Granite marker 18

Category: Civil Architecture > Marker

District: Vila Real > Peso da Régua > Seara

Location

Granite Marker 18 is located in Seara, a picturesque locality within the municipality of Peso da Régua, Vila Real district. This site is nestled in the stunning landscape of the Douro Valley, a region globally recognized for its natural beauty and wine production. The marker is set in an environment characterized by terraced vineyards, typical of this area, offering an authentic perspective on the viticultural landscape that shapes the identity of this part of Portugal.

Its position allows visitors to experience the tranquility of the Douro countryside, amidst olive trees and vines stretching across the slopes, a setting that invites observation and understanding of the ancestral relationship between man and land in this unique region.

A Testament to Viticultural History

This Granite Marker 18 is one of the elements that once dotted the Douro landscape, serving as a silent testament to the history and demarcation of the world's oldest demarcated wine region. Erected from robust granite, these markers were fundamental for delineating the geographical limits where wine production, especially Port wine, was considered of superior quality, distinguishing it from others.

Its presence in Seara refers to a period when the organization and regulation of wine production were crucial for the international recognition of the Douro. It thus represents a tangible link to the beginnings of the legislation that protected and valued the wines of this unique region.

Simplicity and Significance

In a simple and unadorned form, Granite Marker 18 presents itself as a stone pillar, whose solidity and discretion contrast with the imposing surrounding landscape. Its numbering, "18", indicates that it was part of a broader network of markers, each with its specific function in delimiting the wine territory.

This element, despite its apparent modesty, carries a profound cultural and economic significance, symbolizing the richness of a heritage that continues to be cultivated and valued. It is an invitation to reflect on human ingenuity and perseverance in building a heritage that today defines the Douro.

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