Centro De Portugal

Almeida

Events 12 em Rede - Aldeias em Festa! (12 in Network – Villages in Party!) Other Contacts Almeida, Belmonte, Castelo Mendo, Castelo Novo, Castelo Rodrigo, Idanha-a-Velha, Linhares da Beira, Marialva, Monsanto, Piódão, Trancoso e Sortelha Website: https://aldeiashistoricasdeportugal.com/ Start Date: 2021-06-05 End Date: 2021-11-06

Between June and November, the cycle "12 em Rede" brings a lot of animation to the Historical Villages with events of various types that include various animations, such as theatrical tours, workshops, new circus, music and gastronomy. And as they are also broadcast by digital means, it will be difficult to have full capacity!

Each of the twelve historical villages will host an event that celebrates and promotes its tangible and intangible cultural heritage, involving the community through a genuinely differentiated cultural programme. The culture, gastronomy, traditions, customs, heritage, legends and myths of each of the villages will again be the motto for these events, which will be presented in an outdoor or indoor space of heritage relevance.

Although the events are being prepared for the public to attend, selecting venues where access control and adequate sanitation measures can be applied, the focus remains on online broadcasting, which proved to be a success in the previous edition.

Idanha-a-Nova

Accommodation Casa do Forno Casa do Oledo Tourism in the Country / Country Tourism in a Manor House Houses Address: Rua do Corro 23 Oledo 6060-621 Oledo Address: Rua de S. João, nºs 1 e 3 6060-501 Salvaterra Telephone: +351 277 937 132 Fax: +351 277 937 135 do Extremo Telephone: +351 277 455 021 Fax: +351 277 455 166 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.casaoledo.cbj.net E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.cas adoforno.com.pt;http://www.facebook.com/pages/Georef Other informations: %C3%BAgio-Casa-do-Forno/438476476212421 Registration No.: 755; Other informations: Characteristics and Services: Registration No.: 3737; Games room; Number of beds: 16; Number of rooms: 8; Double Characteristics and Services: rooms with toilet: 8; Rooms in the main house: 8; Swimming- Games room; Swimming-pool; Number of beds: 11; Number of pool; rooms: 6; Television room; Internet Access; Reserved area for 18th century Manor House, emblazoned with two Coats of Arms non-smokers; Reserved area for smokers; Bar; and its construction ordered by the Viscount of Portalegre. Room facilities: Located in the interior of Oledo, that was once vicarage to the Heating in room; Internet access in room; Air conditioning in Order of Christ, occupied by the Romans and Moors-who settled room; here. Access:

