Monsanto Village looks like a real work carved to detail in the mountains of Portugal. Although rustic and overflowing with history, Monsanto is a village full of life and a lot to share. Here, history and culture cross paths to take you on a journey through time. Venture with Guerin through the streets, flavors and activities of Monsanto.   

A great way to start your visit to Monsanto is through the Baluarte belvedere. Look from afar at every detail of Portugal's most Portuguese village and its typical granite houses. Don't be surprised if you see some built on top of or underneath giant granite boulders.   

 

Situated on the highest point of the village and built by D. Gualdim Pais, Monsanto Castle was built in the 12th century. It had an irregular plan, adapted to the terrain, with walls reinforced by several towers. It was once an imposing medieval fortress of which today only the Torre de Lucena and the Torre do Pião remain. Your visit to Monsanto Castle will be marked not only by its history, but also by the imposing 360° view over other villages.   

 

 

It was in Monsanto that Zeca Afonso looked for inspiration and, sometimes, a shelter for rest, to put his ideas in place and, who knows, facilitate the arrival of new ones. And it was with this intention that he bought a house, never rehabilitated. Now, the José Afonso Association and the Municipality of Idanha-a-Nova are together in a project that aims to transform Zeca Afonso's refuge into a house-museum dedicated to him.  And that is how the central figure of the Portuguese popular music renewal movement in the 70's and 80's will have his name immortalized in the Village of Monsanto.   

 

This cave, which was once a stone shelter, today entertains the tourists who pass through. Here, the traditional folk architecture integrates the topographical irregularities of the region, it is common that, for example, the large rocks so typical of Monsanto, are part of the constructions. This gives it its own unique identity. An identity that couldn't be more suited to the geographical setting of Monsanto and further from the concept of contemporary comfort.    

In a rocky corner of Monsanto, on the right side of the wall, you will find the ruins of what was once the Chapel of St. John. From there, lose yourself in the view of Castelo Branco through the arch that remains of the Chapel. 

We couldn't miss a suggestion for the hottest days. Get away from Monsanto and go to Penha Garcia to refresh yourself in a unique place. At the Pego Fluvial Beach, let yourself be surprised by the clean and transparent waters of the Ponsul River, but don't stop there. The small waterfall between the mountains is what stays in the memory of those who pass by there.   

In Casas da Villa you can feel the essence of Monsanto. In the heart of the village, it is impossible not to feel the connection to the region and its history. Here, everything was meticulously restored in order to preserve what is traditional. So the experience of the visitors couldn't be more authentic and unique.    

Created for those who want to be closer to the reality of the village of Monsanto, the Casa Pires Mateus was restored in order to keep tradition alive. The perfect balance between contemporary comfort and the memory one doesn't want to forget, portrayed in the typically Beira house.   

After getting to know the nooks and crannies of Monsanto, now we will put your taste buds to the test. And it is with Chef Maria Caldeira De Sousa that we will embark on this journey of flavors. Atypically, the culinary suggestions are written on one of the walls of the house. This way, it is easier to know the historical narrative of a cuisine that is able to transport us to the time of Idanha-a-Velha's foundation.   

Here, you can taste Monsanto with a privileged view of the Village and the Castle. To go along with what you are seeing, in the most Portuguese truck in Portugal local products predominate. From sausages and cheeses to veal and mushrooms, the menu couldn't taste more like Monsanto. And to preserve tradition, the cooking method still uses wood-fired ovens and iron pots.   

Travel the streets of Monsanto with Guerin rented cars and discover the best kept secrets of this beautiful village. Choose the rental car from Guerin's vast fleet which best suits your tour and don't waste any more time. Set off to discover.