Castle of Monsanto

Welcome to Mon-san-too, famously awarded the title of 'The Most Portuguese Village in Portugal' in 1938. As we begin our ascent to the castle, you are entering a place where history and nature are inextricably intertwined in…

Your journey begins on the narrow, winding cobblestone streets that lead from the lower village toward the castle heights. Observe the houses tucked against mossy boulders, some featuring doors that lead directly into structures…

As you reach the summit, the ruins of the medieval Castello de Monsanto loom before you. This fortress was an essential defensive point in various conflicts, from battles against Muslim forces to later sieges by the Castilians. …

Near the historic stronghold known as the Bal-oo-ar-tay, you are standing at the site of Monsanto's most famous legend. According to the story, during a seven-year siege, the villagers were down to their last sack of grain and…

A short walk from the main castle gates brings you to the Cap-ee-lah de Sow Mi-gel, a small, roofless stone chapel with a unique and haunting atmosphere. Dating from the 12th century, this chapel is built in a simple Romanesque…

The history of Monsanto goes far deeper than the medieval castle; as you explore the lower sections of the hill, you are walking on land once conquered by the Romans. The Romans left their traces in the form of roads and building…

On your way back down, look for 'The Groo-tah,' a cave and small shelter built directly between two massive granite boulders. This site is a perfect example of the traditional housing methods that made Monsanto famous. …

As we descend from the heights of Monsanto, we carry with us the memories of a village that seems to belong to another world. From the legendary explosion of the calf to the global stage of 'Dragonstone,' this hill has remained a…