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Monsanto village: A village with a long story to tell
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Thinking about your next weekend getaway? The historic village of Monsanto might be the perfect destination. Guerin brings you an itinerary through this Portuguese historic village, with suggestions of everything there is to do in Monsanto. Don’t miss a single thing!
The most Portuguese village in Portugal: Aldeia de Monsanto
Considered to be the Portugal’s most Portuguese village, in 1938, Monsanto is also one of the oldest villages in the country, and for that reason, there is a long story to discover there. The first human presence in this village dates to the Paleolithic era, and after that, Romans, Visigoths and Arabs have passed through here. With an altitude of 758 meters, the highest point of Monsanto village can be found in the oldest part of the region. It was in this place that the Templars built a fence with a tower and a castle, considered a National Monument.
Monsanto village was built in perfect harmony with nature, within its enormous granite rocks. Here, the houses might be mistaken for giant boulders, creating a picturesque scenario, worthy of a movie. In fact, Monsanto has already been the setting of the famous series The House of the Dragon.
Places to visit in Monsanto
Located in the Beira Baixa Interior region, this historic village has a lot to explore and lots of incredible places to visit. Beyond all the houses that blend with nature there is much more to discover in this village.
Miradouro da Praça dos Canhões
As you arrive at the village, you’ll see your first stop, the Miradouro da Praça dos Canhões, a viewpoint where you can take in a breathtaking view of the Monsanto village.
Igreja Matriz
Also known as Igreja de São Salvador, this church mixes elements of the Portuguese architectural style Manuelino with Romanesque art elements. Inside the church, all the attention is drawn to the altar, decorated with gilded woodwork.
Monsanto Castle
You have to climb to the highest point of the village to visit the ruins of Monsanto Castle. It’s a long walk, but we promise you it will be worthy. From here you can see the ruins of the tower and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Castelo. Besides, the view from up here is absolutely amazing.
Things to do in Monsanto
Beyond all the places you can visit, there are lots of nature activities you should try in Monsanto village. For every sports lover, the trails of the Great Route of the Historic Villages of Portugal (GR22) are excellent for a walk and for the most adventurous ones MTB might also be an option.
If you decide to visit this village during the summer, you can also enjoy a good time on the river beaches of the region.
Places to eat
From north to south of Portugal we can find several culinary wonders and Monsanto is no exception. Guerin will give you some suggestions of places where you can try some of the region’s traditional dishes.
Taverna Lusitana
Taverna Lusitana is the best option for those who like tasty appetizers and good wine. From cheese and cured meats to homemade jams, there’s plenty of good food to try here. The best part is that you can eat your meal while taking in the panoramic view of Monsanto village.
Adega Típica O Cruzeiro
Placed in a building with more modern features than the rest of the village, this restaurant is the perfect place to try some traditional dishes, such as roasted lamb, alheira (a Portuguese sausage) and stews made with lamb or boar.
Casa da Velha Fonte
Casa da Velha Fonte is the culinary star of the Monsanto village. Drawing inspiration from the ancestral recipes, this restaurant prepares traditional regional dishes with a contemporary twist.
Visit Monsanto village with Guerin
Now that you know everything about Monsanto village, you can start planning your next weekend getaway. Rent a car in Portugal with Guerin, pack your things and hit the road.
To ensure a peaceful trip, we offer you the option to add the Premium Road Assistance to your rental. This service allows you to get in contact with Guerin if anything doesn’t go as planned. Have a safe travel!
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