Granitic marker 39

Category: Civil Architecture > Marker

District: Vila Real > Sabrosa > Gouvinhas > Lugar do Muro

Location

Granite Landmark 39 is discreetly positioned in Lugar do Muro, part of the village of Gouvinhas, located in the municipality of Sabrosa, in the district of Vila Real. This area, deeply rooted in the Douro region, is characterized by a landscape of gentle slopes and sometimes steeper hillsides, shaped into terraces where vineyards dominate the panorama. The landmark's location offers visitors an authentic perspective of the Douro rural environment, punctuated by small villages and the natural beauty of the valley.

Witness to the Land

This landmark is a simple yet robust piece, carved from granite, an abundant and traditional material in the region. Its presence in the rural landscape is not fortuitous; landmarks like this, often numbered (as suggested by the "39" in this case) were and remain crucial elements in delineating properties, parishes, or even old administrative divisions. They represent the organization of space and the memory of boundaries established by past generations, serving as unchangeable reference points over time.

Integration into the Landscape

Granite Landmark 39, by its very nature, is not an imposing monument, but its importance lies in its subtle integration into the environment. The stone, weathered by the elements, blends with the earth and surrounding vegetation, becoming an intrinsic part of the landscape. Its rudimentary, unornamented form reflects the functionality and durability with which it was conceived, resisting the passage of centuries and maintaining its function of marking a specific point in the vast geography of the region.

Memory and Symbolism

Visiting Granite Landmark 39 is an invitation to reflect on the history of territorial occupation and the importance of heritage that, although modest, is fundamental for understanding the organization of the rural Transmontano space. This landmark is a silent guardian of ancient divisions and routes, a link to the past that evokes the lives and work of those who, over centuries, shaped this landscape. It is a point of quietude, where one can appreciate the authenticity of the place and its indissoluble connection to the land.

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