Category: Archaeology > Site
District: Viseu > Oliveira de Frades > Benfeitas
The Pedra das Ferraduras Pintadas (Painted Horseshoe Stone) is located approximately 1.5 km north of the village of Benfeitas, in the parish of Destriz, belonging to the municipality of Oliveira de Frades.
At this location, you will see a large granite rock with bas-relief engravings. The engravings are predominantly in the shape of horseshoes, and there are also sets of small dots scattered across the surface of the rock.
The rock is 6.5 meters long and 3.5 meters wide. It has cracks and grooves, some of which appear to have been made artificially. These divisions create different sections on the rock, although many engravings have been worn down over time due to atmospheric conditions.
The engravings are more visible when the sun is lower on the horizon, allowing you to clearly distinguish the signs, even those that are worn and would be difficult to see in other light conditions.
According to local tradition, it is believed that the signs engraved or painted on the rock represent the feet of all the animals that existed in the region in ancient times. It is also a tradition that the "mouras" (Moorish fairies) used to leave gold to sunbathe on this rock.
Nearby, on the hillside, you will find a spring of water known as the "Fonte dos Mouros" (Source of the Moors). It is a place with historical and cultural significance.
In addition to the Pedra das Ferraduras Pintadas, you can observe other signs, mainly crosses, on other rocks in the region. Some of these sites also feature interesting carvings and fossils.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedra_das_Ferraduras_Pintadas
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.680794710279145,-8.28522173898579
Coordinates DMS: 40°40'50.9"N 08°17'6.8"W
Weather Benfeitas
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