Category: Civil Architecture > Marker
District: Vila Real > Valpaços > Vilarandelo
The Granite Markers (13) are located in the heart of Vilarandelo, a village situated in the municipality of Valpaços, in northern Portugal. They are arranged in the village's Public Garden, an inviting and central space that allows for easy observation of these historical pieces. Their position in the garden offers a serene atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a quiet break while admiring a valuable heritage.
These Granite Markers, also known as milestones, are important remnants of the Roman presence in the region. Each of them is a granite column, originally erected along Roman roads to indicate distances covered or to be covered, usually in Roman miles. Their existence in Vilarandelo points to the complex network of roads that the Romans built, facilitating communication and trade throughout the empire. Observing these structures is like taking a journey back in time and imagining the ancient routes that once passed through here.
Upon approaching the markers, one can appreciate the robust simplicity of the granite, a material abundant in the region, and its cylindrical shape. Although time and erosion may have erased some of the original inscriptions, the mere presence of these monumental stones is a physical reminder of a distant era. They represent a tangible link to the past, allowing visitors to reflect on the engineering and organization of Roman civilization and its lasting impact on the landscape and culture of the Trás-os-Montes territory.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.66467582,-7.32597851
Coordinates DMS: 41°39'52.8"N 07°19'33.5"W