The village is hidden in the rocks.

Located southeast of the Serra da Estrela mountains in Portugal, Monsanto is a sturdy, ancient village built on the mountainside. Here, houses are constructed among massive rocks, and the narrow streets are paved with cobblestones. Its unique and fascinating architecture attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually.

The village has retained its original character over the centuries and has undergone very little change. In 1938, Monsanto was voted "the most authentic village in Portugal." Since then, construction and renovation have been restricted to preserve the village's landscape. Monsanto has become a popular tourist destination, with its unique architecture and breathtaking, seemingly endless views of the Portuguese countryside.

At first glance, Monsanto certainly doesn't resemble the typical Portuguese house design.

To reach the village, visitors need to travel along a small road that winds through the valley. Looking up at the mountain from below, the village of Monsanto is dotted with red roofs nestled among low-lying trees.

Narrow, multi-tiered, winding roads meander through red-roofed houses hidden among moss-covered rocks. Some houses are built on enormous, round boulders weighing tens of tons. Others are constructed right through crevices in the rocky mountains.

Perched atop a 122-meter-high hill in the village is an ancient castle, over 400 years old. This castle played a significant role during the Middle Ages, with the Knights Templar relying on it to defend against invasions, including Napoleon's.

Previously, this entire mountainous region was just large boulders; it was only after the Portuguese arrived and began cultivating the land that people began to live here. According to historical records, the village of Monsanto was built centuries ago and was considered the central region of Portugal from 1174 until the 19th century.

Monsanto currently occupies an area of ​​131.76 km² and has nearly 1,000 residents.

Due to the hilly terrain and narrow roads winding around large rocks, the main mode of transportation for the people here is donkeys.

Monsanto is difficult to reach by public transport, but the atmosphere and expansive natural scenery have attracted thousands of visitors to this unique village nestled amidst a forest of rocks.

Huong Thao