The construction of the Mont`Alto Sanatorium began in 1932. Due to the appearance of a large number of people who had contracted tubercolosis, it was necessary to expand the facilities, and these enlargement works were completed in 1958. This sanatorium was the last one built in Portugal.
Portugal Urbex
Portugal is a treasure trove for urban explorers. The country’s winding history is reflected in its abandoned estates, decaying factories, and deserted schools. Each location has a unique narrative, intertwined with Portugal’s rich culture and traditions. The serene natural landscapes surrounding these forgotten structures add an extra layer of beauty to your urbex journey.
Top 5 Portugal Urbex Locations:
- Monastery of Santa Maria de Cegonha (PT)
- Restaurant Monsanto (PT)
- Sanatorium of Valongo (PT)
- Villa Olivia (PT)
- Tapada das Necessidades (PT)
Aqueduct de los Pegões
The city of Tomar, famous for its “Convento de Cristo” – World Heritage Site by UNESCO -, has another architectural marvel, which is the Aqueduct de los Pegões, who brought water to the Convent .
Villa Olivia (PT)
Driving around, my hands on the wheel but my eyes exploring, I saw this beautiful house just outside a small village. It was built on the hillside and we couldn’t get near it while we were in the car.
Monastery of Santa Maria de Cegonha (PT) – Ruin of an abandoned monastery in the center of Portugal
The monastery of Santa Maria de Cegonha was built around 1162 and was hosted until 1834 as a center for philosophical studies of the Cistercian Order.
Villa Margaretha (PT) – The right place at the wrong time
Even when I’m behind the wheel I’m always looking around for abandoned spots. So, driving around, heading for an abandoned factory, I saw this great looking villa at the mainstreet of a town called Tomar named Villa Margaretha.
Tapada das Necessidades – Forgotten park in Lisbao
Tapada das Necessidades seems to be a hidden and forgotten park in Lisbao. The history of this one goes back to 1742, when the ground was bought by king João V of Portugal. He built a palace and turned the area into a private garden and hunting place. It was a climb uphill along a big wall to find an entrance, but we managed to get in.
Restaurant Monsanto (PT)
The Monsanto building is located on a hill outside Lisbon and this place gives a magnificent panoramic view over the city. The building was designed by architect Chaves da Costa as a restaurant and integrates several works of art: panels and reliefs by Querubim Lapa, paint by Luis Dourdil and tile of Manuela Madureira.
The Monsanto restaurant, built by the city of Lisbon in 1968, is abandoned for almost 15 years, completely stripped and now in a state of decay.