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| Houses in Porto da Espada |
The village of Porto da Espada is in the natural park of Serra (range of hills) de S. Mamede, lying between the foothills of S. Mamede and the Serra de Marvão. It has a population of 280. The valley is densely wooded with chestnut, walnut and olive trees. Agriculture still plays a not insignificant role in the social and economic life of the people.
Legend links its name with the Christian re-conquest of the Iberian Peninsula.S. Tiago is believed to
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| Chestnut-tree |
have set up his camp on the site named Porto, before confronting the Saracen army that had presented itself for battle. The legend goes that S. Tiago, setting out to meet the infidels, vanquished one hundred thousand of them with the sheer brilliance of his holiness. With his sword (espada) drawn, he drove through the enemy army until he arrived at the site where Porto da Espada stands today and where the battle was won. The people have commemorated this historical miracle by naming the place Porto da Espada.
HOW TO GET TO PORTO DA ESPADA
DISTANCES
Porto da Espada - Marvão: 12 Km
Porto da Espada - Portalegre: 22 Km
Porto da Espada - Elvas 80: Km
ACCOMMODATION
Casa do Ginjal – Tourism in the Countryside Establishment
Rua Direita, nº. 46
Porto da Espada
T./ F. +351 245 964 504
Tm. +351 934 616 351 / +351 938 021 150
E-mail: casadoginjal@sapo.pt | casadoginjal@gmail.com
www.casadoginjal.com.pt
EVENTS
- Comidas d´Azeite (Food with olive oil) – A week dedicated to food associated with the olive press.
Place: Casa do Povo do Porto da Espada
Description: Every year, between January and February, a lunch is held which is made up of dishes traditionally cooked at the olive presses when they were operational and which remind us of former times. Cured and smoked meats comprise the starters, followed by cod and cabbage with a good amount of olive oil poured over it. Then there is fried pork with potatoes and, for dessert, the famous tibornas (hot bread soaked in oil).
- Festival in honour of Nossa Senhora das Dores
Date: Last Sunday in August
Description: A festival dedicated to the village patroness, Nossa Sra. das Dores. As well as the religious ceremonies, mass and a procession, the Porto da Espada festivities are well known for the releasing of the bulls.
USEFUL CONTACTS
Junta de Freguesia (parish office) of S. Salvador da Aramenha
T. +351 245 993 239
Fax +351 245 303 078
Câmara Municipal (municipal authority) of Marvão
Largo de Santa Maria, 30
7330-101 Marvão
T. +351 245 909 130
Fax +351 245 993 526
www.cm-marvao.pt | geral@cm-marvao.pt