Granitic marker 38

Category: Civil Architecture > Marker

District: Vila Real > Peso da Régua > Galafura > Miradouro

Location

Granite Marker 38 is positioned on an elevated point in the locality of Galafura, in the municipality of Peso da Régua, Vila Real district. This location, which serves as a viewpoint, offers visitors a vast panoramic view over the imposing Douro wine region landscape, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The surroundings are characterized by meticulously crafted terraces, which extend along the steep slopes and descend towards the Douro River, creating a scene of unique beauty and profound cultural significance, where this marker is subtly but historically embedded.

Historical Legacy

This marker is a fundamental testament to a significant period in the history of the Douro region. Erected in the 18th century, Granite Marker 38 is part of a set of elements that played a crucial role in the creation and demarcation of the Douro Demarcated Region, the world's first officially regulated and demarcated wine region. Its primary function was to distinguish and protect the production areas of the renowned high-quality Port Wine. The number "38", engraved on the stone, indicates its specific identification within this historical demarcation network, established to guarantee the authenticity and excellence of local wines.

Characteristics and Symbolism

Granite Marker 38 is a simple and robust structure, carved from granite, a characteristic and abundant material in the region. Its design reflects the functionality and durability necessary for its intended purpose: to serve as an unquestionable and time-resistant point of reference. Beyond its practical function, this marker symbolizes the pioneering vision and organizational capacity that transformed the landscape and economy of the Douro. It represents the collective effort and the intrinsic importance of wine in the cultural identity and socioeconomic development of the region, being a tangible reminder of a heritage that continues to shape this unique territory and its people.

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