Church of Saint Mary of the Castle

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

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

Location

The Church of Santa Maria do Castelo is located at the highest point of Monsanto, integrated within the perimeter of the village castle, at an altitude exceeding 700 meters. Its position is marked by the rugged mountain landscape, punctuated by the enormous granite blocks characteristic of this area. Access to the site is via a paved pedestrian path, which ascends from the lower part of the village to the walled enclosure where the church is situated.

Origins and History

This religious building has deep roots in the history of Monsanto, situated on the site of a primitive chapel believed to have been built by the Order of the Knights Templar. The construction visible today largely dates back to the 17th century (references point to the year 1694), although it has undergone several stages of modification and restoration over time. The building suffered from military conflicts, even being used as a warehouse during the Liberal Wars in the early 19th century. Its structure was affected by the explosion of a powder magazine in the castle, which necessitated subsequent interventions, including a significant restoration carried out in the 20th century.

Granite Architecture

The church reflects its integration with the natural surroundings through the predominant use of granite, the abundant stone in the mountains. It features a simple and robust structure, with a rectangular plan, composed of a nave and a narrower chancel. The walls display rustic stone masonry, with some quoins and the plinth in more elaborate ashlar. The main facade has a portal topped by a depressed arch. It is possible to notice on the side and rear facades the presence of holes or marks that suggest the existence of annex constructions in the past. The interior maintains the sobriety of exposed granite, with a wooden roof and a stone slab floor.

Local Festival and Tradition

More than a historical building, the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo is a pivotal point in Monsanto's cultural identity. It is intrinsically linked to the famous Festival of Santa Cruz (Holy Cross), celebrated annually in May. This festival commemorates the "Legend of the Siege," a narrative that tells how the inhabitants of Monsanto, during a siege, managed to deceive their attackers by making them believe they had food reserves by throwing an animal (traditionally a cow or calf) down the slopes. The church is one of the stages for this celebration that keeps alive the memory of the village's resilience, blending religious and profane elements with ancestral roots.

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