Walking to the top of Penha da Rainha at the summit of the mountain of São Martinho we can see an ancient castle and, at the same time, enjoy the magnificent panoramic views over the region.
Previously, the castle was the “sede do julgado” (jurisdiction headquarters) whose area covered the current county of Monção, up to the river Mouro, ending in Merufe. At that time, the village assumed such an importance that the Bishop of Tui, Dom Pedro I, dedicate the church to St. Martinho, in 1204. In 1268, the village received the charter granted by D.Afonso III. Later, the “julgado” was estinguished and the village disappeared completely, falling into ruins. In the beginning of the XVIII century, the priest of Abedim used these stones to restore the parish church.
Nowadays, from this important fortress only the place remains, small marks of a fence, and over a rocky hill , we can see some vestiges of an old tower .
Venture into the southern part, where there is the Jardim da Rainha (Garden of the Queen) and the simple chapel of Sâo Martinho, the last place worthy of adoration. The present chapel dates from the XVIII or XIX century and nothing remains from the original temple.
Explore every corner and discover passages between the big stones, small natural belvederes where the view is even more beautiful and the pleasant picnic park, is perfect to rest a bit ...
Location: Monção
Previously, the castle was the “sede do julgado” (jurisdiction headquarters) whose area covered the current county of Monção, up to the river Mouro, ending in Merufe. At that time, the village assumed such an importance that the Bishop of Tui, Dom Pedro I, dedicate the church to St. Martinho, in 1204. In 1268, the village received the charter granted by D.Afonso III. Later, the “julgado” was estinguished and the village disappeared completely, falling into ruins. In the beginning of the XVIII century, the priest of Abedim used these stones to restore the parish church.
Nowadays, from this important fortress only the place remains, small marks of a fence, and over a rocky hill , we can see some vestiges of an old tower .
Venture into the southern part, where there is the Jardim da Rainha (Garden of the Queen) and the simple chapel of Sâo Martinho, the last place worthy of adoration. The present chapel dates from the XVIII or XIX century and nothing remains from the original temple.
Explore every corner and discover passages between the big stones, small natural belvederes where the view is even more beautiful and the pleasant picnic park, is perfect to rest a bit ...
Location: Monção
