Category: Civil Architecture > Marker
District: Vila Real > Peso da Régua > Galafura e Covelinhas
Granitic Landmark 26 is located in the picturesque village of Galafura and Covelinhas, part of the municipality of Peso da Régua, in the district of Vila Real. This specific point is situated within the magnificent landscape of the Alto Douro Wine Region, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Its privileged position frequently offers visitors an immersive perspective on the vastness of the vineyard terraces that shape the region's steep slopes, with the Douro River winding in the background, providing a unique scenario of natural and cultural beauty.
This landmark is one of many granite pillars that, in the 18th century, were erected to demarcate one of the world's oldest and most renowned wine regions. Its origin dates back to 1756, the year in which the Marquis of Pombal established the General Company of Agriculture of the Alto Douro Vineyards, creating the planet's first demarcated and regulated wine region.
The primary function of Granitic Landmark 26, like its counterparts, was to mark the boundaries of the specific area where authentic Port Wine was produced. These landmarks were crucial for ensuring quality, protecting origin, and combating the frauds that were then rampant, playing a fundamental role in the organization and prestige of Douro wine production.
As a piece of functional architecture, Granitic Landmark 26 presents itself as a robust pillar, sculpted from granite, a material abundant in the region. Its simple and durable design reflects the practical intention and engineering of the era, intended to withstand time and the elements.
Beyond its practical function, this landmark transcends a mere physical boundary to become a symbol of the tenacity and vision that shaped the Douro. It represents the history of centuries of hard work, adaptation to the landscape, and a savoir-faire that transformed rugged slopes into productive vineyards, creating the unique cultural landscape we admire today.
Being next to Granitic Landmark 26 offers the opportunity to witness up close a tangible vestige of a decisive era for the identity of the Douro. It invites contemplation of the landscape's monumentality and reflection on the historical and cultural legacy that this place encapsulates.
Its presence integrates harmoniously into the wine-producing landscape, serving as a point of connection between the past and the present, and highlighting the invaluable worth of a region that continues to enchant with its beauty and its history intrinsically linked to wine.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.18485965,-7.69809468
Coordinates DMS: 41°11'5.5"N 07°41'53.1"W
Weather Galafura e Covelinhas
On-duty Pharmacy Galafura e Covelinhas
