Attractions and Places To See around Santiago Maior - Top 20

Far in the northeast of Alentejo lies Castelo de Vide, just a few kilometers from the border with Spain. The town is often called Cidade branca (white city), which is primarily due to the pretty whitewashed houses of the town. The highlight of the town (besides its great location in the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede) is the 14th-century Castelo de São Roque. From the castle, you have a fantastic view of the old town. Other sights in Castelo de Vide include the old Jewish quarter with the oldest synagogue in Portugal and the numerous churches and chapels of the town.

A place to visit every month. It's wonderful.

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.

The Porta de Marvão is a medieval gate in the fortified town of Marvão, serving as the village's main entrance. The town is situated in the Serra de São Mamede mountains and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Alentejo region. Marvão's narrow streets are lined with whitewashed houses featuring Gothic arches and Manueline doorways. The well-preserved 13th-century castle is a focal point, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's rich history and strategic importance. The Porta de Rodão was built much later, in the 17th century, to bolster defenses during the War of Independence against Spain in the mid-17th century. A small parking area is located in front of it. Due to the narrow streets and almost complete lack of parking, driving through the gate into Marvão is strongly discouraged. Another fortified gate, providing pedestrian access to Vila Marvão, is located to the east. This one is also worth a visit.

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

Marvão is dominated by its imposing and well-preserved medieval castle. The fortified walls embrace the entire village, enclosing a maze of narrow cobbled streets, white houses with red roofs and small flower-filled squares. The views from the walls are breathtaking, taking in a vast panorama of hills, valleys and, on a clear day, all the way to the Serra da Estrela mountain range. Marvão is a true open-air museum, preserving the atmosphere and architecture of centuries past. It is on the UNESCO tentative list of potential World Heritage Sites, and is an ideal destination for those seeking history, tranquility and spectacular scenery.

Roman footpath. Much uneven. Wear good walking shoes.

Fantastic view over the towering Marvão castle. River pool, outdoor pool, magnificent leisure area and excellent restaurants in the area. A privileged starting point for walks, runs and bike rides. "A 16th century bridge reusing materials from a primitive Roman bridge, with a ramped deck, resting on round arches, covered by a medium to large facing and with well-squared stones in the voussoirs. It stands out for its excellent state of conservation, having not undergone any notable alterations in at least the last three centuries. The issue of the bridge's dating is controversial; certain authors such as Keil, Laranjo Coelho, Alarcão, Jorge de Almeida, Josefa Neves and Afonso do Paço consider it to be from the period of Roman occupation, from the early years of the Christian era, forming part of the Roman road that linked Lisbon to Mérida; other authors such as Jorge de Oliveira, based on information from the Treaty of the city of Portalegre de Sotto Maior, a priest in the municipality of Marvão and born in the parish of Alegrete in the mid-16th century, place its construction in the 16th or 17th century, assuming that stonework from the old Roman bridge was reused. which, together with the bridges of Madalena (see IPA.00020704) and Ribeira das Trutas (see IPA.00020703) served the inhabitants of the Roman city of Ammaia (see IPA.00001844) and travelers traveling to Mérida, thus having a prominent importance from a geopolitical point of view at the time." in http://www.monumentos.gov.pt/Site/APP_PagesUser/SIPA.aspx?id=20702