Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction
District: Setúbal > Sesimbra > Sesimbra > Pedra da Mua
Situated on the cliffs of Pedra da Mua, in Sesimbra, this site is located in a coastal landscape of great natural beauty. Its limestone slabs are exposed on steep escarpments, on the western slope of Cabo Espichel, at an elevated altitude in relation to sea level. The view over the coastline is vast and dramatic, characterizing a wild and imposing natural environment.
The nature of the terrain means that observing the footprints can be a challenge, given the verticality of the rock. This location, part of the Arrábida Natural Park, offers a unique perspective on the interaction between geology and the vastness of the ocean.
The Pedra da Mua Ichnofossil Site is a fascinating testament to life on Earth millions of years ago. Formed during the Late Jurassic period, between 140 and 150 million years ago, the visible marks were imprinted on sediments of ancient shallow coastal lagoons. Over time, these sediments solidified and were later uplifted and exposed by the geological activity that formed the Arrábida mountain range.
This site offers a remarkable paleontological record, where it is possible to closely observe the impressions left by beings that dominated the planet in remote geological eras. It is a true window into a prehistoric ecosystem.
At this site, hundreds of fossilized footprints are found, totaling around 700 impressions. Most belong to sauropods, large herbivorous dinosaurs, known for their long necks and tails, which moved on four legs. There are also traces of theropods, bipedal carnivorous dinosaurs, whose footprints are distinguished by their three sharp claws.
Among the most notable discoveries are the parallel tracks of sauropods, considered the first evidence in Europe of gregarious behavior, meaning that these animals moved in herds, including groups of juvenile dinosaurs. Some of the footprints even reveal the tracks of animals that limped, offering details about their locomotion and physical characteristics.
The uniqueness of the Pedra da Mua footprints is so striking that, for centuries, it inspired one of the best-known local legends. Since at least the 13th century, the tracks have been interpreted as the marks of a giant mule that carried Our Lady of Cabo Espichel from the sea to the top of the cliff. This belief gave rise to the name "Pedra da Mua" and the religious cult in the region.
Today, science offers another reading, revealing that these remains actually belong to dinosaurs. This site represents a fascinating meeting point between ancestral popular wisdom and modern scientific knowledge, enriching the visit with a dual perspective on the history of the place.
The Pedra da Mua Ichnofossil Site has been recognized for its geological and paleontological importance, being classified as a Natural Monument. This classification underscores the need to preserve this exceptional heritage for future generations. Its inclusion in the Arrábida Natural Park further reinforces its protected area status, ensuring that these remnants of a distant past remain untouched.
The continuous study of this site by experts has allowed for a deeper understanding of the dinosaurs that once roamed these parts, particularly their movement patterns and social behavior, making it a reference point for paleoichnology.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.42171754, -9.2168121
Coordinates DMS: 38°25'18.2"N 09°13'0.5"W
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