Category: Civil Architecture > Village
District: Viseu > Lamego > Anta de Mazes
Located in the municipality of Lamego, in the district of Viseu, the village of Antas, also known as Alcaria de Mazes, Sabugueiro, and Castelo, is set in a predominantly rural environment. Its location offers a landscape that, although close to the demarcated Douro region, maintains the characteristics of an inland setting, with steep slopes and vegetation that attests to its more isolated and rugged nature.
The buildings in the village of Antas are predominantly constructed from granite, an abundant material in the region that gives the homes a remarkable solidity and a harmonious integration with the natural environment. Unlike some rural typologies, the roofs of these houses are traditionally made of ceramic tiles, reflecting the common construction practices of the territory. Inside, one can still glimpse elements characteristic of a more ancestral way of life, such as rustic fireplaces and ovens, as well as some antique furniture that has stood the test of time.
The village's history is marked by a past that, although not always detailed, suggests a long-standing occupation. There are indications that the stones used in its constructions may have been repurposed from older structures, pointing to a continuity of human settlement in this location. The designation "Castelo" (Castle) in the full name of the locality may also allude to a strategic or defensive function that the area might have played in ancient times, perhaps related to its position between valleys.
From the second half of the 20th century, the village of Antas experienced a gradual process of abandonment. This rural exodus has transformed the place into a haven of great tranquility, where the silence is predominantly broken only by the sounds of the surrounding nature. Agricultural activity, once central to the community's subsistence, is now minimal, but traces of the pastoral heritage that characterized Alcaria de Mazes are still visible, suggesting it may have been a seasonal shelter for shepherds. This transition gives the village a unique atmosphere, as if time has slowed down or even forgotten this corner of the world.
Visiting the village of Antas offers an experience that transports the visitor to a bygone era. The quietness of the place and the preservation of its houses, despite the abandonment, provide a setting conducive to reflection on the evolution of rural communities in the interior of Portugal. Its existence and its enigmatic past, possibly linked to ancient hillforts and a strategic defensive role between the Douro and Mondego rivers over the centuries, give it a symbolic value of resilience and memory of the territory.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.006426463475904,-7.856253975913138
Coordinates DMS: 41°00'23.1"N 07°51'22.5"W
Weather Anta de Mazes
On-duty Pharmacy Anta de Mazes
