Granite marker 51

Category: Civil Architecture > Marker

District: Vila Real > Santa Marta de Penaguião > Barreiro

Location

Granite Landmark 51 is located in the village of Barreiro, part of the municipality of Santa Marta de Penaguião. This region is renowned for its mountainous landscapes and densely wooded valleys, dotted with vineyards stretching across the slopes. The landmark's position offers a serene perspective over the surrounding rural area, characteristic of regions further removed from urban centers.

The surrounding area is distinguished by its tranquility and the striking presence of natural elements, offering direct contact with nature and the cultural landscape that shapes this part of the Douro. Its presence on the terrain is set within a predominantly agricultural and forestry environment.

The Stone's Testimony

Granite Landmark 51 is a simple yet imposing structure, carved from granite, a rock abundant in the region. This type of landmark was historically used to delineate territorial boundaries, whether for agricultural properties, parishes, or municipalities. Its solidity and resistance to time make it an enduring testament to a past of demarcation and territorial organization.

The inscription of the number "51" on its surface suggests that this landmark is part of a series or a network of reference points. These landmarks were crucial elements for cartography and space management, reflecting the precision and importance given to the delimitation of borders and properties in past eras.

Integration into the Landscape

Over the decades, Granite Landmark 51 has remained in its original location, integrating naturally and harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. Its color and texture blend with the environment, making it an almost organic element of the hillside or path where it stands. Its presence invites observation of how granite, as a local material, has been and is used in construction and territorial marking.

Despite its apparent simplicity, this landmark offers a point of reflection on the resilience of materials and the silent history of communities. It is an invitation to pause, appreciate the serenity of the site, and understand how such modest elements can hold profound meaning in the memory of a place and its landscape identity.

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