17 Fairy-Tale Places for Those Who Are Tired of Noisy Cities

11. Portugal's Monsanto

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Monsanto, a quaint community, is often referred to as "the most Portuguese village in Portugal." This charming village is renowned for its unique architectural style, aptly captured by the saying, "In Monsanto, you never know whether a stone is born from a house or a house from a stone."

Here, some dwellings feature walls and roofs constructed from massive boulders, seamlessly blending with the natural landscape. The narrow alleys seem to have been carved from stone by a giant, creating a labyrinthine charm. Meanwhile, small buildings with red-tiled roofs nestle beneath enormous granite boulders, adding to the village's distinctive character.