Wallow

Category: Civil Architecture > Stone Hut

District: Portalegre > Marvão > Beirã

Location:

The Chafurdão, a distinctive feature of the landscape, is found in the urban area that gives it its name, "Chafurdão", an integral part of the locality of Beirã, in the municipality of Marvão. These structures are scattered throughout the region, being particularly notable in border areas. Their presence is an element that marks the local scenery, offering a glimpse into a singular architectural heritage, integrated into the natural and semi-urban surroundings of Beirã.

A Unique Architecture:

The chafurdão represents a type of rural construction with unique architectural characteristics, distinguishing itself from other similar structures, such as choças (huts). Its exterior form is typically cylindrical, capable of reaching considerable heights, and is topped by a spherical dome-shaped roof. Chafurdões with a circular plan vary in diameter, generally between 3.50 meters and 10 meters.

Inside, the structure takes on a more conical shape, resulting from an ingenious construction technique. Granite or schist slabs are laid horizontally, starting from the base and gradually closing in as they rise. At the top, a movable slab may exist, allowing air circulation. A door serves as the only communication with the exterior, sometimes accompanied by a small upper slit.

The absence of mortar in their construction is noteworthy; the gaps between the slabs are filled only with smaller stones. On the exterior, the roof is sealed with rammed earth, which not only provides stability but also acts as thermal and moisture insulation. Some chafurdões have small niches embedded in the interior walls. A common feature is the orientation of the door, which, in most cases, faces east.

The Enigma of the Chafurdão:

The true function and exact construction date of these edifices remain a mystery, stimulating the interest of those who observe them. Invariably built on rock, with no archaeological soil traces, their chronology and purpose have been the subject of various theories and debates among specialists.

Opinions about their use vary, with suggestions ranging from tombs to dwellings, and even shelters for animals. Their origin has also been a source of speculation, with theories associating them with the Celts, with false-dome constructions from the Recent Prehistory of the Mediterranean, or even with invading peoples from North Africa. The complexity of the debate is evident in the lack of consensus among researchers.

It is important to note that these structures may be related to rock-cut tombs, estimated to date back to the early Middle Ages, possibly extending until the 11th century. If the chafurdões were contemporary with these tombs, what would their function be? Their singular architecture, more robust and carefully built than other dwellings of the time, raises the possibility that they were living spaces for an elite, or even places with a religious character, given the predominant eastward orientation of the door, which would allow a play of light inside.

The very name "chafurdão" or "furdão" may have an origin linked to pigsties, but this association is questioned by the existence, in some cases, of annexed enclosures for livestock and the presence of niches inside, which do not necessarily align with sheltering animals.

A Testament in the Landscape:

Although not as numerous as choças, chafurdões are more resistant structures and leave an unmistakable mark on the landscape of the municipality of Marvão and other border areas, where about fifteen of these constructions are known.

These edifices, once actively maintained by farmers and shepherds who used them for various purposes, replacing stones, adding earth to the roof, or removing vegetation, are a testament to human interaction with the environment over the centuries. However, the gradual abandonment of the fields in recent years has accelerated the degradation of these remarkable constructions.

A visit to them offers an opportunity to observe a unique type of heritage, whose history and purpose continue to be an invitation to reflect on ancient forms of life and construction in the region.

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