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Municipality in Centro, Portugal
Photo: Monica Andre from Portugal, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Idanha-a-Nova is a municipality in the Beira Baixa, a region of Central Portugal. It includes Monsanto, an ancient fortified village perched on the side of the mountain. The tiny streets are carved from and in the rocks. The houses are squeezed between gigantic boulders. This historical village is often mentioned as the most Portuguese village in the country.
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Castelo e Muralha de Monsanto
Sumptuous mediaeval fortress, with several doors and staircases. 12th century.
Torre de Lucano
Bell ringer tower, crowned with a silver cockerel, a trophy awarded to Monsanto, in a 1938 competition, which it was judged to be “the most Portuguese village” in Portugal, in recognition of the originality of its culture. 14th century.
Capela de São Miguel
12th-century Romanesque chapel.
Igreja da Misericórdia
With romanesque roots, it has suffered several reconstructions. 16th century.
Torre do Pião
12th-century ancient medieval tower.
A new concept of restaurant, a pedagogical strategy promoting the Portuguese geological heritage. This is Petiscos & Granitos, the first geological restaurant. Traditionally built using granite boulders with thousands of tons as walls and roof, this unique place celebrates the “Cookery of Earth”. A dynamical Geo-menu follows the gastronomy calendar of Idanha and appeal to a strong relationship between traditional tastes and geographic diversity of Portugal. Different appeals, different know-hows. Visiting the two dining rooms and the esplanade is discovering the exhibition “The Rolling Stones show Geohistory of Portugal told by rocks” and feel the action of Time and the dynamics of Earth.
An accommodation with two double rooms with private bathroom, TV & free Wireless Internet. Breakfast is included in the rental price. Relax and enjoy your lunch or dinner at the terrace with a view. Lunch packet on request for your excursions in the area with a lot of historical Sites.
Hotel Estalagem de Monsanto has 10 rooms with private bathroom. The hotel has a balance between traditional style and modern comfort. Hotel Estalagem de Monsanto features a lobby, a bar and a restaurant which seats 40 people. The restaurant offers you good regional food.
By car
The easiest way to reach Monsanto is by car. Portugal is one of Europe's cheapest countries for renting a car. Buy and use a normal road map over Portugal.
By rail
If you will not or cannot drive a car, it is possible to arrive to Monsanto by public transportation: trains and buses, but first you have to get to Castelo Branco.
By bus
From Lisbon, take the Metro from the airport to Seite Rios.
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