Rock Engravings of Luzim

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Penafiel > Luzim

Location

The Luzim Rock Engravings are located in the parish of Luzim, part of the municipality of Penafiel. This site, nestled within a serene rural landscape, is situated on one of the slopes of Mount Lomar. Its isolated environment offers visitors an experience of tranquility and an authentic connection with the surrounding nature, ideal for a moment of pause and reflection.

The Art Engraved in Stone

Upon arriving at this archaeological site, visitors encounter an impressive granite boulder, a large rock that naturally rises from the ground, serving as a support for a vast collection of rock art. On this flattened, carefully worked rock surface, approximately a hundred engravings can be found.

Among the most common and visible motifs are pediforms, which are schematic representations of human feet, often arranged in groups or alignments. The collection also includes numerous cup marks, small circular depressions carved into the rock, as well as some designs of halter-like and paracular shapes, revealing the diversity of artistic expression from a bygone era.

The Enigma of Ancient Symbols

The true intention behind the creation of these rock engravings, dating back to Prehistory, remains an enigma. However, various interpretations suggest profound meanings. Pediforms, for example, are often associated with the idea of a journey or a walk, perhaps linked to rituals or ancestral routes. Other theories propose that this abstract and schematic art could be related to the sacralization of the site itself, functioning as a place of worship, or with the delimitation of territories by ancient communities. Contemplating these symbols invites an imaginary journey through time, allowing a connection with the peoples who, millennia ago, left their mark here.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravuras_rupestres_de_Lomar

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