Lamelas or Eiras rock art site

Category: Archaeology > Station

District: Vila Real > Ribeira de Pena > Olgas > Lameiras

Location

The Lamelas or Eiras Rock Art Station is located in the Lameiras area, part of the locality of Olgas, in the municipality of Ribeira de Pena. This prehistoric site is situated on a small elevation, on the northwest slope of Alto do Facho, offering a view over the village of Ribeira de Pena and the surrounding rural landscape. The environment is one of tranquility and nature, allowing for immersion in the setting where the rock art was created.

Testimonies of Prehistory

This site represents a valuable testimony to human presence in remote times. The rock engravings, dating back to prehistory, constitute a unique form of open-air art, allowing a direct connection with the societies that inhabited this region thousands of years ago. Its historical importance is undeniable, being a lasting and material record of humanity's ancestral past in the Iberian Peninsula.

The Art Engraved in the Rock

At the center of the Lamelas Station, there is an extensive granite outcrop, whose flattened surface became the support for a series of rock carvings. The dominant motifs are geometric figures, including concentric circles, simple lines, and reticulated patterns, created by pecking into the rock. In addition to these artistic representations, the site also features a notable oval pit excavated in the rock, at its eastern end, and other smaller depressions in nearby outcrops, indicating a complexity of uses or rituals beyond mere artistic expression.

An Ancient and Protected Heritage

Recognized for its exceptional value, the Lamelas or Eiras Rock Art Station has been classified as a Property of Public Interest. This classification underscores the site's relevance in the Portuguese cultural heritage landscape, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Visiting this site is to delve into an ancestral chapter of history, in an area that remains untouched and invites reflection on the lives of our ancestors.

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