Thursday, June 02, 2011

Marvão, Portugal: Medieval Castle Renovation or Destruction?

Photo by Jose Porras
The tiny, walled-in, mountaintop village of Marvão—a medieval gem in Portugal’s Alentejo region—has sweeping views of the countryside (including some of Spain, just 10 miles away), a population of less than 200 people, and a spectacular 13th-century castle. The village is especially incredible for an overnight getaway, as you’ll get the town practically to yourself after sunset, when Lisbon daytrippers have fled.

Better get there quick, though, as it seems much of the flavor of Marvão may be about to slip away. That’s thanks to village officials’ bizarre move to renovate the castle—in ways that appear to have a grave lack of regard for its history.

Click here to read this article from Forbes