Lovers' Rock

Category: Nature > Rock

District: Évora > Reguengos de Monsaraz > Corval

Location

In the serene locality of Corval, nestled within the municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz, lies the Rocha dos Namorados (Lovers' Rock). This natural outcrop is situated approximately six kilometers northeast of the town of Reguengos de Monsaraz. It is visible five hundred meters past the village of São Pedro do Corval, positioned north of the road that leads towards Monsaraz, in a tranquil, rural setting.

The Rock: Nature and Form

The Rocha dos Namorados is a remarkable granite outcrop, shaped by nature into a unique form resembling a mushroom. Its height, over two meters, gives it an imposing presence in the landscape. Observing its summit, it is common to find a covering of small loose stones, which have accumulated over time, resulting from a ritualistic practice that continues to this day.

A Millennia-Old Legacy of Fecundity

This natural monument is a valuable witness to the continuity of ancestral cults linked to fecundity. Adorned with megalithic engravings known as “covinhas”, the Rocha dos Namorados is recognized as a menhir or fertility stone. Its importance extends beyond prehistoric times, having been, in more recent times, integrated as a "station" in the drought processions that took place between the hermitage of Nossa Senhora do Rosário and the old Aldeia do Mato, today São Pedro do Corval. It represents a rare example of how belief and tradition remain alive, adapting and enduring through the centuries.

The Tradition of Encounter and Destiny

The most popular and charismatic tradition linked to the Rocha dos Namorados is a pagan rite that remains alive in local memory and practices. On Easter Monday, it is customary for single girls to go to this place to "consult" the menhir about their marital future. The ritual consists of throwing a small stone onto the top of the rock. Popular belief dictates that each stone that falls from the top, instead of remaining there, represents an additional year of waiting for marriage. It is a moment of fun and hope, connecting generations to a fascinating tradition.

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