Castle and walls of Monsanto

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Castelo Branco > Idanha-a-Nova > Monsanto > Devesa

Location

- Situated in Beira Baixa, in Monsanto, municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, Portugal.

- Dominates the Historical Village of Monsanto, surrounded by manor houses and temples.

National Monument

- Classified as a National Monument since 1948.

- Important example of medieval architecture, with historical and cultural value.

History

- Founded during the Christian Reconquista by D. Afonso Henriques, c. 1165.

- Construction attributed to the Master of the Order of the Templars, D. Gualdim Pais.

- D. Dinis expanded and rebuilt the defenses.

- Participation in historical events, such as the 1383-1385 crisis and the Restoration War.

- Important role in the Peninsular War, with defensive remodeling.

Architectural Characteristics

- Located 758 meters above sea level, with panoramic views.

- Polygonal plan adapted to the terrain, with walls and quadrangular towers.

Two enclosures

internal keep and external village fence.

- Keep (Atalaia Tower) and Chapel of Santa Maria do Castelo.

- Defensive curtains modernized in the 17th century.

- Clock Tower (Lucano Tower) with a replica of the Silver Rooster.

- Importance in the defense of the kingdom's borders.

Legend of the Holy Cross

- Linked to the tradition of the Festa da Santa Cruz (Feast of the Holy Cross) in Monsanto.

- Legendary episode of resistance during an enemy siege.

- Stratagem with a calf and wheat to deceive the besiegers.

- Celebrated annually on May 3rd, with festivities and traditional rituals.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelo_de_Monsanto

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt