Granite marker 49

Category: Civil Architecture > Marker

District: Vila Real > Santa Marta de Penaguião > Mafómedes > Louredo e Fornelos

Location

The Granite Landmark 49 is located in the village of Mafómedes, which is part of the parish of Louredo e Fornelos, in the municipality of Santa Marta de Penaguião, Vila Real district. This point of reference is situated within a typical Transmontana landscape, characterized by the predominance of natural elements and a tranquil rural environment. Its position in the territory provides an authentic perspective on the region's agricultural and forest surroundings, reflecting the harmony between human interventions on the land and the surrounding natural environment.

The area is often marked by vineyards and vegetation that follows the irregular topography, characteristic of the transition between the Douro valley and the mountains further north. The environment is conducive to appreciating the serenity of the countryside, away from urban hustle, and offers an opportunity for direct contact with the essential landscape of inland Portugal.

Origin and Historical Purpose

Although the specific history of the Granite Landmark 49 may not be extensively documented, its existence as a "granite landmark" places it within a long tradition of territorial demarcation. These landmarks were crucial elements for the organization of space and the delimitation of properties, parishes, or municipalities. Its numbering, in this case "49", suggests that the landmark is part of a series, indicating a broader survey or delimitation campaign, possibly associated with ancient administrative borders or important historical communication axes that crossed the region.

The presence of this landmark on the ground is, therefore, a silent testament to territorial and social management practices from past centuries, serving as a physical point of reference that helped define and organize the life of local communities. It represents the permanence of a mark in the territory, maintaining its function as a boundary over time, even if its original purpose is no longer as evident to the modern visitor.

Characteristics and Resilience

The Granite Landmark 49 is, in essence, a granite monolith, an abundant material characteristic of the Douro and Trás-os-Montes region. The choice of this material gives it remarkable resistance to weathering and wear caused by time, which explains its preservation over decades, or even centuries. Its shape is typically robust and functional, devoid of excessive ornamentation, reflecting the simplicity and pragmatism of civil architecture that primarily aimed for utility.

Its integration into the surrounding landscape, sometimes disguised by vegetation or the very geography of the location, highlights its nature as an intrinsic element of the terrain. This landmark, with its simplicity and durability, remains a symbol of resilience and continuity, a fixed point in a constantly changing world, offering a tangible link to the region's past.

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