Pedro DominguesMonção is located in the fabulous Green Wine demarcated region. It is, together with Melgaço, the production zone of Alvarinho wine, and Brejoeira Palace needs no introduction.
Monção also has a fortress, as it is on the border with Spain. It may not be superior to the one in Valença, for example, but you will undoubtedly be impressed by some parts of the old wall.
I confess that Monção didn’t impress me much on the first visit, but when I returned later, I quickly changed my mind. There is a lot to discover in the surroundings, and in this article you will for sure understand what I mean.
What about the gastronomy? Monção has two classified wonders of Portugal, one in sweets and the other in the best tables in the country. I’ll talk about them later, so keep reading. 😉
Where is Monção located, in Portugal?
Monção is located in the extreme north of Portugal, more precisely in High Minho, district of Viana do Castelo. It is a municipality bordered by Melgaço, Valença, Arcos de Valdevez and Paredes de Coura. On the other side of river Minho you have Galicia, namely the provinces of Pontevedra and Vigo.
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When to visit Monção?
Monção can be visited at any time of the year, however, you may prefer to do it at the time of grape picking, if you want to explore some wine fields and have a more interconnected experience with Alvarinho wine.
I would visit Monção during some of its main festivals as they are really characterful and unique. For example, have you heard about the Foda fair? Note that this word “Foda” is a bad word in Portuguese, something you shouldn’t say out loud, and it means “f*ck*ng”. 😀 So this is the F*ck*ng fair. 😀 😀 😀 Don’t worry, this is a gastronomic event, I will explain it next.
1. Foda Fair in Monção
Before you start thinking about what you shouldn’t, let me explain the origin of this very “provocative” name. 😀 The municipality of Monção describes this fair as having a “bold name and authentic flavor”, as it consists of a gastronomic event to promote one of the wonders of Portugal in terms of gastronomy: Roasted Lamb made in Monção style, traditionally known as “Foda à Moda de Monção“, cooked in a wood oven and served in a clay bowl.
Legend behind the name: According to legend, in the past there was a cattle fair in the region, where you could find a bit of everything: quality cattle and poor quality cattle. Breeders wanted to sell their animals for the best possible prices, but the animals didn't always look fat enough for that. Some tried to trick buyers by giving the animals salt so they would drink plenty of water before the day of the fair and look well bred. The deceived only realized later the "f*ck" they got themselves into. The name stuck and named this gastronomic delight. But it is just roasted lamb.
2. Alvarinho Fair
Another outstanding fair is the Alvarinho Fair. It usually takes place on the 1st weekend of July, dedicated to this wine, and also bringing together a lot of people.
3. Corpo de Deus Festivities and Coca de Monção
Corpo de Deus Festivities connect the sacred with the profane. In addition to the religious aspect, the triumph of São Jorge in the battle against the dragon (Coca de Monção) is also celebrated. Below is a video from the municipality of Monção about the 2021 festivities.
Travel Insurance + Car Rental
If you don’t have a car for your travels in Portugal yet, start by comparing prices in Discover Cars, before renting one.
As far as travel insurance is concerned, it is always important to be more protected against any type of hazards. I recommend World Nomads for that. Don’t travel to Portugal without it. Be safe! 😉
Gastronomy and Restaurants in Monção
I have already mentioned Foda à Monção, but without a doubt you can find very good lamprey from river Minho in the right season (I’m not a fan). As far as sweets are concerned, please try Roscas de Monção, which are among the 7 wonders of Portuguese sweets.
On my visit to Monção, I found them easily at Saudáveis & Companhia store, which also sells many other regional products. Much sympathy I found in that place. 😉 I leave you a photo below, but they told me at the time that they were about to move to an adjacent building.
For places to eat at, I definitely recommend Restaurant 7 À 7, but you should always ask before if they have the typical Foda à Monção on the menu (roasted lamb), and you should book it in advance!
