Category: Culture and Entertainment > Museum
District: Vila Real > Alijó > Pegarinhos
The Botelhinha Engravings are located in the locality of Pegarinhos, in the municipality of Alijó. This unique place is set within a natural amphitheater, a sort of landscape concavity that offers an immersive perspective. It is situated on a spur of the Botelhinha mountain range, with the landscape opening onto the valley of the Souto stream, providing a natural and tranquil setting.
The heart of this archaeological site is formed by a set of five granite outcrops. These are large rocky blocks, arranged relatively close to each other, which served as support for ancient artistic manifestations. The presence of these imposing stones amidst the landscape is, in itself, a striking element of the local geology, inviting careful observation of the natural environment.
On the surfaces of these rocks are found engravings that bear witness to human presence in remote times. The motifs belong to the so-called schematic art, characterized by its simplified representation. It is possible to observe anthropomorphs, figures that suggest the human form in various variations, and also drawings with rayed patterns, believed to symbolize the sun. These engravings offer a fascinating glimpse into the symbolic universe and beliefs of the communities that inhabited this region millennia ago, transporting us to a distant past through rock art.
Coordinates DD: 41.343056,-7.448639
Coordinates DMS: 41°20'35.0"N 07°26'55.1"W
Weather Pegarinhos
On-duty Pharmacy Pegarinhos
