Granitic landmark 54

Category: Civil Architecture > Marker

District: Vila Real > Santa Marta de Penaguião > Sever > Concieiro

Location

Located in the locality of Sever, more precisely in the area of Concieiro, in the municipality of Santa Marta de Penaguião, Granite Landmark 54 is situated in an area bearing the strong imprint of the Douro and Trás-os-Montes landscape. This point is set within a rural and serene environment, typical of the interior north of Portugal, where tranquility and natural beauty are predominant elements.

Its position often offers perspectives over the surrounding valleys or the hillside, contributing to an experience of quietude and observation of the landscape that surrounds it. It is a discreet element, but an integral part of the local fabric, marking a specific point in the vast and historic region of Vila Real.

History and Purpose

Granite Landmark 54, as its name indicates, is a structure carved from granite, an abundant and characteristic material of the region. These landmarks, often simple in their conception, played crucial roles in the past, serving to delimit properties, mark ancient paths, or even indicate administrative and territorial borders. Its numbering, '54', suggests that it is part of a broader network or system of demarcation, indicating a planned organization in its establishment.

Although specific details of its institution may be scarce, the presence of this landmark takes us back to a time when the physical demarcation of territory was fundamental. It is a silent vestige of a spatial and social organization that shaped the landscape and communities over the centuries, telling a story of permanence and territorial division.

Characteristics and Materiality

In its essence, Granite Landmark 54 presents itself as a robust and functional example. Carved from granite, an igneous rock of great resistance and durability, the landmark reflects the solidity and sobriety that characterize many of the popular constructions in Northern Portugal. Its form is generally prismatic or columnar, of simple design and devoid of complex ornaments.

This simplicity does not diminish its value, but rather highlights its primary function of signaling and demarcation. The surface may show natural wear caused by time and the elements, testifying to its longevity. It is an example of the practical engineering and constructive wisdom of yesteryear, which used local resources to create long-lasting structures capable of enduring for generations.

Symbolic Value and Environment

For the visitor, Granite Landmark 54 offers more than its physical presence; it invites reflection on unwritten history and the interconnectedness between man and land. It represents permanence and resilience in a constantly changing landscape, a tangible link to the past that manifests itself in the quietude of the present.

Its location in Concieiro allows one to enjoy a moment of quietude, where the landmark naturally integrates into the surrounding environment. It is a point that invites careful observation, imagination about the people who passed by and the purposes this landmark served, becoming a subtle reminder of the importance of small elements in constructing the narrative of a territory.

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