Accommodation tips to visit Monção
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Quinta da Teimosa | 9.2 | Monção surroundings |
| Raiano Guest House | 8.9 | Monção Town Center |
| Solar de Serrade | 9.0 | Monção surroundings |
| Muralhas do Minho | 9.0 | Monção Town Center |
| Casa de Ladreda | 8.8 | Monção surroundings (Tangil) |
| Cardenha da Bessada | 9.0 | Branda de Santo António |
| Miradouro da Branda | 9.2 | Branda de Santo António |
Things to do in Monção | Portugal
Finally, what to visit in Monção, what to see and things to do in this municipality of Alvarinho Wine. I have a lot of places to share with you, but I’ll start with a map that I think will be useful for you to organize your trip.
Map | Things to do in Monção
Visit the Town Center of Monção
In the center of the village of Monção, the Caldas Park and the Fortress Wooden Walkways stand out without a doubt. I also really liked the Mother Church and the Rosal Gate. 😉
1. House Museum of Monção
There is a huge car park next to where the N202 road crosses the walls of the Fortress of Monção. It was there that I easily left the car both times I visited the village, and the park is free to use.
The village center must be visited on foot. Crossing the walls you will find restaurant 7 à 7 on your right, which is the recommended place to eat in this article. Opposite you will find the House Museum of Monção. This museum space is located in an 18th-century building that once belonged to the family of Dona Maria Teresa Cardeal Andrade Martins Salgueiro, now deceased, who donated it to the University of Minho. It is possible to visit inside all the contents of the house, which includes very valuable pieces of furniture, silk, tapestry, porcelain, jewelry, painting, among others.
2. Square João de Deus and Municipal Archive of Monção
After visiting the House Museum, do not go immediately to the main squares of Monção. Instead, check out Square João de Deus, where you’ll also find some interesting sights:
- The beautiful building of the Municipal Archive of Monção.
- The monument in honor of the emigrants.
- And the Village Fountain.
3. Capuchos Convent in Monção
Walking along Caldas Avenue, you will arrive at the Capuchos Convent Church, next to the fortified walls. It dates back to the mid-18th century, in honor of Santo António, although its cloister dates from the 16th century when there was a former convent of Franciscan nuns. Today it is one of the hotels in the city where you can stay overnight.
4. Hospital Square
From the Capuchos Convent Church, go over the walls to Santa Casa da Misericórdia building (in yellow), and then to Hospital Square. From there you will already have a beautiful view of River Minho, and of the eco-track that leads to Caldas Park.
5. Mother Church of Monção (Santa Maria dos Anjos)
One of the sides of the Mother Church of Monção is located in Hospital Square. This church is undoubtedly very beautiful, of Romanesque origin (13th century). It is also known as the Church of Santa Maria dos Anjos. Inside, the tomb of Dom Vasco Marinho stands out.
6. Fortress Walkways and Caldas Park
On Travessa da Glória (not far away), you will find an access tunnel to the wooden walkways of the Fortress of Monção. Next to the tunnel there is a tile panel in green and yellow tones, which you cannot fail to admire.
The mentioned walkways are the start of the eco-track to Caldas Park, which extends in front of river Minho. This is where the Alvarinho fair takes place, for example, but the name of the park comes from the thermal facilities that are also located there. It is a pleasant green space in Monção.
7. Square Deu-la-Deu
Back in the center of town, head to the main square: Deu-la-Deu. Without a doubt, I must mention the Statue of the Greek mythological figure Danaide, which dates back to 1837. It is located in a circular fountain, and to it was added the Coat of Arms of Monção, with the figure of Deu-la-Deu Martins, heroine to Monção.
Legend of Deu-la-Deu Martins According to tradition, she was credited with tricking the Spaniards during the Fernandine Wars, putting an end to the siege of Monção that had lasted for a long time. Supposedly, food was already scarce within the walls, and this woman acted courageously using what little flour was left to make bread. This bread was to be thrown from the top of the walls to the enemy army, implying that Monção was strong and well supplied with food, which was enough to even feed the enemy, who was much more hungry. The enemy believed and immediately ended the siege.
It is not mandatory, but keep in mind a road parallel to this square, Rua Conselheiro Adriano Machado. It has an arch that makes it a beautiful spot to visit in Monção.
8. Church of Mercy in Monção
Another reference point in Square Deu-la-Deu is the Church of Mercy. Its construction dates back to the end of the 17th century, despite having undergone successive interventions in the following centuries.
9. Alvarinho Museum in Monção
There is also an Alvarinho museum to visit in this main square in Monção. It is a very simple museum, which promotes Green Wine, more precisely the brand of Alvarinho wine, making known the particularities of the territory where it is produced.
10. Museum Monção & Memories
On Rua da Independência you will find another Monção museum. It is very recent (from 2021), and is located in Souto D’El Rei Building, from the 17th century. It tells you the whole story of Monção since the region began to be inhabited, and then introduces you to its people and traditions.
11. Bordallo II in Monção
On the side of the museum building is an extraordinary work by Bordallo II: a giant Coca of Monsão (dragon). Be sure to admire this beautiful piece of urban art, in addition to the exhibition of illustrations I just mentioned.
12. Salvaterra and Rosal Gates (Fortress of Monção)
These two gates are the only ones that remain from the fortress of Monção today. Salvaterra Gate is located on Rua da Independência. Rosal Gate is next to the square with the same name, and is, in my opinion, the most impressive piece of wall that survives from the fortress.
The first fortifications of Monção date back to medieval times, having been built at the behest of King D. Dinis. What is clearly visible today are those built during the Restoration Wars.
13. Time Travel (High Minho 4D) – Castros Route
In Rosal Gate itself you will find one of the new museum spaces in High Minho, which in Monção is dedicated to the ancient settlements of the region. In all the municipalities of High Minho you will find one of these museums, each with a different theme.
As far as Monção is concerned, I can only say good things about it. The video is projected on the wall of a old chamber, and allows for a fabulous immersion.
Next to Rosal Gate you will also find an old building that served in wartime as an ammunition warehouse.
14. Republic Square of Monção
Another nerve center of the city is Republic Square. Its garden is quite large and with little trees. It has garden benches and small lakes with fountains. The coca dragon stands out in one of them.
15. Old Monção Railway Station
Finally, the old railway station, inaugurated in 1915 and which operated until the end of 1989, when CP decided to close the section between Valença and Monção. Out of curiosity, did you know that the section of Minho river ecovia that runs between Monção and Valença consists of a reconversion of this train line? 😉
Visit the best Viewpoints of Monção
Having presented the center of Monção, it’s time to introduce you to the main viewpoints. They are dispersed throughout the municipality, and some require a short walk to reach them.
1. Lapela Tower Viewpoint
Lapela Tower has a wonderful viewpoint over Minho River when you climb to its top. In between, you will be able to learn more about its history in the museum core it contains. This tower is a keep, being what survives of a medieval castle that existed in that place, and that was demolished in 1706, having its stones used for the necessary works in the Fortress of Monção.
2. Penha da Rainha Viewpoint
Penha da Rainha viewpoint, in turn, is on top of a gigantic rocky cluster. There’s a huge square at the base of the mountain, where you leave your car, and then you have to go up it on foot, passing through caves between the rocks, and even a small chapel dedicated to São Martinho. Upon reaching the top, you have to climb iron stairs that were placed there for this purpose. There is a small lone tree up there. From beside it, you can see a breathtaking landscape!
3. Monte do Castro Viewpoint (Longos Vales)
Monte do Castro is very similar to the previous one, and you’ll also have to climb on foot to reach the viewpoint, starting at the restaurant called Encosta do Castro. At the top you will find a splendid 360º view.
4. Castro de São Caetano Viewpoint (Longos Vales)
Also in Longos Vales is Castro de São Caetano, a national monument in Portugal that emerged in the Iron Age. There are several archaeological remains to visit that attest to its heyday somewhere between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD.
5. Castro de Nossa Senhora da Assunção Viewpoint (Barbeita)
Another “panoramic castro” is Castro of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, occupied between the 5th century BC and the 1st century AD. Its name comes from the chapel next door, from the 16th century. Due to its proximity, and given its altitude, this is an excellent place to admire river Minho in Monção.
