The Mont Alto with her special story to tell. Legend has it that was found a statue of Mary on this mountain. But because there were no rocks on the mountain is very steep and it was difficult to build a sanctuary. It was therefore decided to take the image to another location where he was placed in a small wooden hermitage in order to protect the image while the shrine would be built. However, the image “fled” back to its original site. This, the locals came together at the Mont Alto and built a church for the image.

Capela de Nossa Senhora do Mont Alto

The church, Capela de Nossa Senhora do Mont Alto, is 500 meters above sea level with breathtaking views over the valleys and mountains. The first construction dates back to 1521 and the present building of 1796. In this place every year on August 15, Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven, celebrated. Before you arrive after a climb up the slope to the sanctuary, there are two chapels. The first of which is devoted to  the Lord  da Leihara, lord of the slope (sec. XIII), Capela do Senhor da Leidara and Capela do Senhor do Agonia.

However, “our” mountain is not only famous for its beautiful Capela but also because of the rally and the annual ‘soapbox’ racing downhill. The car and motorcycle rallies take place in and around Arganil, Tabua and Coja. Here many people annually now and is a real happening.

Visit also the website of the municipality of Arganil.. You want to do more sightseeing, visit things to do!