Bear's Chair

Location

The Silha dos Ursos is located in the quiet village of Cabril, in the municipality of Montalegre. This type of construction is set in natural environments, typically in scrubland areas, which benefit from good sun exposure, facing south or east. Frequently, these structures are situated near springs or small watercourses, discreetly integrating into the surrounding mountain landscape.

The Legacy of the Silhas

The bear silhas are examples of human ingenuity and their relationship with nature. They consist of a simple, yet effective, stone wall, usually built in a circular format. Their function was to protect the beehives, where bees produced honey, from the action of bears, who sought this food. These constructions reflect a traditional way of life and the need to safeguard beekeeping production in times past.

A Historic Construction

These rustic structures have a history dating back to the Middle Ages, demonstrating their longevity and the importance of beekeeping for mountain communities throughout the centuries. They are testaments to the coexistence between man and wild fauna, revealing ancestral strategies of protection and subsistence. Their presence in the Cabril landscape offers a glimpse into the daily practices and challenges of the generations who inhabited these lands.