6. Senhora da Graça Viewpoint (Ceivães)
Senhora da Graça Viewpoint is a complement to the previous one, as it is also close to river Minho: both are sublime. There was, out of curiosity, another castro at this location occupied between the 5th century BC and the 3rd century AD.
7. Tangil Panoramic Swing and Coto da Giesteira Viewpoint
Both locations allow for another glorious view of the territory of Monção. You can reach them through the PR5 MNC – Chã da Carreira Trail. I didn’t walk it completely, but I loved visiting the swing and viewpoint.
Visit Branda de Santo António de Vale de Poldros
In case you didn’t know, “brandas” are housing units that were formerly intended for the summer, unlike “inverneiras” that were intended for the winter. They are located in the highest areas of the mountains, where there is an abundance of pastures to feed the cattle. In winter, people fled to the base of the mountain, or in this case, to the winter houses, fleeing the most adverse weather conditions at that time.
Branda de Santo António de Vale de Poldros is the one I highlight in this article, but of course you should also visit Branda da Aveleira, in the municipality of Melgaço, but just a few kilometers away. I left two suggestions for accommodation located in the branda: Cardenha da Bessada and Miradouro da Branda.
Branda de Santo António is located at an altitude of around 1000 meters and stands out for the many traditional and rudimentary shale houses that it still preserves. These houses are called “Cardenhas”. Be sure to walk along the paths of the branda, exploring its corners, and if you have more time, go hiking, following this 10km trail.
Visit the best River Beaches of Monção
In summer you can find true paradises if you go looking for the best river beaches in Monção. Below, I leave you 5 options:
- Ther river beach of Pinheiros is next to an old bridge in the parish of Pinheiros, and has some infrastructure. The mills stand out.
- The river beach of Breia is not far from the previous one. I highlight it as a beautiful green space for leisure.
- The river beach of Ponte de Mouro is the most mandatory place on this list. Recently, wooden walkways were added, making it a truly magnificent and attractive place for a swim or a simple walk.
- The River Beach of Segude.
- And the river beach of Tangil.
1. River Beach of Pinheiros
2. River beach of Breia
3. River Beach of Ponte do Mouro
4. River beach of Segude
5. River beach of Tangil
Visit Brejoeira Palace
Brejoeira Palace is, in my opinion, the main attraction of Monção. I direct you to the official website, where you can learn more about its history and about tickets to visit.
It is worth visiting this palace from the inside, and you can do it on a guided tour. The tour also includes a visit to the palace’s Alvarinho cellars. Did you know that this palace has its own theater inside? I loved all the details that I had the opportunity to admire, and my only regret is that I wasn’t allowed to take pictures inside the building.
Visit Fojo Waterfall
Monção also has a very interesting waterfall to visit, to which access via wooden walkways was recently added. 😉 The waterfall is simple, but it is still a very beautiful place to visit in the region.
Other places to visit in Monção
To finish, I leave you a list of other places to visit in the municipality, that you can consider as optional, but which I also really enjoyed visiting.
1. Solar de Serrade
Solar de Serrade is an Alvarinho farm, and you can sleep there. It was, in fact, one of the accommodation suggestions in this article. The main house dates back to the 17th century.
2. Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Milagres
Of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Milagres, the 3 figures placed in small niches on the main façade of the church stand out. Dates from the 16th century.
3. Church of Longos Vales
The Church of Longos Vales is a beautiful Romanesque temple in Monção, dating back to the reign of the first king of Portugal, in the 12th century. At that time it belonged to a monastery of Canons of Saint Augustine.
4. Monastery of Merufe
The Monastery of Merufe is also Romanesque in style, being initially called the Convent of the Holy Sisters. It served for a long time as a shelter for pilgrims from Santiago de Compostela. Today little more than the church remains.
5. Granaries of Luzio
6. Sanctuary of Senhor do Bonfim
Located in Anhões. It stands out only for its enclosure and remote location in the parish.
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I hope this list of things to do in Monção was useful for you! Please send me your feedback in the comment section below.
