Its appearance hasn't changed in centuries, with tiny streets carved from the rock. Some of the granitehouses have Manueline doorways and the ruins of a castle  that started as a Lusitanian fortified settlement, affords magnificent views stretching as far as Serra da Estrela. Next to the castle are the ruins of a Romanesque chapel, adding to the hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.

In 1938 Monsanto was voted the most Portuguese village in Portugal in a national contest, and since then building restrictions have allowed it to remain a living museum. It is not easy to reach Monsanto by public transportation, but its atmosphere and immense panorama is worth a drive from the towns nearby or Serra da Estrela.

                                 "Everything has it's beauty, but not everyone sees it."