Monsanto Castle
Monsanto Castle (Monsanto Castelo), is an impressive fortress strategically located on the top of the mountain overlooking the hillside village of Monsanto. We have visited Monsanto before, it is renowned for being one of the most Portuguese villages in Portugal and is also one of Portugal’s twelve historical villages. A beautiful and picturesque village with the additional quirk of integrating huge granite boulders into it’s architecture.
The castle itself is also formed around the immovable granite masses. Initially the Muslims built a very early castle on the hillside but a larger structure was built by the Templars, somewhat ironically, as part of Portugal’s Tagus Line of defence against Muslim attacks. The castle was modified and further built upon during reformist Gothic campaigns, preserved during the Portuguese Restoration War and renovated in the 1940’s.
The walk up the hillside to explore the castle is rather steep, but within 10 minutes of leaving Monsanto you can enter the fortification. With carefully placed steps you can walk around the castle walls and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside; don’t look down if you are afraid of heights! We picnicked near the old chapel within the castle walls and read the boys a book about Knights and Dragons, a perfect location to fuel their imagination. We left the castle and took the less travelled scenic path back to the village, squeezing through boulders and sliding down a narrow trail we eventually made it back to the relative safety of the higgledy-piggledy village of Monsanto.
Linked up with #MySundayPhoto and Photalife
A castle with a stunning view, how wonderful.
Fiona Cambouropoulos recently posted…Winter to Easter which holiday would you choose.
I’m assuming that rock is more secure that it looks balanced above the town #mysundayphoto
chickenruby recently posted…My Sunday Photo Week 160 Dubai Frame
Hi Andrea, I bet the boys dreamt of knights and dragons for days after. What wonderful views too, they look like they go on forever. The less travelled scenic route is always the way to go!
xx
Debbie recently posted…First Attempt At Macro Photography
I’m just trying to figure out how much my kids would object to going up that hill! What amazing views from the top though. I love your photography! It always makes Spain and Portugal so appealing. Building that castle must have taken some mighty effort, mind.
Wow what a view. Such an amazing scene. My boys would love it here.
Wow the views from the castle are incredible. That is a remarkable castle
Thank you for linking up
Darren Coleshil recently posted…#MySundayPhoto – Lewes Sunset
What a gorgeous view, and looks like a really interesting place to explore with lots of windows for great view points #MySundayPhoto
That view is just stunning. It’s no wonder they built it there and looks like a really good walk too. I watched a musical many moons ago about the moors invading that area and it was so interesting. I need to google the history a bit more!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…Amazing reunions and chocolate tarts
The castle looks huge. Love the view too.
Wow, that view! Stunning. It looks like a brilliant place to explore, you guys know all the top places! You should write a guide book. #MySundayPhoto
Oh wow!! What a view!!! #MySundayPhoto
oh wow, that is totally breathtaking! #MySundayPhoto
Monsanto is definitely going on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing this. The pictures that you have included are simply mind-blowing. Especially the one of Rock.
Oh I just love ancient landmarks and knowing the history behind them. Hope to see Monsanto Castle in person soon. it’s looks absolutely magnificent.
Jane Murguia recently posted…Matched betting for full time Mums – this is NOT gambling!
Thanks Jane it’s well worth the visit!