Carvalhais Necropolis

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viseu > Vila Nova de Paiva > Vila Nova de Paiva

Location

The Carvalhais Necropolis is located in the town of Vila Nova de Paiva, within the municipality of the same name. This historical site is situated on a gentle, south-facing slope, giving it favorable sun exposure. Its position is characterized by its proximity to fertile agricultural land and accessible water sources, factors that were crucial for the establishment of human communities throughout the centuries.

A Journey into the Past

This archaeological site represents the largest known necropolis in Vila Nova de Paiva and one of the most significant in the Viseu region. The site is notable for its thirteen graves, which were excavated directly into the rock. These burial cavities exhibit various shapes, from more oval ones to those with anthropomorphic contours, suggesting the human silhouette. Although there are indications of occupation during the Roman Empire, the necropolis was likely used until the 7th and 8th centuries, marking a long period of human presence.

Traces of Antiquity

Excavations carried out at the Carvalhais Necropolis have revealed various vestiges that help recount the history of the populations who lived and buried their dead here. Among the finds are hand mills, fragments of common pottery from different eras, and pieces of tegulae (roof tiles). Slag resulting from smelting processes was also identified, indicating metallurgical activities. One of the most curious finds, although its exact provenance is debated, is a small decorated gold plaque, dated to the Visigothic period, which is currently housed in the National Museum of Ancient Art and may originate from this site.

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