São Marcos da Ataboeira
# São Marcos da Ataboeira

São Marcos da Ataboeira is a Portuguese town/parish in the municipality of Castro Verde. The population in 2011 was 338, in an area of 104.13 $km^2.$ The village was integrated into the municipality of Castro Verde during the nineteenth century, and is situated 13 km north east from the municipal seat.

It is a territory where the pseudo-steppe is predominant, and grazing has an important role in preserving the traditional landscape. The area of the parish belongs to the SPA - Special Protection Area, for endangered species of steppe birds such as the great bustard and lesser kestrel. The SPA makes part of the Natura 2000 project of the European Union.

A few kilometres from the nearby town of Salto sits the chapel of 'Our Lady of Aracelis', a place of pilgrimage and festivities during the first weekend of September.

## Photos

* Great bustard
* Holm oaks and olive trees
* Chapel of Aracelis