2013 Turismo de Portugal. All rights reserved. 1/11 [email protected] Buses; Casas da Villa - Adufe e Sobreiro Timetable: Tourism in the Country / Country Houses Breakfast timetable: 07h30 - 10h30; Address: Rua do Pardieiro, 66060-094 Monsanto Idanha- Payments: a-Nova Credit cards accepted; Guiding price: $$ (30€ - 60€); Telephone: +351 917 241 597 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.casasdavilla.com Casa dos Xarês Tourism in the Country / Country Characteristics and Services: Houses Number of beds: 4; Number of rooms: 2; Address: Couto dos Correias,6060-401 Rosmaninhal Telephone: +351 969 826 027 E-mail: [email protected] Website: Hotel Idanha Natura http://www.casadosxares.pt Hotel accommodation / Hotel / *** Characteristics and Services: Address: Estrada Nacional, 240 6060-261 Ladoeiro Number of beds: 11; Number of rooms: 6; Double rooms with Telephone: +351 277 927 130 Fax: +351 277 927 515 toilet: 4; Television room; Central air conditioning; Double rooms E-mail: [email protected] without toilet: 2; Internet Access; Restaurant; Pets allowed; Bar; Room facilities: Characteristics and Services: Internet access in room; Air conditioning in room; Mini-bar in Central heating; Bar; Restaurant; Television room; Games room; room; Pets allowed; Number of beds: 100; Number of rooms: 44; Timetable: Number of suites: 6; Internet Access; Reserved area for non- Breakfast timetable: 00.00am - 11.30am; smokers; Air conditioning; Swimming-pool; Tennis courts; Sauna; Payments: Gymnasium; Target price: $$$ (60€ - 90€); Credit cards accepted; Guiding price: $$$ (60€ - 90€); Access: Accessibility: Outdoor parking; Disabled access; Facilities for disabled; Accessible route to the Room facilities: entrance: Total; Accessible entrance: Total; Reception area Air conditioning in room; Telephone in room; Television in room; suitable for people with special needs; Accessible circulation Heating in room; Rooms available for smokers; inside: Total; Accessible areas/services: Bedrooms, Restaurant, Accessibility: Bar/Café, Patio; Disabled access; Facilities for disabled; Disabled access; Payments: Credit cards accepted; Hotel Estrela da Idanha Timetable: Hotel accommodation / Hotel / *** Breakfast timetable: 08h00 - 10h00; Room service timetable: 24 h; Address: Av. Joaquim Morão s/n 6064 -909 Idanha-a- The Hotel offers all the conditions to organize small events. It Nova has 50 rooms, 6 of which are Suites, all with panoramic view. Telephone: +351 277 200 500 Fax: +351 277 200 509 IdanhaCaça Hotel has a multifaceted room with maximum E-mail: [email protected] Website: capacity of 70 persons. In about 10 Km, there is the Idanha-a- http://www.estreladaidanha.pt Nova Congress Center with maximum capacity of 250 persons, Other informations: equipped with the best audio-visual equipment. Conferece room. Located at 15 km from the high-way, 25 km from Spain and Castelo Branco and only 40 minutes from Serra da Estrela, IdanhaCaça Hotel is a modern unit turned to Nature, Incentives, Historic-Cultural Turism, Fish and Hunt. Characteristics and Services: Central heating; Bar; Games room; Number of beds: 67; Number Parque de Campismo Municipal de Idanha-a-Nova of rooms: 32; Number of suites : 1; Internet Access; Reserved Camping / Public area for non-smokers; Air conditioning; Swimming-pool; Tennis courts; Sauna; Gymnasium; Reserved area for smokers; Mini-golf Address: Estrada Nacional nº 354-1, km 8 6060-192 course; Target price: $$$ (60€ - 90€); SPA; Idanha-a-Nova Access: Telephone: +351 277 201 029 Outdoor parking; Buses; Train stations; Covered garage; E-mail: [email protected] Website: Room facilities: http://www.cmcd.pt Air conditioning in room; Telephone in room; Television in room; Hair dryer in room; Heating in room; Rooms available for Characteristics and Services: smokers; Caravan instalations; Tents instalations; Sand ground; Natural Accessibility: shadows; Bathing facilities; Hot water showers; Cold water Disabled access; Facilities for disabled; Disabled access; showers; Sinks; Washtubs; Tennis courts; Restaurant; Bar; Payments: Swimming-pool; Bungalows renting; Internet Access; Pets Credit cards accepted; Travellers Cheques accepted; allowed; Television room; Timetable: Accessibility: Breakfast timetable: 07h30 - 10h30; Room service timetable: Sanitaries of handicapped persons; Disabled access; 07h30 - 10h30;

2013 Turismo de Portugal. All rights reserved. 2/11 [email protected] This hotel is situated in the Idanha-a-Nova Village, integrated in the Geopark of the Southern Meseta, surrounded by the historical villages of Monsanto and Idanha-a-Velha. We offer excellent standards of comfort and service in our ample rooms, featuring balconies and pleasant panoramic views. In this hotel, you will also find a bar service, lounge, games room and a spa with a covered or open swimming pool, as well as a sauna and Turkish bath, gym, sports zone and mini-golf course.

Monsanto Geo-Hotel Escola Tourism in the Country / Rural Hotels Address: Rua da Capela nº 16060-091 Idanha-a-Nova Telephone: +351 277 314 061 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.monsantoghe.com Characteristics and Services: Number of beds: 20; Number of rooms: 10; Restaurant;

Pousada de Juventude de Idanha-a-Nova Youth Hostels Address: Praça da República, 32 6060-184 Idanha-a- Nova Telephone: +351 277 201 127 Fax: +351 277 201 128 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.pousadasjuventude.pt Timetable and reservations: 8.00 às 24.00; Characteristics and Services: Youth Hostel Card; Canteen; Bar; Number of beds: 67; Double rooms: 18; Shared rooms: 4; Kitchen; Television room; Terrace; Family rooms: 2; Breakfast; Accessibility: Disabled access; Have you already been to Idanha'a'Nova? You're going to love it! The Youth Hostel couldn't be better and there loads to see around here! Besides the rich natural patrimony, the historical village of Monsanto, Idanha-a-Velha, walking courses and the fairs and markets throughout the year are good reasons for a visit!

