Category: Archaeology > Arte rupestre
District: Bragança > Freixo de Espada à Cinta > Mazouco > Sítio das Gravuras
In the heart of the Bragança district, in the municipality of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, lie the Mazouco rock carvings, specifically at the Engravings Site, in the locality of Mazouco. This place is set within an imposing natural landscape, characterized by steep slopes descending to the Douro river, offering an environment of great scenic beauty and direct contact with Trás-os-Montes nature.
The Mazouco rock carvings represent a remarkable testament to human presence in the region since time immemorial. Dating from the Upper Paleolithic, these open-air rock engravings offer a window into the way of life and the symbolic universe of our prehistoric ancestors. It is a site where history is literally engraved in the landscape, revealing one of humanity's oldest forms of artistic expression.
Upon exploring the Engravings Site, visitors will encounter a variety of motifs that have been preserved in stone over millennia. Notable are the figures of animals, such as equids and caprids, depicted with impressive vividness and dynamism. In addition to these zoomorphic representations, it is also possible to observe geometric signs and, at times, stylized anthropomorphic figures, inviting us to reflect on the rituals, beliefs, and daily lives of those who inhabited this place.
The experience of visiting the Mazouco rock carvings is enriched by its exceptional natural setting. The site, embraced by the rugged topography of the Douro Valley, provides panoramic views over the river and the surrounding landscape. This natural scenery is not merely a backdrop; it is an integral part of the site, suggesting that the choice of this location for the engravings might have been linked to its relevance in the context of the life, hunting, and rituals of Paleolithic communities.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravuras_rupestres_do_Mazouco
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.14010904934126, -6.763321400230466
Coordinates DMS: 41°08'24.4"N 06°45'48.0"W
On-duty Pharmacy Mazouco
