Historical Village of Marialva

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Guarda > Mêda > Marialva

Location

The Historic Village of Marialva is located in the municipality of Mêda, in the locality of the same name, rising to an elevated point of the territory. This strategic position offers a wide perspective over the surrounding landscape. The region is characterized by the presence of vineyards, which shape the panorama and reflect the geographical identity of the area.

Past and Legacy

Marialva is one of the twelve Historic Villages of Portugal, holding traces of an ancestral occupation dating back to the Aravos, a Lusitanian people. Over the centuries, it was successively inhabited and shaped by Romans and Arabs, before being reconquered for Christianity in the 11th century by D. Fernando Magno. In the 12th century, it received its first charter from D. Afonso Henriques.

Its importance as a military stronghold in the Middle Ages led to the reconstruction and expansion of its fortification, by order of D. Sancho I and D. Dinis. Marialva was a vibrant center of activity, driven by fairs that maintained its relevance until the end of the 18th century. Today, the village remains a living testament to our ancestry and a guardian of a rich memory.

The Walled Citadel

Upon entering Marialva, one feels an immediate immersion in a setting of other times. The streets, paved with medieval cobblestones and lined with ancient buildings, lead to the area of the Citadel, the heart of the village, which remains surrounded by its historic walls.

Within this fortified perimeter, the Main Square stands out, where the Pillory solemnly rises. Adjacent to it is the building of the old Town Hall, which in the 17th century also served as a court and prison. A few meters ahead, the imposing Keep Tower dominates the horizon. Inside the walls, the Church of Santiago, with its esteemed carved altarpiece, and the Chapel of Senhor dos Passos, also known as the Chapel of Misericórdia, reveal themselves as true architectural treasures, especially its remarkable ceiling, decorated with painted coffers.

Atmosphere and Discovery

The Marialva experience invites unhurried exploration, revealing the different layers of its urban and historical fabric. Beyond the intramural Citadel, the village extends to the Arrabalde, the part that developed outside the walls, and the Devessa, to the south, towards the stream. Through the streets, one can discover details such as the ancient Gothic doors that resist time.

In the main square, a small stone stage, known as the Drama, marks the landscape, having hosted theatrical performances in the past. The population living in the houses outside the walls reflects the authenticity and hospitality of the Beira people, complementing the atmosphere of discovery. Interestingly, the name Marialva is associated with an ancient local legend, which enriches the cultural imaginary of the place and invites one to listen to the stories that echo within its walls.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt