The best walks and hikes around Beirã

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

This is a section of the Calçada Romana with great vegetation

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 Convent of Our Lady of the Star is a 15th-century Franciscan monastery. Founded in 1448 by Pope Nicholas V, the monastery was built on the site of a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Estrela. It is located on the periphery of Marvão's city walls. A late 15th-century Manueline cross stands in the churchyard, with a spiral column containing figures of Christ and Nossa Senhora da Piedade. https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convento_de_Nossa_Senhora_da_Estrela The complex now functions as a nursing home, run by Santa Casa da Misericirdia, which provides care for elderly residents of the region.

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 parish church of Santa Maria was first documented in 1321. At that time, it was handed over to the Order of Malta, which was governed by the Priory of Crato in this region of the Alentejo. In 1987, the church was converted into a municipal museum. However, its religious function can still be seen in the structure and an 18th-century chapel, decorated with figurative tile paintings and a Baroque carved altar. The museum displays archaeological finds from the surrounding area and ethnographic exhibits that tell the history of Marvão. A truly beautiful museum. The entrance fee is €1.90 and is absolutely worth it. It displays many pieces from the region in clean glass display cases.

In 1321, the Igreja de Santiago - Marvão was one of Marvão's two parish churches. Both belonged to the Order of Malta and were subordinate to 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, a donation of €1 is requested for its renovation. A visit is well worth the small donation.

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