Jo’s Monday walk : Magnificent Marvão

Dawn breaks over the castle at Marvão, serene and beautiful.  I had been niggling for a little while.  ‘Can we have a few days away?’ before company arrives and the summer hots up.  How lucky was I?  A virus was nibbling away at all our lives.  The situation was to take a turn for the worse in my absence.  But I was granted a reprieve.  Pure escapism!  To the border country, on the heights of the Alentejo, here in Portugal.

It was a little drab on our arrival, cloud pressing down on our heads, but undeterred we took to the walls.  Finding them full of rich promise.

As evening settled around us, slowly, a break in the clouds, and the last of the sun’s warmth painted the sky.  Coral tones, delighting my heart.

I could hardly wait to see what the next day would bring!  The world floated beneath me, the natural park of the Serra de Sáo Mamede.  Ahead the proud and mighty castle, never yet conquered, with its petticoat of gardens, and a fountain playing gently in the dusk.  Nearby the Igreja Santiago seemed still to be open.  Timidly I poked my head inside, to be greeted with a welcoming smile.

Gratefully we returned to the hotel for supper.  Although the forecast for the next day was good, I wasn’t overly confident, but it dawned with clouds high and puffy in a beautiful blue sky.  I would be able to see Marvão at its glorious best.

Much of the village is in pristine condition, but here and there a door or window caught my eye.  A candidate for a little affection.

Personality and gentle humour seem to characterise Marvão, but nothing overshadows the castle, looking down on the village from its granite crag.

The cisterna is remarkable for its size, 10 metres by 46.  It was built to gather sufficient rainwater to last 6 months, in case of siege.  There is no other natural source on the peak of the mountain, almost 900 metres above sea level.

Just beyond the castle, the former Igreja da Santa Maria is now a very beautiful museum.

We had much to see in the valley below, but later that evening we returned to Marvão for supper, to find the castle floodlit.

The photo quality is poor, but I know you always appreciate cake.  You may have realised that I was completely smitten with Marvão.  We were leaving the next day and, desperate for one last look, I crept out of the hotel at dawn, entranced by the mists floating in the valley.

I had not intended to return to blogging so soon, but much is happening in our world, and for me you are all a part of that.  On our return, Portugal had closed schools and suspended all public and social events.  Group activities are at an end, restaurants are reducing numbers if not closing, and now the border with Spain is closed.  It is all precautionary and time will tell how effective it will be, but meantime I shall try to brighten your lives, as I always have.  And, of course, there are walks to share.

walking logo

Rupali, reminding me what snow looks like (and it does snow in Marvão, but not on my visit)

Just a walk…

Liesbet has a little fun, and gets licked!

Happy Cows – A Walk in the Field

Drake knows Paris better than most of us :

Feeling at home out

Miriam brings us beautiful vistas, in her own special way :

Wild about the Grampians

While Cathy continues to be beautifully disgruntled in Rome!

Promises, promises in the Vatican Museums

And Margaret?  Well, it seems she likes wallowing in mud  🙂

Roughly the Same Walk as Last Week

That’s it for now.  Take good care of yourselves, and don’t loose heart.  We’re all in this together!

131 comments

  3. What a glorious post filled with delicious pictures of the most wonderful places. Thanks for posting and commenting. You’re definitely helping me deal with the social distancing I’m experiencing right now.

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    1. I had planned thinking and regrouping time, Andrew, but I have so many photos from this trip and it feels good to be sharing and involved right now. How are things with you? Shelves stocked? The sun is shining and we’re sat outside at a favourite local restaurant so not too much hardship here 🤗💕

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  7. Stunning photos Jo 🙂 I don’t know where to start….the cistern, those fab doors, the white, the blue, the sunset, the sunrise…………and the cake 😀 😀

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  9. Pingback: Lonesome avenue | Le Drake Noir

  11. What a beautiful getaway, Jo! I love the photos from the little church with white and blue tiles… well, in fact, I love Portuguese tiles, and they look specially beautiful in a church!
    I hope you’re doing well! How are things in Portugal? I guess you know how crazy is now in Spain… And in Switzerland is going to be like that in a few days…

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    1. I just made it in time, Mercedes. The world is starting to panic. Portugal has just closed its borders with Spain. A friend’s daughter is trapped in Barcelona waiting for a flight. Here we’re ok for the moment but it’s hard to predict the future. Take good care, darlin 🤗💕

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  13. I’m so glad you had some time out in such a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing this Jo; we all need some beauty and to experience joy in everyday life right now.

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    1. I think it’s the way to go, Su. I had a beautiful last day yesterday with friends who hope to return to the UK today. Our own visit to the UK is in grave doubt as flights are cancelled. Take care, darlin 💕

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  15. What a lovely village and that castle really is enchanting. Stay safe and well over there Jo. Your walks always brighten my days. Hugs from afar. xx

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    1. Isn’t it the strangest world, Becky? Who’d have thought this time last year, when you and Robert were here. We’ll have to save up the hugs 🙂 🙂 You two ok, and Mum too, of course? Take care of each other.

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      1. I know, I truly can’t believe how long it is since we saw you both. We’re are well, just cutting back on leaving the house as MrB is in the at risk category. But still finding plenty to do 🙂

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      2. I thought he might be. I’m worried for James too. He’s asthmatic and living city centre. 😦 We had a lovely walk in the countryside with friends yesterday and lunch at their home. One last hoorah as a couple of them are going home today.

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      3. Just tell to keep washing his hands and to avoid crowded indoor settings . . only thing anyone working can do 😦

        So glad you got a lovely walk and lunch in with friends. At least the pair of you will be able to continue to walk in the hills even if group activities are cancelled. They can’t even walk in Spain 😦

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      4. PS if it helps Leeds has only 19 confirmed cases, so quite far down the list. Whereas my county, Hampshire, has the highest in the country, and that’s even when you take out Southampton and Portsmouth in the numbers 😦

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      5. Heavens! I haven’t been checking numbers- too scary, but Mick always has his finger on the pulse. James is traveling to Huddersfield by train every day, but as he’s working with elderly in the main we think he may be suspended, hopefully with some pay. If the schools close that would be useful. Not at all sure if we’ll be able to come over on 5th. Just biding our time. Sending heaps of virtual hugs 🙂 🙂

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  19. Wow! Alentejo in general has been on my list for some time, but now I have to add Marvao. It looks stunning, Jo, and so glad you managed to get away while still possible.
    Lisbon was closing down when I was there, but I was still able to enjoy that beautiful city. I can see that my itchy feet are going to snuggle for the next few weeks / months.
    Take care x

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    1. Some places really do live up to expectations, Debs, and for me this did. Mick’s favourite place was Castelo de Vide, just a few kilometres down the road. You’ll be able to see that and judge for yourself 🙂 🙂 The message is clear for us all. Hold hands, but not literally 🙂

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  20. I haven’t read this post properly yet, as I have to go out (safely, always carefully). I’m looking forward to enjoying it later. So glad you’re not deserting us at the moment. Let’s continue to share moments of joy!

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