Wolf's Lair of Ermida

Category: Religious Architecture > Hermitage

District: Braga > Terras de Bouro > Cibões e Brufe

Location

The Fojo do Lobo da Ermida is located in the Serra Amarela, a mountain range in the municipality of Terras de Bouro, more precisely near the villages of Cibões and Brufe. Set amidst a robust natural landscape, this site offers a unique perspective on the ancestral relationship between humans and the mountain environment, so characteristic of Northern Portugal.

Traditional Ingenuity

This imposing structure is an ancient trap designed for wolf capture, a testament to the ingenuity of local communities in protecting their flocks. Its design is simple yet effective: a long wall, of considerable height, that gradually converges into a narrower area, culminating in a deep pit. This clever architecture guided the wolves directly into the pit, making escape impossible.

Cultural Legacy

The Fojo do Lobo da Ermida is more than a mere construction; it represents a testimony to the coexistence and conflict between humans and wildlife in the region. It evokes the harsh reality of agro-pastoral life, where livestock protection was fundamental for subsistence. It is a significant element of the mountain cultural heritage, allowing us to understand the intelligence and adaptation of local communities to the challenges of their time.

Environment and Reflection

Visiting the Fojo do Lobo da Ermida provides a moment of connection with history and nature. Situated in a mountain environment, it invites reflection on human resilience and the ancestral relationship with the natural world. The site, an imposing open-air structure, allows one to appreciate the robustness of the Serra Amarela landscape, offering a unique perspective on the past and the timeless beauty of the region.

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