Granitic milestone 13

Category: Civil Architecture > Marker

District: Vila Real > Peso da Régua > Peso da Régua > São Gonçalo

Location

Granite Marker 13 is located in the municipality of Peso da Régua, in the locality of São Gonçalo, within the district of Vila Real. This area is deeply embedded in the landscape of the Alto Douro Vinhateiro, a territory of rolling hills shaped by centuries of viticulture. Its presence in this particular location allows visitors to absorb the atmosphere of one of Portugal's most emblematic regions, where nature and human action intertwine in a unique way. The marker is integrated into a rural and wine-growing environment, characteristic of the Douro, offering a perspective on the historical organization of this landscape.

A Historical Legacy

This marker is a testament to the long and rich history of the Douro, forming an integral part of a pioneering demarcation system worldwide. Erected in the mid-18th century, these granite markers had the fundamental objective of defining the limits of the world's first demarcated and regulated wine region, established by the Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro, at the initiative of the Marquis of Pombal. Their existence underlines the importance of organizing and protecting Port wine production, ensuring its authenticity and quality. Each marker, including Granite Marker 13, served to physically mark the boundaries of the area where true Port wine could be produced, thus contributing to the international reputation the region maintains to this day.

Characteristics and Symbolism

Granite Marker 13, like others of its type, is a robust and simple structure, carved from granite, the predominant rock in the region. Its simple and durable design reflects the practical purpose for which it was created: an unquestionable and time-resistant boundary element. Its formal simplicity contrasts with the profound symbolic importance it holds. It represents the vision of the future and the audacity of an era that knew how to value and protect a unique product. By observing this marker, visitors are invited to reflect on the persistence of Douro's wine culture and human ingenuity in preserving an invaluable heritage.

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