Category: Archaeology > Menhir
District: Faro > Silves > São Bartolomeu de Messines > Vale Fuzeiros
Penedo de Vale Fuzeiros is located in the parish of São Bartolomeu de Messines, Silves municipality, in a rural area of the Algarve. It is situated on the northern slope of Cerro da Vilarinha, surrounded by low vegetation and open landscape, providing a quiet and isolated environment.
This rock outcrop is part of the small village of Vale Fuzeiros, an area characterized by the proximity of watercourses and the undulating terrain of the Algarve mountains. The natural surroundings reinforce the serene and somewhat enigmatic character of the site.
It is an irregular rock formation, featuring a cavity on the north side, large enough to accommodate a person. On top of the rock, several oval incisions, a cross-shaped symbol, and small circular depressions carved into the surface can be observed.
These elements suggest a use with possible ritual or symbolic meaning, although their interpretation remains open. The geological nature of the rock, composed of sandstone and Silves Sandstone, favored manual shaping and the preservation of marks over time.
Adjacent to the rock is an ancient necropolis carved into the rock, known as the Forneca or Vale Fuzeiros Necropolis. It is estimated to have been used between the 6th and 7th centuries AD, during the Early Middle Ages.
The complex includes eight graves and two basins, carved directly into the rock. Five of the graves are concentrated in a single rock block, separated from the two basins by a natural division. The others are more distant, some in a fragmented state.
The graves have a predominant northwest-southeast orientation and were originally covered with lids, which have now disappeared. Three remain in good condition, two were merged to form a larger basin, and one is completely destroyed, with only its base remaining.
The two basins have distinct shapes (one circular and one oval) with diameters between 0.80 m and 1.30 m, and depths up to 0.35 m. It is possible they were used in purification rituals associated with burial, such as funerary baths.
In 2015, Penedo de Vale Fuzeiros was officially classified as a Site of Municipal Interest, a recognition awarded by the Silves City Council. This classification aims to protect its historical, archaeological, and symbolic value.
The site is part of the Vilarinha Archaeological Circuit and is subject to study, conservation, and enhancement actions for the region's cultural heritage.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necrópole_da_Forneca
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.2541649,-8.3478534
Coordinates DMS: 37°15'15.0"N 08°20'52.3"W
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