Of Arab origin, Montmayur is discribed in the 10th Century as an important fortification. It´s strategic position made it particularly coveted by Christian and Muslim forces, explaining the innumerable battles fought there. Only after 1064, with the definitive conquest of Coimbra, was the situation stabilised, although the Muslim armies returned to attack in 11161117. In 1071, D.Afonso VI from Castela handed MontemoroVelho to D.Sesnando so that he would settle the region and prepare defences for the region against invasion. The first record of settlement was conferred by D.Raimundo, in 1095, and a Charter was bestowed, in 1212, by Infanta D.Teresa, daughter of D.Sancho I and the Lady of the Town.