Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Festivals & Events
On 3 May each year Monsanto comes alive in the
Festa das Cruzes
, commemorating a medi-
eval siege. The story goes that the starving villagers threw their last lonely calf over the
walls, taunting their besiegers as if they had plenty to spare. The hoodwinked attackers
promptly abandoned the siege. These days, young girls throw baskets of flowers instead,
after which there's dancing and singing beside the castle walls.
Sleeping & Eating
Accommodation in Monsanto is limited. Advance reservations are advisable in high sea-
son.
There are souvenir shops selling homemade honey cakes, some laced with a wicked
aguardente
(alcoholic 'firewater').
Casa da Tia Piedade
( 966 910 599;
www.casadatiapiedade.com
;
Rua da Azinheira 21; s/d not incl breakfast €45/50; )
You've
just about got your own house attached to this warmly welcoming spot in the heart of the
village, with discreet entrance, terrace and kitchen/lounge. There are two lovely bedrooms
- one's a little bigger, one has a view - but only one is let at a time unless you're a family
or group, so the exterior bathroom is private. The owners are helpful and kind but also re-
spect privacy. Breakfast's available for an extra €5 per couple.
GUESTHOUSE
€
Casa do Chafariz
( 914 253 793; casadochafariz1@sapo.pt; Rua Marquês da Graciosa; s/d/tr €35/45/50)
A stone's throw from
the
turismo,
these four rooms in a renovated old house cluster around an unadorned
cobblestone courtyard. All have nice wood floors and massive slabs of exposed stone,
plus TV and electric heat. The two upstairs units are nicest, with high ceilings and atmo-
spheric - if nonf unctioning - fireplaces. Penny-pinchers can save €5 by staying in the
rather claustrophobic smaller room at the foot of the stairs.
GUESTHOUSE
€
Adega Típica O Cruzeiro
( 277 314 528; Rua Fernando Namora 4; mains €10-12; 12.30-3pm Thu-Tue, 7-9pm Thu-Mon)
Just below
the old town, this likeable place is a rather surprising find as you descend into the bowels
of a modern municipal building. The attractive dining area boasts spectacular views over
PORTUGUESE
€€
