Santo Amarinho Necropolis

Category: Archaeology > Necropolis

District: Portalegre > Castelo de Vide > Castelo de Vide > São João Baptista

Location:

The Necropolis of Santo Amarinho is located in the area of São João Baptista, in the village of Castelo de Vide. The site is in an area that allows for some tranquility and observation of the surroundings, although it may be close to more urbanized areas of the parish. Its position invites a more unhurried visit, slightly away from the hustle of the historic center but integrated into the local landscape.

Origins and History

This archaeological site corresponds to an ancient collective burial ground, known as a necropolis. The remains found and the typology of the graves indicate that this place was used by human communities that inhabited the region in very remote periods of time, possibly dating back to the Roman era or even earlier phases of Protohistory. It therefore represents a material testament to the populations that lived and died in this area many centuries ago.

Visible Remains

Upon visiting the necropolis, it is possible to observe the funerary structures that have survived to this day. Generally, one finds graves carved directly into the rock, often with shapes resembling human silhouettes or funerary boxes. These cuts in the stone are proof of how ancient inhabitants prepared and laid out their dead, using the site's geology to create their tombs.

Cultural Significance

The Necropolis of Santo Amarinho is not just a collection of worked stones, but an important element for understanding local history and the funerary practices of past civilizations. Studying this type of site provides clues about the beliefs, rituals, and even the social structure of the communities that used it. Each grave is a link to the past, helping to reconstruct the way of life of those who lived here before us.

Site Atmosphere

Visiting the Necropolis of Santo Amarinho offers an experience that invites reflection. The atmosphere at the site tends to be serene and contemplative, ideal for those seeking more direct contact with the remains of antiquity in a natural or semi-natural setting. It is a space that tangibly links the present to the past, allowing one to imagine the life and death of the populations who left their last resting place here.

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