Quarry António Mocho

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Évora > Vila Viçosa > Vila Viçosa > Peixinhos - Paúl

Location

The António Mocho Quarry is situated in the Alentejo landscape, specifically in the locality of Vila Viçosa, in Peixinhos, Paúl, within the district of Évora. Its location is part of a territory historically linked to marble extraction, offering a perspective on how this activity has shaped the environment and its geological characteristics.

The Legacy of Marble

This site is a testament to the long and rich tradition of marble extraction in Vila Viçosa, an activity that defines the economic and cultural identity of this region. The António Mocho Quarry represents a link in this historical chain, where one can observe the scale of human intervention in the rocky bed to obtain this precious material, which has contributed so much to Portuguese architecture and art.

Characteristics and Landscape

A visit to the António Mocho Quarry reveals a unique landscape, marked by imposing cuts in the rock formations. The vertical walls and platforms resulting from marble extraction expose the diverse shades of this ornamental rock, from pure whites to rosy and mottled hues. It is an environment that invites observation of the geology and engineering inherent in this activity, providing a unique perspective on the work of shaping the rock.

Memory and Heritage

Beyond its scenic value, the António Mocho Quarry stands as an element of industrial and cultural heritage. It evidences the hard labor of generations and the technical expertise involved in transforming the landscape to obtain such a valuable resource. It symbolizes the importance of the marble industry for the identity and development of Vila Viçosa, allowing visitors a direct connection with the local heritage.

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