Granite marker 15

Category: Civil Architecture > Marker

District: Vila Real > Peso da Régua > Lousada > Mera

Location

In the heart of the Douro region, in the tranquil locality of Lousada, in Mera, municipality of Peso da Régua, stands Granite Landmark 15. Its location is set within a typical rural environment of interior Portugal, characterized by serene landscapes and a strong connection to the land and local traditions. This spot offers a perspective on the Douro's rurality, far from urban hustle and bustle.

The surrounding area is marked by a discreet natural beauty, where vegetation and watercourses shape the landscape, creating a scene of tranquility that invites careful observation and the appreciation of the simplest elements of heritage.

Historical Context and Demarcation

These granite landmarks, like number 15, are remnants of an ancient practice of territorial demarcation. Generally, they served to delimit properties, parishes, or even regions, playing a fundamental role in the organization of rural space throughout the centuries. The number "15" suggests that this landmark is part of a series or a set of reference points, which together created a network of boundaries or indications in the territory.

Its discreet yet robust presence takes us back to a time when physical boundaries were marked in a more tangible way, serving as a testament to the evolution of land parcels and community life in the region. They are silent guardians of land and administrative memory.

Characteristics and Materiality

As a structural element, Granite Landmark 15 features a simple and functional structure, characteristic of demarcation monuments. Carved from granite, an abundant and durable material in the Douro region, this landmark stands out for its solidity and its ability to withstand the passage of time, displaying the patina that only centuries can bestow.

Its form, generally prismatic or columnar, and the absence of complex ornaments reflect its practical purpose. It is a piece of heritage that, in its simplicity, reveals the mastery in granite work and the precision engineering required for its placement and identification on the terrain.

Cultural and Heritage Value

Despite its apparent simplicity, Granite Landmark 15 possesses significant cultural and heritage value. It is an element that contributes to the understanding of local history and territorial management, representing a link to the agrarian and administrative past of the Douro region. Its existence underscores the historical importance of delimitations in the Portuguese rural context.

Its preservation is a recognition of the value of discreet landmarks that, together, compose the rich tapestry of rural heritage, inviting visitors to reflect on the evolution of space and the communities that inhabit it, offering a window into the practices and organization of the territory in past eras.

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