Monsanto |
To see and do
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Useful information
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Other opinions
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Located in Castelo Branco district, and close to Idanha-a-Nova and Termas de Monfortinho, Monsanto is a beautiful example of the traditional villages of inland Portugal, progressively abandoned by the migration of the populations to the coast. Well preserved, without artificial additions or reconstructions, it has not much resources to fix visitors, that usually make a brief stop, in a circuit that includes several of the highlights of the area. Once said "The most Portuguese town of Portugal" Monsanto really deserves your visit. Lost in the progressively abandoned interior, close to the border, and in central Portugal, the site boosts splendorous views, and breaths authenticity in each stone. It's a steep place and needs an effort to climb to the top but you won't regret the effort. Freedom, health and purity describe the feelings in location |
The Castle
If you feel in good condition you may accept the challenge of climbing to the castle. It has nothing particularly relevant, but it obliges to walk along all the village, and reaching the top, it rewards you with some awesome sights. Someone said that Monsanto is the most Portuguese village of Portugal. I don't know if it's true, but tradition is honestly present everywhere, and coming down, you will feel like having lived something real. |
S Miguel chapel
The Village
I don't know if it really is "the most Portuguese village of Portugal" as it is widely advertised. It leaves the sensation of a dead village, but I must admit that villages are dying in Portugal, so even that is "very Portuguese". Its visit is interesting, and even if you don't dare the hard climbing to the castle, the visit of only the village will justify your trip. With luck, maybe you find someone, and if you do, you will confirm that locals are really gentle and welcoming, even without touristic business in mind. |
Arch Sebastião
Integrated with "Espírito Santo" chapel, one of the doors got the chapel's name, also called, I don't know why, St. Sebastian arch.
The chapel is from the 16th century, but the arch must be older, probably already with the saint's name. It is the perfect entrance to a village where construction blends with rocks to compose a strange and powerful image. |