The best running trails around São João Baptista

Marvão Castle and its fortified town are located on top of a rocky spur in the Serra de São Mamede (Serra do Sapoio), in the Alto Alentejo region of Portugal, at an altitude of about 843 meters. Nicknamed the "Eagle's Nest", the town offers a panoramic view as far as the eye can see, stretching to neighboring Spain

Castelo de Vide is a charming Portuguese medieval village located in the district of Portalegre, in the Alentejo region, perched on the hills of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. Nicknamed the "Sintra of Alentejo" for its flowery alleys and lush landscapes, this town is famous for its healing thermal waters, its intact Gothic architecture, and one of the most important historical Jewish communities in the country.

Imposing building in which the Centro de Dia senior center is located

The current pillory dates from the years immediately following the granting of the New Charter by King Manuel in 1512 and reflects his Manueline, albeit very rustic, style. The monument stands in front of the 16th-century district jail building and next to the clock tower, also from the 16th century, in the square that bears his name. It stands on a base with four octagonal steps and consists of an octagonal shaft set directly into the upper step, formed by five drums with mortar joints.

An old stone-paved road leads from Portagem through cork oak forests up to Marvão. A strenuous journey in summer.

The fortified town of Marvão, 12 kilometers from Quinta do Pomarinho, is also known as the "Eagle's Nest." It boasts a spectacular location on a granite cliff, atop one of the peaks of the Serra de São de Mamede mountain range. Completely walled, Marvão is situated in the Alto Alentejo region, near the Spanish border, which was once controlled from the village. The town of Marvão owes its name to Ibn Maruane, an Arab military leader who sought refuge here in the 11th century. He hid on Mount Ammaia and built a castle there, in the most remote and inaccessible spot he could find. Years later, the castle was transformed into a medieval fortress. Its location made it a strategic defensive position, nestled among hills with slopes to the north, south, and west, accessible only on foot from the village. For many years, Marvão was a municipality heavily and significantly involved in numerous military conflicts in the region. Today, Marvão is a rather sleepy town, but one where you can enjoy wonderful walks. More information can be found here: https://www.feriasemportugal.com/marvao

The Igreja de Santiago - Marvão was one of the two parish churches of Marvão in 1321. Both belonged to the Order of Malta and were under the jurisdiction of the priory of Crato. The structure and decorative elements preserve the regional Gothic typology with its sober lines and the strong contrast between dark granite and white masonry. Currently, 1€ is requested for its renovation. The visit is well worth the small contribution.

In Beirã you can find an old train station and railway and can experience the Rail Bike Marvão: info on https://www.railbikemarvao.com