Monsanto

11/30/1165

Transfer of Possession

Afonso I of Portugal donated Monsanto to the Knights of the Order of the Temple

1172

Transfer of Possession

Following a dispute between the Portuguese Crown and the Order of the Templars, Afonso I of Portugal donated the castle to the Order of Santiago

400

Date of Known Existance

First reliably document occupation of the site begins with 5th century Visigoths. Little archaeological evidence supports earlier claims of a prehistoric castro that was later Romanized.

11/30/1165 - 1171

Original Construction Date

By 1171 the Romanesque castle was already built "under the guidance of the Master of the Order of the Templars, D. Gualdim Pais". The original construction was an isolated keep surrounded by walls

1367

Reconstruction Date

During the reign of Fernando I of Portugal, the castle and village underwent a construction campaign

1385

Reconstruction Date

During the reign of João I of Portugal, the castle was renovated. It was adapted for pyrobalistics: a barbican, couraça, and "troneiras" were erected

700 - 12/31/0800

Muslim Conquest

From 8th century, Monsanto was held by Muslim forces

1143

Christian Reconquest

(No Date) Monsanto was reconquered by the forces of Afonso I of Portugal. The border was established with the Kingdom of Leon

1174

Charter

Afonso I of Portugal grants Monsanto a charter

1190

Charter

Sancho I of Portugal confirms the 1174 charter of Monsanto

1217

Charter

Afonso II of Portugal confirms the 1174 and 1190 charters of Monsanto

1308

Charter

Dinis I of Portugal grants Monsanto a "letter of fair"

1510

Foral Novo Charter

Manuel I of Portugal grants Monsanto the Foral Novo