And before going back home, go and recover some strength in Termas de Monfortinho (thermal spa). You'll feel brand new!

Events Boom Festival 2022 Music Contacts Herdade do Torrão - Idanha-a-Nova Website: http://www.boomfestival.org Start Date: 2022-07-22 End Date: 2022-07-29

Attend the Boom Festival and celebrate art, freedom and nature along the banks of the Idanha-a-Nova dam.

This biannual festival, held during full moon in August, is a singular event dedicated to independent and artistic culture. It includes performing arts, music, multimedia, painting, bio construction, theatre, cinema, conferences, workshops and

2013 Turismo de Portugal. All rights reserved. 3/11 [email protected] installations. The festival’s organisers also have a strong ecological awareness and are pursuing projects in the area of sustainability - in particular the treatment of waste residues and water.

The Boom Festival has an extremely beautiful setting, which offers unique views over the historic village of Monsanto and is integrated within Geoparque Naturtejo - a zone which has been classified by UNESCO, due to its geological riches and valuable natural, historical and cultural heritage.

Museums, Monuments and Sites Castelo de Penha Garcia Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Almurtão Address: Penha Garcia - Idanha-a-Nova Address: Arredores de Idanha-a-Nova Telephone: 27722169 From Penha Garcia visitors can see the edge of the frontier. And from its majestic height you can enjoy an impressive view that Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Almurtão stretches deep in the heart of Portugal. According to legend, a statue of the Virgin Mary appeared in a myrtle bush. The people who discovered the statue brought it to The castle is situated on the southern slope of the Serra de the Church of Monsanto. It then disappeared and was discovered Penha Garcia, overlooking the River Pônsul, where there is also a once more in the same myrtle bush, as a consequence of which dam that is an oasis of coolness on hot summer afternoons. a hermitage was constructed on the site. This village was reconquered in the reign of D. Afonso II, in 1220, The main chapel and the altar have eighteenth century azulejo and then donated to the Order of Santiago. Since 1220 untill the panels. The church also includes simple paintings and ex-votos XIX century was Penha Garcia the region's Council. Today, what of miracles. The church has a plain architectural style, is many still is to see is nonetheless impressive and worth recording. centuries old but has undergone numerous transformations which have altered the original design.

The Sanctuary, which falls within the dominion of the Archbishop, is the site of pilgrimages. The main period of festivities is during the fifteen days following Easter Sunday.

Restaurants and Cafés O Javali Address: Estrada Nacional 239 6060-349 Penha Garcia Telephone: +351 277 366 116

Timetable and reservations: Reservations:: Recommended; 12pm - 3pm / 7pm - 10pm; Payments: Credit cards accepted; Target price: $$ (10€ - 20€); Characteristics and Services: Outdoor section; Air conditioning; Capacity: 250; Outdoor parking;

2013 Turismo de Portugal. All rights reserved. 4/11 [email protected] Tours and Other Tourism Services GeoLife Porta Raiana Address: Zona Industrial de Idanha-a-Nova Edifício Address: Centro Empresarial de Idanha-a-Nova, Zona Incubadora de Empresas 6060-182 Idanha-a-Nova Industrial S/N 6060-182 Idanha-a-Nova Telephone: +351 962 956 649 / 964 588 947 Telephone: +351 968 617 338 E-mail: [email protected] Website: E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.geolifeturismo.com http://www.portaraiana.pt

Other informations: Characteristics and Services: Registration No.: 439/2014 Guided Tours; Other Activities; Enotourism and Gastronomy; Characteristics and Services: Guided Tours; Tourism Circuits; Other Activities; Enotourism and Gastronomy; Equestrian Tourism; Beira’s border (raia beirã) hides a living treasure with the present offering the future. Pathways to take drawn by history and traditions. Legends and moments saved in the lives and GeoLife’s goal is to share the unknown beauty of Portugal and memories of its people, flavours that endure and renew the rich heritage of many generations and cultures that made themselves. this land their hometown, as it is our understanding that nature and cultural tourism should be recognized and understood as a There is so much to discover in Idanha- a- Nova. vector of heritage valuation. That is why we are committed to create moments and With us you will get the opportunity to have unique experiences, experiences so that this treasure can be shared, so that those such as travel back in time, up to 480 million years ago to the who visit us, or are here can connect to this historic, world of trilobites in the Ichnological Park of Penha Garcia, hiking ethnographic, gastronomic and natural treasure. We are the giant granite blocks of the most portuguese village in committed to keep and protect this living heritage to bring Portugal (Monsanto) and also exploring the Tagus International together past and present and, through our Educational Service, area, where hundreds of animal and plant species coexist call upon young people to build the future of this treasure. harmoniously. We are an agent of promotion of the region, an ambassador of We develop tourist activities and attractions to discover the Idanha-a-Nova; we connect the local community and visitors, landscapes and the historical and cultural wealth of our lands: individuals and institutions to local values being faithful to the cultural offer of the region. - Fun activities and relaxing tours of exploration. We offer a connection with the culture of Idanha-a-Nova. - Hiking, geological routes, birdwatching; Open to the past, present and future of this region, We are Porta - Ethnographic heritage discovery experiences; Raiana.

