São Marcos takes its name from Saint Mark, the Evangelist. Since 1999, several apparitions of the Virgin Mary as Our LadyMother of Goodness were reported near São Marcos da Serra, resulting in some worldwide notoriety, in particular by the Catholic youth and priests. Although these events resulted in pilgrimages by some faithful to the northern Algarve, the Holy See have never officially recognized these apparitions.
Geography
The parish seat of São Marco is north-northeast of the centre of Silves and is south-southeast of Lisbon. Located between the junction between the Serra do Caldeirão and the Serra de Monchique mountain ridges, the parish is intersected by the Riberia de Odelouca, which bisects the main village, also known as the Ribeira de São Marcos. The Odelouca receives water from two tributary streams: the Ribeira de Azilheire and Ribeira de Besteiros. A typical mountain community, the buildings are spread over the slopes of the mountain valleys, resulting in steep roadways. At the highest point of the village is the parish church, located in the main square, whose western extent is also used as a market. A landscaped space, the square is bordered by the church, across from the health center, while a statue of Doctor Antonio Bernardino Ramos is located at its centre. On the heights along the rail-line, are the urban developments of Poleirão and Montezinhos, consisting of the typical whitewashed buildings, in addition to several cafés and a restaurant. The parish seat is located west of the IC1 roadway that links the Algarve to Lisbon, through Santana da Serra and Ourique. In addition, there is a direct link to Silves, while the municipal road 541 connects São Marcos to Alferce by way of Nave Redonda. Until recently rail service supported the bus services in the morning and afternoon between São Marcos and São Bartolomeu de Messines, but were discontinued in the early 21st century.
Economy
São Marcos da Serra is a main supplier of Cork, as well as a producer of grain cereals, including wheat, barley and oats, at one time supported by several traditional windmills that dotted the parish. Beekeeping is common in the hills surrounding the parish, resulting in an itinerant economy in wax and honey collected from local beehives. While a subsistence supply of fruits and vegetables continue to be produced in the district, the cultivation peaches have been discontinued. The foothills of the parish are also favored by local hunters. Industrial and secondary industries are primarily involved in supporting agricultural extraction, but also include the production of the arbutus brandy, Comel, a spirit distilled locally. São Marcos da Serra also supports a nascent music recording technology, known as Dynamic Convolution, developed by Sintefex Audio Lda., resulting in the award-winning music recording products.
Notable citizens
António Bernardino Ramos, was a medical practitioner and humanitarian, who lived and practiced in São Marcos da Serra, who was honoured with a statue which was erected before his death.
