Rocalva Medallion

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Braga > Terras de Bouro > Vilar da Veiga > Curral da Tribela

Location

The Meda da Rocalva is nestled within the serene landscape of Curral da Tribela, an area belonging to the locality of Vilar da Veiga, in the municipality of Terras de Bouro, district of Braga. This place is distinguished by its natural surroundings, characterized by a rural and mountainous environment, where dense vegetation and rugged terrain are dominant elements. Its location provides a sense of isolation and tranquility, inviting contemplation of the surrounding environment, typical of the northern Portuguese highlands.

The monument stands discreetly, in harmony with the landscape, allowing visitors an experience of connection with nature and the ancient history evoked by the site.

Prehistoric Legacy

The Meda da Rocalva is a remarkable example of a mamoa, a type of megalithic funerary monument dating back to prehistoric times, specifically the Neolithic or Chalcolithic period. These ancient constructions, erected by communities that inhabited the region thousands of years ago, served as collective tombs, intended for the burial of several individuals.

Its structure fundamentally consists of an accumulation of earth and stones that forms an artificial mound, covering a burial chamber which, in many cases, was composed of large stone slabs (a dolmen). The presence of the Meda da Rocalva in this territory attests to very ancient human occupation and the complexity of the ritual and social practices of the populations that shaped the landscape long before written historical records.

Testimony and Landscape

Although time and natural elements have altered its original form, the Meda da Rocalva remains a silent testimony of a distant era. Observing it allows for an imaginary journey into the past, offering a glimpse into the beliefs and ingenuity of megalithic communities. The integration of this monument into the natural setting is particularly striking, merging ancient human intervention with the wild beauty of the environment.

The site invites introspection and appreciation for the archaeological heritage scattered throughout the landscape, underscoring the rich historical and cultural tapestry of the Terras de Bouro region.

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