Monsanto Castle

Sitting on top of a hill in the interior of Portugal, the Monsanto Castle was built in 1165 by Gualdim Pais, master of the Knights Templar. Located in Monsanto, the village that was the backdrop for the Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, the castle is the crown jewel of the area. Let’s take a look at the history behind Monsanto Castle, its architecture, and what you need to know to visit.

History

Monsanto Castle has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human presence as far back as the Paleolithic era. Over the centuries, civilizations like the Romans and Moors recognized the strategic importance of the hill and built fortifications to protect the area.

During the Reconquista in the 12th century, King Afonso I of Portugal conquered the region, establishing Monsanto as a vital defensive point. The castle played a crucial role in the region’s defense during the Middle Ages, benefiting from its strategic location.

Architecture

Built using the natural rock formations of the hill, Monsanto Castle’s stone walls and towers seamlessly merge with the rocky landscape. This strategic hilltop location offered a clear advantage, allowing those in the castle to monitor potential threats.

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The castle’s layout follows the contours of the hill, featuring impressive walls, watchtowers, and a central keep that once served as the castle’s main residence. Throughout the years, Monsanto Castle has undergone restoration efforts to preserve its historical significance. 

Visiting Times & Tickets

Monsanto Castle is free to visit and open every day of the year. You will have to walk up to the castle, around 750 meters high.

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Monsanto Castle

Sitting on top of a hill in the interior of Portugal, the Monsanto Castle was built in 1165 by Gualdim Pais, master of the Knights Templar. Located in Monsanto, the village that was the backdrop for the Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, the castle is the crown jewel of the area. Let’s take a look at the history behind Monsanto Castle, its architecture, and what you need to know to visit.

History

Monsanto Castle has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human presence as far back as the Paleolithic era. Over the centuries, civilizations like the Romans and Moors recognized the strategic importance of the hill and built fortifications to protect the area.

During the Reconquista in the 12th century, King Afonso I of Portugal conquered the region, establishing Monsanto as a vital defensive point. The castle played a crucial role in the region’s defense during the Middle Ages, benefiting from its strategic location.

Architecture

Built using the natural rock formations of the hill, Monsanto Castle’s stone walls and towers seamlessly merge with the rocky landscape. This strategic hilltop location offered a clear advantage, allowing those in the castle to monitor potential threats.

Stay up to date
Subscribe To Portugal.com's Newsletter

Receive the latest news, travel information, stories, offers and more!

Invalid email address
Give it a try. You can unsubscribe at any time.

The castle’s layout follows the contours of the hill, featuring impressive walls, watchtowers, and a central keep that once served as the castle’s main residence. Throughout the years, Monsanto Castle has undergone restoration efforts to preserve its historical significance. 

Visiting Times & Tickets

Monsanto Castle is free to visit and open every day of the year. You will have to walk up to the castle, around 750 meters high.

Related Tours

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Follow Us

301FansLike
106FollowersFollow
153FollowersFollow

Most Popular

Guide to Renting in Portugal

Moving to a new country like Portugal comes with its challenges, despite the country's 300 days of sun and inviting community. One of the...

Tax Considerations for Americans Moving to Portugal: What You Must Know

When it comes to taxes, Americans moving to Portugal find themselves navigating a unique set of rules. Unlike many countries, the United States is...

Portuguese President vetoes housing program, prolonging Golden Visa availability

The Portuguese President of the Republic vetoed the program ā€œMais Habitaçãoā€ (More Habitation), which was created to tackle the ongoing housing crisis.According to a...

Latest Articles

Monsanto Castle

Sitting on top of a hill in the interior of Portugal, the Monsanto Castle was built in 1165 by Gualdim Pais, master of the Knights Templar. Located in Monsanto, the village that was the backdrop for the Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, the castle is the crown jewel of the area. Let’s take a look at the history behind Monsanto Castle, its architecture, and what you need to know to visit.

History

Monsanto Castle has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human presence as far back as the Paleolithic era. Over the centuries, civilizations like the Romans and Moors recognized the strategic importance of the hill and built fortifications to protect the area.

During the Reconquista in the 12th century, King Afonso I of Portugal conquered the region, establishing Monsanto as a vital defensive point. The castle played a crucial role in the region’s defense during the Middle Ages, benefiting from its strategic location.

Architecture

Built using the natural rock formations of the hill, Monsanto Castle’s stone walls and towers seamlessly merge with the rocky landscape. This strategic hilltop location offered a clear advantage, allowing those in the castle to monitor potential threats.

Stay up to date
Subscribe To Portugal.com's Newsletter

Receive the latest news, travel information, stories, offers and more!

Invalid email address
Give it a try. You can unsubscribe at any time.

The castle’s layout follows the contours of the hill, featuring impressive walls, watchtowers, and a central keep that once served as the castle’s main residence. Throughout the years, Monsanto Castle has undergone restoration efforts to preserve its historical significance. 

Visiting Times & Tickets

Monsanto Castle is free to visit and open every day of the year. You will have to walk up to the castle, around 750 meters high.

Related Tours

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Follow Us

301FansLike
106FollowersFollow
153FollowersFollow

Most Popular

Guide to Renting in Portugal

Moving to a new country like Portugal comes with its challenges, despite the country's 300 days of sun and inviting community. One of the...

Tax Considerations for Americans Moving to Portugal: What You Must Know

When it comes to taxes, Americans moving to Portugal find themselves navigating a unique set of rules. Unlike many countries, the United States is...

Portuguese President vetoes housing program, prolonging Golden Visa availability

The Portuguese President of the Republic vetoed the program ā€œMais Habitaçãoā€ (More Habitation), which was created to tackle the ongoing housing crisis.According to a...

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