- Guided tours to museums, monuments and other places of heritage interest.

The training and experience of our team of professionals ensure the implementation of activities, capable of providing unforgettable moments. Consequently, it is one of our points of honor, the personal component of monitoring all activities, as one receives friends at home and makes your stay a pleasure and satisfaction.

Our tour guides are prepared for guided tours across the whole Naturtejo Geopark region, including: hiking, urban tours, visiting historic villages built entirely of granite and schist, and more.

The investment in the quality of our services, the safety of all activities and the respect for nature are arguments that make up our invitation card for all visitors, that will have at their disposal diversified programs and tailor-made tours in accordance with their interests.

2013 Turismo de Portugal. All rights reserved. 5/11 [email protected] Useful contacts Posto de Turismo - Idanha-a-Nova Posto de Turismo - Penha Garcia Address: Rua de São Pedro6060-112 Idanha-a-Nova Address: Rua do Espírito Santo 6060–327 Penha Garcia Telephone: +351 277 201 023 Fax: +351 277 202 944 Telephone: +351 272 366 011 E-mail: [email protected] ; E-mail: [email protected] ; [email protected] Website: http://www.turismod [email protected] Website: http://www.turismod ocentro.pt;http://www.visitcentrodeportugal.com.pt ocentro.pt;http://www.visitcentrodeportugal.com.pt

Posto de Turismo - Proença-a-velha Posto de Turismo - Segura Address: Núcleo de Azeite - Complexo de Lagares de Address: Estrada Nacional, 355 6060-521 Segura Proença-a-VelhaRua do Poço Novo6060-069 Proença-a- Telephone: +351 272 466 008 velha Telephone: +351 277 312 012 E-mail: [email protected] ; [email protected] Website: http://www.turismod E-mail: [email protected] ; ocentro.pt;http://www.visitcentrodeportugal.com.pt [email protected] Website: http://www.turismod ocentro.pt;http://www.visitcentrodeportugal.com.pt

Idanha-a-Velha

Museums, Monuments and Sites Catedral Visigótica de Idanha-a-Velha Address: Idanha-a-Velha

Idanha-a-Velha Cathedral Currently referred to as the "Cathedral", this church stands on the foundations of another early Christian church, built in the time of the Suevi and integrated into the kingdom of the Visigoths from 585 onwards. The baptistery close to the south door dates from the time of the Suevi, although the new basilica is the work of the Visigothic period.

Later, the mediaeval church was built on the site of this building, with some traces still being visible today, most particularly the Gothic door from the late 14th century with its simple pointed arch.

The interior of the church now houses the Museu Egitanense, a museum exhibiting a whole host of inscriptions that represent an important collection of epigraphs from the period of Roman domination in the Iberian Peninsula.

Towns and Villages

Successive settlements of the region by different peoples have left Idanha-a-Velha with a most valuable historical heritage.

Anyone visiting the modest village to be found here nowadays and observing its peaceful pace of life will have difficulty imagining that this was once the site of the ancient and prosperous Roman town of Civitas Igaeditanorum, which was situated on the great Iberian road linking Emerita (Mérida) to Braccara (Braga). At Egitânia, the Episcopal see in the time of the Visigoths (6-7th century), gold coins were minted for almost all the Visigothic kings, from Recaredo to Rodrigo; later on, the Muslim Idânia (8-12th century) grew to be a large and prosperous city, almost as rich as Lisbon.

