Stone with Hole / Pierced Stone / Holed Stone

Category: Nature > Rock

District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Setúbal > Santos Nicolau

Location

Pedra Furada stands in the city of Setúbal, visible in its southeastern area and easily spotted by those traversing the waterfront. It is located on the bank of the Sado River, in an area integrated into the urban fabric of the Santos Nicolau urbanization, near the port area. From this vantage point, one has an interesting perspective on the river and the city's surroundings.

A Singular Geological Formation

This impressive rock outcrop is distinguished by its reddish, almost fiery color, and by the presence of curious perforations that give it its name. It is a unique geological formation, resulting from the solidification of sand and iron over millions of years, in a natural process that created its characteristic tubular structure. Approximately 18 meters high by 12 meters long, Pedra Furada is a testament to the region's geological history, being a rare phenomenon globally.

Echoes of Legends and Traditions

The singularity of Pedra Furada has inspired various legends and popular beliefs over the centuries, making it a place with a strong oral tradition. One of the most well-known stories dates back to the time of the Dynastic Crisis in Portugal, when the people of Setúbal demonstrated loyalty to independence.

It is said that, at a time of uncertainty, local rulers promised loyalty, stating that if they failed to uphold it, more holes would appear in the stone. With the subsequent annexation to Spain, popular belief linked the appearance of new perforations to the breach of that promise. Another local legend tells of an enchanted moura who lived in a cavity at the base of the stone, sometimes appearing in the form of a serpent, connecting the site to the city's ancient mystical roots, dating back to pre-Roman times.

A Point of Cultural Interest

Beyond its natural grandeur and the legends surrounding it, Pedra Furada is recognized as a geomonument, classified as a public interest asset. Its geological and cultural importance has led to preservation efforts over time, ensuring its integrity in the face of Setúbal's urban growth. This outcrop is not merely a natural curiosity; it is an identity-defining element of the Sado landscape, inviting contemplation and the discovery of its rich history and mysteries.

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