Monsanto, Portugal
From series “Nooks and Villages That Are More Colorful Than Top Touristic Destinations”
In Portugal, there is the amazing town of Monsanto that doesn’t resemble any other site in the world. This historic town, which has been founded more than 800 years ago, was officially recognized as the most Portuguese one. The site is simply charming and has a lot of unique features. The main peculiarity of the town is the presence of huge granite boulders. They remind us about an intense volcanic activity that took place many years ago.
Today, enormous stones perfectly fit into the surrounding landscape. They replace a part of the walls or roofs in some houses. At first glance, several streets resemble ruins after a terrible catastrophe. In fact, homes of local residents have been built right in the middle of huge granite stones. Some houses have been carved just inside the huge boulders. To the date, researchers have not figured out why the first settlers decided to build a town in a complex geological area.
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Monsanto - interactive map
Useful staff nearby
ATM bankomat: 'Caixa Geral de Depósitos' located in 7 km (
check the route on the map).
Car rental office: 'Europcar Fundao - Aluguer de Carros' is located in 27 km (
on the map).
Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit
55 km - Piodao
The ancient town Piodao has placed on Serra do Açor slope in the centre of Portugal. For a long time, locals built their houses from the shale rock that was produced on the nearby deposits. All windows and doors are made from wood that’s why the town buildings look …
From the series 'Monochromatic Cities - Stunning Views'
The ancient town Piodao has placed on Serra do Açor slope in the centre of Portugal. For a long time, locals built their houses from the shale rock that was produced on the nearby deposits. All windows and doors are made from wood that’s why the town buildings look …
120 km - Soaring Umbrellas Street
Amazing outdoor installation can be seen in the Portuguese town of Agueda. Every year, for a few weeks, the central streets of the city are decorated with a special art installation. Colorful umbrellas are its main component. The most colorful and unique items are used …
From the series 'Top 13 Most Fantastic and Colorful Streets and Quarters'
Amazing outdoor installation can be seen in the Portuguese town of Agueda. Every year, for a few weeks, the central streets of the city are decorated with a special art installation. Colorful umbrellas are its main component. The most colorful and unique items are used …
143 km - Anfiteatro romano de Merida
Travellers who will visit the Spanish city of Merida will also have an opportunity to see one of the most beautiful antique attractions. Local amphitheater is considered a classic example of a monument of Roman architecture. The main feature of its design is a presence …
From the series 'Ancient Amphitheaters and Arenas, That Are Still Operational'
Travellers who will visit the Spanish city of Merida will also have an opportunity to see one of the most beautiful antique attractions. Local amphitheater is considered a classic example of a monument of Roman architecture. The main feature of its design is a presence …
160 km - Almendra Dam
Almendra Dam is located near the so-named Spanish village. Its height is about 200 meters. The dam has an artificial lake with area of 90 square meters. Its length is quite big – 567 meters. The dam has been built for 6 years from 1964 until 1970. The second name of …
From the series 'The Most Impressive Dams on Earth'
Almendra Dam is located near the so-named Spanish village. Its height is about 200 meters. The dam has an artificial lake with area of 90 square meters. Its length is quite big – 567 meters. The dam has been built for 6 years from 1964 until 1970. The second name of …
171 km - Estacao Sao Bento
In Porty travelers have a great opportunity to visit the historic railway station Estacao Sao Bento. The interior resembles the old French villas of the 19th century. The mansard roof and the wonderful interior decoration and handmade painting – all these have been …
From the series 'Top 14 Most Astonishing Railway Stations in the World'
In Porty travelers have a great opportunity to visit the historic railway station Estacao Sao Bento. The interior resembles the old French villas of the 19th century. The mansard roof and the wonderful interior decoration and handmade painting – all these have been …
172 km - Santa Catarina Street
There is a street in Porto that is worth attention of the most experienced and discerning travelers. It's called Santa Catarina. The main feature of this historic street are beautiful buildings decorated with traditional white and blue tiles, azulejos. Buildings with a …
From the series 'Top 13 Most Fantastic and Colorful Streets and Quarters'
There is a street in Porto that is worth attention of the most experienced and discerning travelers. It's called Santa Catarina. The main feature of this historic street are beautiful buildings decorated with traditional white and blue tiles, azulejos. Buildings with a …