuated by the surrounding landscape disappearing out of sight on the horizon, and the magnificent and well-preserved medieval road that runs through the famous chestnut groves that produce the Marvão Chestnut. At over 800m of altitude we reach the end of the path, opposite the Gate of Ródão, the village gate. NATURE: woods of Pyrenean oak with a great diversity of flora in its undergrowth, which attract numerous species of butterflies and birds. Special notice goes to the chestnut tree forest along the slope of Marvão and the geological formation where the village is set. HERITAGE: historic boroughs of Castelo de Vide and Marvão. HANDICRAFT: embroideries; talegos (bags embroidered with linen); art of working wrought iron, wood, cork and horn (miniatures); tiles; and weaving. GASTRONOMY: sarapatel; cachafrito; molhinhos in tomato sauce; alhada of dogfish; liver, Castelo de Vide style; pezinhos of coriander; and sausages. Sweets (boleima, broas of honey, enxovalhada – an Easter tradition - and cottage cheese cheesecake).