The municipality of Monchique was born when Roman settlers arrived in the Caldas de Monchique. The main reason for the establishment of the early settlement was the belief in the curative powers from the springs in and around the municipality. Over the years, the population increased and by the 16th century Monchique caught the eye of the then King of Portugal, King Sebastian, which sought to elevate it to the status of township.
The Serra de Monchique has been best known for its peace and tranquility, its verdant environment, the wide expanses, the hospitality of its populace, the uncomplicated lifestyle and the general laid back way of life in the town. The climate is much more comforting compared to the sun drenched southern areas nearby. The area is formed by wooded hills and valleys that covers the Sao Marcos de Serra to Aljeur leading to the Algarve up north and ending in Alentejo to the south. This separated Monchique and the Algarve from the rest of Portugal.
The main economic engine for the growth of Monchique was in the weaving industry as well as the linen that made the sturdy fabrics worn during special occasions. Another industry was in the woodworks from the local chestnut tree populace. Much of the forest was cut down for material to construct the galleons, buildings and other structures during the age of Discovery. Many chestnut, walnut and other tree species grow alongside plantations of evergreen pines and cork oaks. Lately, these areas have been planted with the antipodean eucalyptus for the paper and pulp industry.
Ultimately, the civic charter was granted in 1773. Sadly though, the Industrial Revolution ushered the demise of the local textile industry but retained just enough to maintain the traditions and art of wool making. The woodworks industry still was able to survive with a local handicraft industry that made wicker baskets, wooden spoons, knives and kitchenware. They have integrated many of the designs from its former occupants, such as the scissor chair. The local handicraft industry also has a flourishing trade in dried flower arrangements, tapestry pictures and sculptures made of tree branches.
The town itself is simple and beautiful, a confluence of white houses surrounding a central church. Much of the area around Monchique are largely uninhabited. The highest peaks in the Monchique range are the Foia that rises 902 meters while the Picota rises to 773 meters.
One of the most famous of all the products of Monchique is the Medronho. The liqueur is made from the fruit of the arbutus or strawberry tree that is grown from the surrounding hillside. This spirit is an acquired taste and it has a rather strong alcoholic content. It is said to have medicinal properties, as it is good for a cold. Another local delicacy is the local honey used as an ingredient in many of the cakes and desserts made locally. You can sample both the Medronho and honey flavored pastries from the many cafes and pastelerias in the area.
Monchique is also famous for its local cuisine. The staple is rice and beans and are cooked in a variety of delightful dishes. The local use of pork in the cuisine, including its formulation in sausages and blood sausages, called locally as farinheiras and molhos are a must. Similarly, one of the local delicacies is ham cured in the centuries old tradition. It creates a smoky and nutty flavor makes this an unforgettable dish. Basic among the many recipes is honey, which is formulated from the nectar of many different kinds of wild flowers. The formulation of this honey makes it unique amongst the other naturally occurring sweeteners in the world.
Like many of the locales in Portugal, religion casts a long shadow in its local traditions and structures. The main church of Monchique was established in the 15th to 16th centuries that remained standing proud until the great earthquake of 1755. The main doorway to the church is designed in the Manueline tradition with cogolios in its five corners and masks adorn the spaces between columns. The interior is made of three naves and the capitals of each of the columns are made in the shape of twisted ropes. This design is repeated throughout the main entrance. The main chapel is a gilded and carved retable built in the 18th century. Up on the arch are two angels that are holding up the sun and moon, wholly supported by a pair of atlantes. The tabernacle is of a curious design as it is fashioned in the form of a miniature church. The main statue in the church was made by the famed sculptor Machado de Castro and it is in the image of the Nossa Senhora de Conceicao.
Another religious edifice is the Capela do Santissimo or the Chapel of the Most Holy. The chapel holds a collection of 17th century tiles and statues. The chapel also houses many of the ceremonial objects that was once part of the collection of the Monasterio do Nossa Senhora de Desterro. The statue of the Our Lady of Exile can be found in the Church of Sao Sebastiao. The image evokes a deep image of sorrow. The church that now houses the statue is surrounded by whimsical columns and the baldaquin was influenced by the original church.
The Misericordia Church is also one of the religious attractions in Monchique. The carvings on the altar, pulpit and baldaquin of the church are both artistic marvels and venerated objects. Also contained is the church are two large 18th century canvasses of religious images that are often carried in the many religious festivals held throughout the year. The Senhor dos Passos Hermitage or the Lord of the Stations of the Cross is famed for the life-sized statue of Jesus Christ.
Monchique still retains the old world Algarve’s charm and traditions. It has kept its old fashion sense despite the development of the many of the surrounding areas. Despite the many changes, the Serra de Monchique has kept its hold to its simple past despite the changes that the Algarve has undergone. Monchique is the last bastion of traditional life truly in the Algarve.