Moreira De Rei Necropolis

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Guarda > Mêda > Moreira de Rei > Necrópole

Location

The Necropolis of Moreira de Rei is located in the tranquil village of Moreira de Rei, within the municipality of Mêda. This archaeological site extends around the Romanesque Church of Santa Marinha, a building that in itself evokes centuries of history. Its integration into the landscape, typical of the region's villages, provides a serene environment and an organic connection with local architecture, inviting a slow and reflective exploration.

A Portal to the Medieval Past

This remarkable archaeological site is a valuable testimony to human presence in the region since the Early Middle Ages, with remains dating back to the 8th to 10th centuries. The necropolis offers insight into the funerary rituals and social organization of the communities that inhabited this area over a thousand years ago. It is a place that invites reflection on the life and beliefs of our ancestors, revealing layers of history that shaped the territory of Moreira de Rei.

The Anthropomorphic Graves

The most striking feature of the Necropolis of Moreira de Rei lies in its hundreds of graves carved directly into the granite rock. Many of these graves have an anthropomorphic shape, meaning they are molded to resemble the human body, a common typology in medieval necropolises. This funerary complex is considered the largest in the Iberian Peninsula in terms of anthropomorphic rock-cut graves, making a visit to this site a unique experience for those interested in archaeology and ancient practices.

A Window into Regional History

The existence of this vast necropolis reinforces the historical relevance of Moreira de Rei, especially in the context of the Reconquista and the settlement of Christian communities in the territory. Its proximity to the old Castle of Moreira de Rei suggests a deep connection between the community, religious, and defensive life of the time. The site is, therefore, not only a record of mortuary practices but also a fundamental piece for understanding the cultural and social evolution of a region that played a vital role in the formation of Portugal.

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