Monsanto, Medieval hilltop town in Castelo Branco, Portugal.
Monsanto is a medieval hilltop village in Castelo Branco perched at 758 meters elevation, with stone houses wedged between enormous natural granite boulders. Narrow cobbled streets climb steeply toward the ruins of a castle at the summit.
King Afonso I captured the village from Moorish forces during the 12th century and placed its defense under military orders that guarded the Spanish border region. This strategic hilltop location made it a crucial frontier post between two kingdoms.
The village was awarded the Silver Rooster trophy in 1938 after winning a national competition recognizing it as the most representative Portuguese settlement of its time.
A large parking area with limited spaces sits at the village edge, and visitors must explore on foot since the narrow cobbled streets are inaccessible to vehicles. Walking over uneven terrain requires sturdy footwear and stamina, particularly when climbing toward the summit.
Many houses have incorporated massive granite boulders directly into their structure, with some rocks functioning as walls, roofs, and even foundations of homes. This building method was both practical given the local materials and served to shield structures from harsh mountain weather.
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