Even though granites are common in Northern and Central Portugal, it is in the Beiras area that granite morphologies reach their best expression. Here the vastness of the plains is broken by scenic Inselberge, residual granite reliefs. Since the beginnings, these reliefs have been inhabited to protect the plain regions. From the top of the Monsanto Granite Inselberge, a templar castle rises over the ruins of the old village (National Monument). On the flanks of the inselberg the picturesque Monsanto village and, at the base, the fascinating Romanic Chapel of S. Pedro de Vir-a-Corça (Monument of Public Interest) . This scenario is breath-taking. Following ancient shepherd trails and rural footpaths, you will find a natural space where nature, science and history coexist in harmony.