Easy hikes and walks around São João Baptista

This vaulted cistern is located within the castle walls and was probably built around the 9th century to store rainwater for the then Arab village of Ibn Maruán, despite clear signs of remodeling in the late Middle Ages. An impressive site. http://www.monumentos.gov.pt/site/app_pagesuser/SIPA.aspx?id=36148

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 (former) river beach of Portagem is a charming spot at the foot of the Marvao mountain. In summer, when temperatures in Alentejo can rise above 40°C, it offered a refreshing escape into the cool, dammed waters of the Rio Sever. There's now a modern outdoor swimming pool across the street. A real shame, really.

The climb is worth it. From here you have the best view of the entire castle complex and the surrounding landscape.

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.

A lovely little area in the middle of this picturesque, historic castle town. A beautifully maintained garden with a refreshing pond-like fountain in the lower middle section. The small hedges surrounding the flowerbeds, with their narrow patches of space between them, invite you to wander. The view of the castle and the surrounding countryside is breathtaking. I highly recommend a visit to this small but perfectly landscaped park.

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