Monsanto Village – Built Between Boulder and Rocks
Tauheed Ahmad Nawaz
An enchanting and lonely Monsanto Village is located Southeast of Serra da Estrela in Portugal, perched on the side of a mountain. Monsanto Village is built among rocks, with squeezed homes between massive boulders, and small streets carved through the rocks. The beauty of this village hasn’t changed in several centuries. It lies on an important strategic location defending from various invaders over the centuries.
Few of the granite houses have Manueline doorways and the wreck of a castle that started as a Lusitanian fortified settlement, offering splendid views stretching as far as Serra da Estrela. The mountain peak has actually been a very important strategic position since prehistoric times, crowned by remnants of Templar castle, partially damaged by an explosion in the 19th century.
In the national contest of 1938 Monsanto village was dubbed “the most Portuguese village in Portugal”. Therefore, since then building restrictions have allowed it to remain a living museum. It is not easy to reach Monsanto by public transportation, but its atmosphere and the immense panorama is worth a drive from the towns close by or Serra da Estrela.
A former civil parish in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova covered an area of 131 km. The village is populated with one thousand residents. The Monsanto historic village is built upon in a fusion of nature and its landforms that can be seen in the uses of caves and rocks being converted into construction parts. Monsanto village has maintained its classic charms for many centuries.
In many houses, the boulders are fitted with doors leading to structures carved into a magnificent landscape. The classic village style impresses the visitors with the cottages built in boulder chicer than medieval Romanesque. This is one of the most extraordinary places in Portugal and the people of Monsanto accolade the structure.
You will relish the walk around the quaint town, steeps in many parts, but worth a while. This village is dazzling! Set upon a hillside with 360°C panoramic views across the countryside. Also, find good places for pedestrian walks and radical activities.