Moorish Cemetery or Fountain of the Moors

Category: Archaeology > Necropolis

District: Vila Real > Peso da Régua > Galafura

Location

The Moorish Cemetery, also known as Fonte dos Mouros, is located in a serene corner of the village of Galafura, in the municipality of Peso da Régua. Situated on an isolated rural slope, facing southwest, this site harmoniously integrates into the landscape, once characterized by vineyards.

Its location, slightly set apart from the center of Galafura, offers an environment of quietude and reflection. It is a discreet spot that invites a moment of pause, allowing visitors to absorb the tranquil atmosphere of the region.

Origin and Characterization

This site corresponds to a medieval necropolis, an ancestral type of cemetery where graves were excavated directly into the local rock outcrop. Its construction is attributed to the period between the 9th and 11th centuries, revealing a long-standing human presence and funerary practices in these lands.

The graves, carved into the region's characteristic shale, present a trapezoidal shape, wider at the head end and narrowing towards the feet. Their orientation, typically from east to west with the head end facing west, reflects funerary rituals of the time, indicating the importance of symbolism and tradition in the disposition of the deceased.

Historical Testimony

Over the centuries, these graves have been affected by the passage of time and human action, and are now found without their original coverings and with traces of violation. Nevertheless, the site remains an important landmark that allows us to glimpse a part of the past.

Currently, it is possible to observe some of the graves that remain visible, although the total extent of the necropolis and the exact number of original graves are uncertain, as others may still be hidden or have been destroyed. The Moorish Cemetery/Fonte dos Mouros has been recognized as a Property of Municipal Interest since 1990, highlighting its relevance as cultural heritage.

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