Marialva, once home to the Lusitanian Aravos and later Romans and Arabs, was reconquered in 1063 and fortified through centuries of conflict until Portugal’s borders were set. Its preserved medieval citadel, major cultural events, free public Wi-Fi and improved accessibility make it a significant and appealing historic destination.
Community characteristics
This historic village, located on a spur of land, was originally inhabited by the Aravos, a Lusitanian people who were later conquered by the Romans, who founded a town here. Occupied by the Arabs, it was conquered by Ferdinand the Great in 1063. A new castle was built and defended during a period of endemic warfare, until the borders of Portugal were defined in the Treaty of Alcanices. It preserves its medieval citadel and is a place of great tourist interest, where some very important municipal events are held. The Historic Village of Marialva has a wireless network for free use in public spaces and has developed actions in the field of physical and digital accessibility, two networking projects promoted by the AHP-ADT with the 10 municipalities that make part of the Historic Villages of Portugal Network.
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