Monsanto is a small village in Portugal, located 300 kilometers from Lisbon. Many of us have probably come across stunning photos of this village with its extraordinary structures. Surely, you’ve seen the fortress built by the Templars or the grandly sized boulders.
History
The village occupies a picturesque place on the slope of almost an 800-meter-high mountain, and the name of this granite rock translates to “Holy Mountain.” The village was founded in the distant 12th century.
The local residents decided that the boulders held historical value and built around them, using the spaces between them for construction. In other words, they used the stones as walls, roofs, foundations, and essentially as the main building material. You can’t argue with this approach, as the stone is nothing less than granite.
All this makes one imagine a scene from some film about ancient people, about the development of humanity, and delve into deep philosophical thoughts. But our article is not about that. As a result, the world saw unique structures through the firm but creative hands of humans, where nature’s grace and exquisite human creativity intertwine. Even the locals say that you can’t tell where the stone ends and the hut begins.
Due to the lack of active archaeological excavations, many questions remain unanswered. However, this does not deter archaeologists, who confidently assert that Romans, Lusitanians, and Arabs lived in this village. This is confirmed by household items of primitive people found in the area. Archaeologists conducted shallow excavations and concluded that people inhabited these lands since the Paleolithic era.
Additionally, the first king of Portugal reclaimed the settlement from the Moors. This is where the Templars come into the story, as the king gifted this village to them. It was they who built the aforementioned fortress on the hilltop and later rebuilt it, erecting a defensive wall around it.
Just imagine that this fortress has withstood multiple eras, various rulers, changes in generations, bad weather, and even climate changes. Unfortunately, it suffered destruction in the 19th century due to an explosion at a gunpowder warehouse during Christmas, but the cause remains unknown.
All of this gives the village a certain mystique. Walking through its narrow streets, you can imagine yourself as part of a group of children with wooden sticks in hand, pretending to be knights of the Round Table and winning what seems to be a hopeless battle.
The Most Portuguese Village in Portugal
Monsanto is also called “The Most Portuguese Village in Portugal,” and for a good reason, as the symbol of this title is none other than a silver rooster. According to locals, it watches over all approaches to the territory from a tower visible when entering the village.
Some Portuguese claim that Monsanto is unlike most local villages. Others assert that it is the only settlement of its kind that repelled numerous attacks from French invaders, withstood long sieges, and remained part of Portugal.
Despite the differing local opinions, they all undeniably take pride in their village and eagerly share fascinating historical details with tourists.
Bright Colors and Stunning Scenery
Let’s not delve too deeply into history and instead focus on the beauty of nature and the vivid colors it uses to paint its stunning landscapes. Anyone who has visited Monsanto will never forget its beauty. From the start, you can see that the locals prefer a measured and calm pace of life. They openly admire the scenery that unfolds before their eyes daily, and no matter how long they’ve lived there, they find new notes of sophistication and unparalleled natural beauty every day.
Walking along the small streets, you feel as if you are on a magical path in a city where giants live, always wary that at any moment, a giant head of some mythical creature might appear from behind a rock. When meeting locals, you are tempted to ask how long they’ve lived there, hoping to hear a unique, slightly magical, and mysterious story of their lineage, started by valiant warriors.
Legend of Monsanto Village
I’d like to share one captivating legend that describes the cleverness and ingenuity of the people who lived there long before us. It was sometime after a seven-year siege of the fortress. The villagers had eaten all their provisions, leaving only one cow and a sack of grain.
The besieged sighed heavily, understanding that the end was near, and the remaining cow wouldn’t delay this moment much. But to everyone’s surprise, a woman suddenly proposed a risky plan: to feed the cow with the remaining grain and give it to the enemy. It seemed senseless, but the woman was exceptionally wise, and the plan worked.
“How?” you ask. It’s simple: they fed the cow, then threw it down at the enemy’s heads. The opponents, bewildered by such an act, couldn’t help but notice the cow’s stuffed stomach. They concluded that if, after so many years, Monsanto could afford to feed animals to the brim, there was no sense in continuing the siege. The troops retreated, leaving the village undefeated.
Though no one ever asked the woman’s name, every child knows this story and likely imagines that she was a member of their ancient clan.
In conclusion, if you are someone who infinitely values nature’s individuality, beauty, and the tranquility of existence, this place is perfect for a vacation. You’ll experience unforgettable feelings of magic and wonder, immersing yourself in childhood dreams hidden deep in your consciousness. Travel, as it will gift you many unforgettable emotions!
