Lizard at the Top of Palurdo

Category: Archaeology > Small Olive Mill

District: Guarda > Pinhel > Alto do Palurdo > Gamelas

Location:

The Lagareta is located on a granitic outcrop, in the Gamelas area, in Alto do Palurdo, municipality of Pinhel. Situated on a gentle slope, it dominates the surrounding rural landscape, in an area dotted with cork oaks and gorse.

The site offers a direct view over valleys and small elevations typical of Beira Interior, providing a natural setting that enhances the discreet presence of this archaeological remnant.

Historical Value:

This site dates back to the Roman period and is part of an ancient pars fructaria, the area for processing agricultural products of a villa. Here, Roman authorities explored the viticultural potential of the region, installing wine presses to tread grapes and collect the must.

The dimensions of the tanks, similar to those of other local archaeological sites, suggest distinct functions: the larger one served for treading grapes (calcatorium), while the smaller one collected the must (lacus), connected by a circular opening.

Architectural Features:

Both tanks are rectangular in shape with almost vertical walls, carved directly into the rock. The larger tank measures approximately 1.26 m in length by 0.94 m in width and 0.30 m in depth, while the second measures about 0.80 m by 0.46 m and has a maximum height of 0.47 m.

The carving work highlights the technical precision of the Roman artisans, who took advantage of a natural rock protrusion to integrate the structures without the need for additional masonry, thus granting them robustness and longevity.

Natural Environment and Setting:

The granite is partially covered by lichens and mosses, which highlights the contrast between the cold grey of the stone and the greens of the ground cover. This chromatic overlay creates a serene and harmonious setting.

Around, the rural quietude and the occasional sound of birds contribute to a contemplative experience. The ensemble invites a careful observation of the details carved into the rock and the feeling of direct contact with the past.

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