After this came the battles between Christians and Muslims in the first century of Portuguese nationhood, when D. Afonso Henriques gave the city to the Order of the Knights Templar in order for it to be repopulated. His son, D. Sancho I, gave Idanha its first charter in 1229, recognising its strategic importance.

Over time, with a shift occurring in the major military and strategic axes, the city gradually diminished in size. Yet it has never lost its atmosphere from the past, seeming more like an open museum for the culturally-minded tourists, who will find here a system of signs clearly marking their itinerary.

Useful contacts Posto de Turismo - Idanha-a-Velha Address: Rua da Sé 6060-041 Idanha-a-Velha Telephone: +351 277 914 280 E-mail: [email protected] ; [email protected] Website: http://www.turismod ocentro.pt;http://www.visitcentrodeportugal.com.pt

Monfortinho

Accommodation Hotel Boavista Hotel Fonte Santa Hotel accommodation / Hotel / ** Hotel accommodation / Hotel / **** Address: Rua do Comércio 6060-072 Termas de Address: Termas de Monfortinho 6060 - 072 Monfortinho Monfortinho Telephone: +351 277 434 213 Fax: +351 277 434 557 Telephone: +351 277 430 430 Fax: +351 277 430 439 E-mail: [email protected] Website: E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.hotelboavista.com.pt http://www.Ohotelsandresorts.com

Access: Characteristics and Services: Outdoor parking; Buses; Currency exchange; Baby Sitting; Bar; Restaurant; Television Characteristics and Services: room; Games room; Pets allowed; Number of beds: 84; Number Bar; Restaurant; Television room; Games room; Pets allowed; of rooms: 39; Number of suites: 3; Air conditioning; Swimming- Number of beds: 74; Number of rooms: 26; Internet Access; pool; Tennis courts; Sauna; Squash; Reserved area for non-smokers; Air conditioning; Access: Room facilities: Outdoor parking; Buses; Telephone in room; Television in room; Room facilities: Payments: Air conditioning in room; Telephone in room; Television in room;

2013 Turismo de Portugal. All rights reserved. 7/11 [email protected] Credit cards accepted; Accessibility: Disabled access; Disabled access; Payments: Credit cards accepted; Travellers Cheques accepted; Hotel Residência Portuguesa Hotel accommodation / Hotel / ** Address: Av. Dr. Samuel Dinis 6060-072 Termas de Can you imagine a region where nature finds itself on its pure Monfortinho condition? Can you realise the comfort in a hotel that has 47 Telephone: +351 277 434 218 Fax: +351 277 434 132 rooms, all with air conditioned, satellite TV and telepone? Imagine that you are opening the window and then you feel that Characteristics and Services: it is even possible to enjoy the silence and relax your eyes on the Central heating; Bar; Restaurant; Television room; Games room; intense bucolic nature, where a magnificent swimming-pool is Number of beds: 112; Number of rooms: 56; Air conditioning; totally integrated. So, here is the Hotel Fonte Santa. Swimming-pool; Access: Outdoor parking; Hotel das Termas Room facilities: Hotel accommodation / Hotel / ** Air conditioning in room; Telephone in room; Television in room; Address: Rua Padre Alfredo - Termas de Monfortinho Internet access in room; 6060-072 Monfortinho Payments: Telephone: +351 277 430 310 Fax: +351 277 430 311 Credit cards accepted; Travellers Cheques accepted; E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.hoteldastermas.com

Characteristics and Services: Currency exchange; Bar; Restaurant; Television room; Number of beds: 29; Number of rooms: 20; Air conditioning; Room facilities: Air conditioning in room; Telephone in room; Television in room; Payments: Credit cards accepted; Travellers Cheques accepted;

Located at the bottom of Penha Garcia mountains, this hotel has 20 double rooms with private bath, TV, telephone and air conditioning. There is a restaurant with typical food and a private car park.

Baths, Spas and Thalassotherapy Termas de Monfortinho Address: Monfortinho 6060-072 Monfortinho Telephone: +351 277 430 400 Fax: +351 277 430 409 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.monfortur.pt Timetable: From Monday to Sunday: 8.30am - 1pm / 4.30pm - 6.30pm; Bathing Season: From 1st January to 31th December; Other informations: Leisure Activities: Tennis, Bicycle and Boat Hire, Badminton, Fitness Training Circuit, Mountaineering, Fishing, Hunting, Swimming, Windsurfing, Skating, Mini-Golf, Sports and Clay Pigeon Shooting.; Characteristics and Services: Water type: Hyposaline and containing carbon anhydride; pH level: 5.7; Water temperature: 31; Accommodation facilities available; Accessibility: Disabled access; The existence of Roman remains has led to the belief that the Monfortinho springs were used during the Roman colonisation, although it is only from the 17th century onwards that there is reliable evidence of their use. The spa became important in the forties(20th c.) with the building of newfacilities, and today is one of the most prestigious in the country.

