Bear's Seat of the Bull's Rock

Category: Archaeology > Bee Shelter

District: Vila Real > Montalegre > Pincães > Roca do Touro

Location

The Roca do Touro Bear Silha is located within the area of Roca do Touro, near the village of Pincães, in the municipality of Montalegre. This unique example is situated on the slope of an imposing granite massif, in a landscape that reflects the characteristic natural beauty of the Gerês region. Its position offers a glimpse into how ancient constructions integrated with the environment, surrounded by spontaneous vegetation and, traditionally, near water sources.

The Purpose of the Construction

A bear silha is an ingenious structure, typically built with circular stone walls. Its primary objective was to protect beehives, essential for honey production, from attacks by wild bears. By building these robust enclosures, local communities ensured that their apiaries remained safe and out of reach of predators, guaranteeing the continuity of an activity vital for their subsistence.

Testimony of an Era

This example at Roca do Touro is a remarkable vestige of practices dating back to the Middle Ages. Bear silhas were common elements in the rural landscape, demonstrating the adaptability and intelligence of populations in managing coexistence with wildlife and safeguarding their resources. Their good preservation allows visitors to understand a significant part of the history and culture of the highlands, concretely illustrating the ancestral interaction between humans and the natural environment for their survival.

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