Granitic landmarks 80 and 81.

Category: Civil Architecture > Marker

District: Viseu > Armamar > Fontelo

Location

Granite Markers 80 and 81 are located in the village of Fontelo, part of the municipality of Armamar, in the heart of the Viseu district. This region, characterized by its rural and mountainous landscape, is rich in granite geological formations, which naturally shaped both the environment and human constructions over the centuries. The markers are set in a typical 'Beirão' environment, where the green fields and the presence of granite rocks are distinctive elements of the landscape.

Witnesses to History and Demarcation

These granite markers are, in essence, boundary stones, erected with the purpose of marking limits. Their presence in Fontelo's rural landscape points to a long history of demarcating lands, properties, or, eventually, ancient communication routes. Although their exact function may vary, the numbering "80 and 81" suggests they were part of a larger series of markers, indicating a system of territorial organization that developed over time in this area.

The Robustness of Granite

The choice of granite as the material for these markers is not accidental. It is a rock abundant in the Viseu region, known for its exceptional durability and resistance to weathering. This characteristic ensures that Markers 80 and 81 remain standing, like silent sentinels, despite the passage of centuries. Their typically simple and robust form reflects a practical and functional approach to construction, where longevity was a primary factor.

Symbolic and Heritage Value

More than mere stones, Granite Markers 80 and 81 possess considerable symbolic and heritage value. They represent a tangible link with historical land management practices and with the lives of the communities that inhabited and shaped this landscape. Their simplicity contrasts with their importance as elements that help tell the story of land use and the divisions that once structured local life. They are an invitation to contemplate the legacy left by past generations.

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