Necropolis of the Moors

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Vila Real > Sabrosa > São Martinho de Antas e Paradela de Guiães > Garganta

Location

The Necrópole dos Mouros (Necropolis of the Moors) is located in the municipality of Sabrosa, in the parish of São Martinho de Antas and Paradela de Guiães, next to the Garganta urbanization. This site is situated at an altitude of approximately 800 meters, set within a landscape dominated by granitic formations. The necropolis is not located at the bottom of a valley, but rather halfway up a slope, with an orientation that leans towards the North and Northwest directions, offering a particular perspective on its surroundings.

A Millennial Space of Memory

Also known as Necrópole das Touças, this extensive archaeological complex represents a singular testimony to ancient funerary practices in the region. Upon visiting the site, one can observe various burial structures, including graves carved directly into the rock (rock-cut) and stone sarcophagi. These remains reveal distinct forms of burial over time, inviting reflection on life and death in the communities that settled here.

Traces and Mysteries of the Past

In addition to the graves, the archaeological site of Necrópole dos Mouros hosts other elements that enrich the visitor's experience. Notable is the presence of standing stones, which, along with the tombs, contribute to the complexity and symbolism of this space. An element of particular interest is a demarcation marker dated 1776, which signifies the historical presence of the Order of Malta. This site continues to be an object of archaeological study, with some of its characteristics prompting diverse interpretations, making each visit a discovery about the enigmas of a distant past.

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