Story Studio Monsanto
Discover one of the bastions of military history on the Iberian Peninsula (dating back to the Roman occupation period)… Monsanto, now classified as a property of public interest and titled ‘The Most Portuguese Village in Portugal’
Story Studio MONSANTO – opening to the public in 2024 – will be the third accommodation unit of the Story Studio brand, located in the old town of the Historical Village of Monsanto, a typically Portuguese village, with vernacular architecture in granite, perched on a steep slope, which is given the epithet of ‘The Most Portuguese Village in Portugal’.
The location of the Historic Village of Monsanto, on the steep slope of a particularly rugged elevation in the border region of Beira Baixa, offers an extraordinary panoramic view that stretches across the horizon, further enhanced by the low-lying flora typical of the area. Here, silence is a distinctive feature, constantly interrupted by the sounds of nature echoing through the landscape, and occasionally by the typical conversations of the local community or the church bell that, ‘religiously,’ chimes on the hour, resonating across the horizon.
Although the Story Studio MONSANTO is only expected to begin operations in 2024, be sure to mark your summer holidays in your calendar. We have prepared an authentic and unforgettable experience for you — we are simply waiting for your arrival. And don’t miss the chance to also experience our units in COIMBRA and PIÓDÃO.
Rua de Santo António nº21, Monsanto 6060-091, Idanha-a-Velha
Gallery
Discover Monsanto
“Every morning in Monsanto the world is born. There I realized that the shadow is blue.”
Fernando Namora
The village of Monsanto, built entirely of granite, has been known as the most Portuguese village in Portugal since 1938. It is a place with recorded human presence dating back to the Paleolithic era. Archaeological remains from the Copper and Iron Ages, villas, and Roman baths can be seen in the Campo de S. Lourenço, located at the base of the hill. Monsanto was conquered from the Moors by King Afonso Henriques in 1165 and donated to the Knights Templar for its strategic role in defending the country against invaders. It has two areas: the upper area, where the castle built by the Templars stands, and the lower area, where the houses are located, notably the Parish Church, the Church of Misericórdia, the Torre de Lucano (or Clock Tower), the Cruzeiro de São Salvador, the Mirante da Praça dos Canhões (Cannon Square Viewpoint), and the iconic Casa dos Penedos (Flintstones’ House).
In the lower part of the village, enjoy the views from Penedo do Pé Calvo, visit the Monsanto Cave and the furdas (old pigsties).
At the top, upon reaching the Castle, you can still see the citadel. Within the walls, you’ll find the cistern, the Keep, and the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Castle, a building rebuilt by the Knights Templar. Outside the walls, at the entrance to the old citadel, you’ll find the ruins of the Romanesque Chapel dedicated to St. Michael, from the 12th/13th centuries, and the Chapel of Saint John, of which only an arch remains.
The pillory, the old Chapel of Socorro, the Porta de Santo Antônio, and the Chapel of Santo Antônio are also part of the town’s historical heritage. On the way to the castle, you’ll find the Fonte do Ferreiro (Blacksmith’s Fountain), where a small tile inscribes the words “The water from this spring quenched the thirst of obscure heroes.”
Walking down Santa Maria do Castelo Street, near Chafariz do Meio, on Fernando Namora Street, you can see the house where the writer practiced medicine in Monsanto between 1944 and 1946. Visit the Grotto and enjoy the view of Monsanto and the hillside from the lookout point next to the Community Oven. The “one-tile house” has the unique feature of having a rock roof.
Places to visit
Monsanto Castle
Monsanto Castle was built around the 13th century, but underwent alterations throughout the 14th, 16th, and 17th centuries. The keep was built by the Knights Templar. This complex is classified as a National Monument. Every year, during the month of May, the castle ruins host the Feast of the Divine Holy Cross, a pagan festival.
Parish Church
The Parish Church, at the entrance to the town, built around the 15th century and rebuilt during the 18th century, still retains its Romanesque portal on its façade. The side facades feature distinct openings, featuring Manueline crevices, and on the south facade, a round-arched portal without imposts or molding.
Church of Mercy
The Church of Mercy, next to the Torre do Lucano, built in the 16th century in the Renaissance style, was the parish's main church before the construction of the Igreja Matriz. Inside, it displays three altars, an image of St. Peter, and a collection of imagery depicting the Passion cycle.
Lucan Tower (Clock Tower)
The Lucano Tower, built in the 15th century and expanded in the 17th century, was part of Monsanto's defensive structure and was later converted into a clock tower. At the top of the tower is a replica of the Silver Rooster, awarded as a trophy in the election for "the most Portuguese village in Portugal."
Cruise of San Salvador
It is a cross with an octagonal column on a square base with beveled edges. At the top is a simple cross, also octagonal in cross-section. It is located at a fork in the road, not far from the main church.
Cannon Square Viewpoint
Located in the parking lot at the entrance to the village, it is known by locals as Largo do Baluarte, or Baluarto in its more common form. It was a firing platform used during the Peninsular Wars of the 19th century and now offers a magnificent view of the plains surrounding Monsanto.
Fernando Namora's House
Fernando Namora worked as a municipal doctor in Monsanto between October 1944 and October 1946. My house, dating from 1931, has a plaque on the facade that quotes Fernando Namora in his work A Nave de Pedra, published in 1975: My last books in their final assembly and writing were written in the village.
Bald Foot Rock
Human presence hasn't always been able to take advantage of the rock formations in this area, resigning itself to their strong presence. The Bald Foot Rock is one such example: a gigantic, split boulder, sitting on a horizontal rock base with multiple fractures.
Monsanto Cave
A former furda that has now become a picturesque tourist spot, this shelter is the result of the open space at the base of several boulders. This exploitation of the terrain's geomorphological conditions is one of the village's defining characteristics.
For the
Once scattered throughout the village, the furdas, or pigpens, were organically aligned along the edges of the trail that climbs the eastern side to the castle. These pens housed pigs, which were once a valuable long-lasting food source, processed into sausages.
Pillory
Restored in 1938, this pillory consists of a small platform, on which sits the base - a bell-shaped block - topped by a smooth column, topped by a cylinder.
Doors of Saint Anthony
The Santo Antônio Gates allowed exit from the village to the west. These gates, now isolated, were part of the so-called "Count of Lippe's Wall," which fortified the village for the first time.