Pitões das Júnias, one of the highest villages in Portugal, belongs to the municipality of Montealegre in the district of Vilareal within the National Park of Peneda-Gerês.
Its origin is directly associated with the foundation of the Monastery of Santa Maria of Junia in the 12th Century. It was built over top of a Pre-Romanesque hermitage from the 9th century. This monastery could have been used to support pilgrims on their way towards Santiago de Compostela. However, there is little documentation that mentions this church which makes it difficult to reveal its real history.
The town has been able to conserve its original aspect; buildings made from stone sitting on the winding medieval cobbled streets. It is still possible to see huts with straw roofs and to enjoy their typical architecture.
Other religious buildings are located in the area such as the Baroque Church of San Rosendo and the chapels of Ángel Custodio and San Juan de la Fraga.
From this picturesque village there is a route that leads to a waterfall that carries the same name as the village. It is the origin of many legends in the area.
In Montealegre, whose horizon is dominated by a castle from the 14th Century, it is possible to visit an eco-museum that serves as an Information Center for the region.