Located in Beira Baixa, on a wind-sheltered plateau, Monfortinho

2013 Turismo de Portugal. All rights reserved. 8/11 [email protected] Spa benefits from the excellent local microclimate. Closeby is Idanha-a-Velha, an ancient city of Egitânia, that stands as a remarkable witness to the history and culture of the Portuguese people.

The programmes specially directed towards physical and mental relaxation complement each other to guarantee that a visit to Monfortinho Spa is well worthwhile.

Restaurants and Cafés Beira Baixa Address: Rua Padre Alfredo - Termas de Monfortinho 6060-072 Monfortinho Telephone: +351 277 434 115

Timetable and reservations: Reservations:: Recommended; 12.30 - 3pm / 7.30pm - 9.30pm; Characteristics and Services: Outdoor section; Air conditioning; Capacity: 76; Outdoor parking; Payments: Travellers Cheques accepted; Target price: $$ (10€ - 20€);

Useful contacts Posto de Turismo - Monfortinho Address: Edifício das Piscinas Municipais Avª. Conde da Covilhã Termas de Monfortinho 6060-062 Idanha-a-Nova Telephone: +351 277 434 223 Fax: +351 277 434 223 E-mail: [email protected] ; [email protected] Website: http://www.turismod ocentro.pt;http://www.visitcentrodeportugal.com.pt

Monsanto

Activities Monsanto a Cavalo Address: Tapada do Poço do Bode6060-091 Monsanto Telephone: +351 965 198 960 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://diogocastico.wix.com/monsantoacavalo Other informations: Registration No.: 133/2014; Payments: Credit cards accepted; Travellers Cheques accepted; Activities: Horse-Riding;

Monsanto a Cavalo is a company specialized in organizing various equestrian activities including horseback riding lessons and equestrian will start. Situated in the historic village of Monsanto in the heart of central Portugal the surrounding landscapes transports the visitor to another time in the company of man´s second best friend, the horse.

Castle and Wall of Monsanto D. Afonso Henriques gave this castle to the Knights Templar, who gave it its present-day form.

Having once been an imposing mediaeval fortress, all that now remains are the Torre de Lucena and the quadrangular Torre do Pião, a mediaeval watchtower.

Towns and Villages Monsanto

In their geography, climate and fauna, the plains of the Beira Interior region, between the foothills of the Serra da Gardunha and the River Ponsul, form the transitional zone between the north and south of Portugal. Standing above them on a high crag is the historical village of Monsanto.

It is said that, from this bulwark, the village was able to withstand the siege imposed by the Romans in the 2nd century BC for as long as seven years. This extraordinary feat is commemorated by the villagers in their Festa das Cruzes (Festival of the Crosses), every year on 3 May.

The village offers visitors some of the most interesting human landscapes in Portugal. It spreads along the hillside, making use of the granite boulders to form the walls of the houses. In some cases, a single block of stone forms the roof, which is why the houses are popularly said to have "only one tile".

A stroll through the village´s steep and narrow streets is enlivened by a number of emblazoned palaces, Manueline doorways, and the house where the doctor and writer Fernando Namora lived and practised. It was in fact here that he found the inspiration for his novel "Retalhos da Vida de um Médico" (Fragments of a Doctor´s Life). One of the most notable buildings amidst all the houses is the 14th-century Torre de Lucano (Lucan's Tower), crowned by a silver cock, the trophy awarded to Monsanto in a competition organised in 1938 to find the most quintessentially Portuguese village in Portugal, in recognition of the authenticity of its culture.

The steep climb up to the castle is rewarded by one of the most breathtaking views in the whole region.

2013 Turismo de Portugal. All rights reserved. 10/11 [email protected] Useful contacts Posto de Turismo - Monsanto Address: Rua Marquês da Graciosa 6060-091 Monsanto Telephone: +351 277 314 642 E-mail: [email protected] ; [email protected] Website: http://www.turismod ocentro.pt;http://www.visitcentrodeportugal.com.pt