Megalithic Sculptural Ensemble

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Artwork

District: Aveiro > Mealhada > Mealhada > Ventosa do Bairro e Antes

Location

The Megalithic Sculptural Ensemble is located in the Ventosa do Bairro and Antes area, a part of the locality of Mealhada, in the municipality of the same name. Its location invites a calm and contemplative visit, being integrated into an environment that provides a serene setting for observation.

Origins and Symbolism

This remarkable creation, by the sculptor Armando Martinez, constitutes a contemporary tribute to ancient megalithic monuments. The work seeks to evoke ancestral memory and the timeless connection of human beings to stone and the cycles of nature. It is not a mere replica, but rather an artistic dialogue with the forms and mysteries that ancient civilizations have bequeathed to us, inviting the visitor to a profound reflection on history and millennial culture.

Forms and Textures

The ensemble is composed of several large-scale structures that recall the monumentality of ancient menhirs. As one approaches, the visitor can appreciate the plasticity and richness of the textures worked into the stone, where figures subtly emerge suggesting motherhood, dance, and representations of the Sun and Moon. A structure that evokes a table or altar is also highlighted, conceived as a symbolic place for offerings and water collection, reinforcing the ritualistic and sacred character of the artist's inspiration.

Dance with the Cosmos

One of the most striking aspects of this sculptural ensemble is its connection with celestial movements. The strategic arrangement of the stones was designed to interact in a particular way with the Sun and Moon, especially during the summer solstice. During this period, the first rays of the morning sun create a unique visual spectacle, crowning the sculptures. A symbolic duality can be observed, with elements representing the Sun on the exterior of the megaliths and the Moon within them, underscoring the work's intimate relationship with the stars.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt