Category: Archaeology > Site
District: Viseu > São Pedro do Sul > Penso
Pedra Escrita (The Written Stone) is located in Penso, a village in the municipality of São Pedro do Sul. This imposing granite block stands out as a striking element in the natural landscape, bearing witness to centuries of history.
With its eastward-facing engravings, the stone blends into its surroundings, offering a perspective on human and artistic presence in very remote times.
This granite monolith, measuring over two and a half meters in height by two meters in width, is a valuable remnant of rock art. Its origin is thought to date back to a period that could reach the 10th or 8th century BC, positioning it as one of the oldest artistic records in the region.
Due to its historical and cultural importance, Pedra Escrita was officially classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1946, recognizing its heritage value.
The surface of Pedra Escrita is almost entirely covered by a set of enigmatic drawings. Among the engravings, concentric circles are distinguished, many with a small central concavity, and rectangles divided into grid patterns. These abstract forms, created by ancestral hands, remain a mystery to archaeologists, who are still seeking to unravel their true meaning today.
The complexity and uniqueness of these drawings offer a glimpse into the minds and beliefs of the communities that inhabited this land thousands of years ago, inviting reflection on their symbolism.
A fascinating popular legend has been woven around Pedra Escrita, enriching its legacy. Tradition holds that beneath this monument lies the tomb of a mysterious Moorish princess. This story, passed down from generation to generation, imbues the stone with an aura of mystery and romance, transcending its archaeological value.
The legend of the Moorish princess adds a cultural and imaginative dimension to the visit, connecting the monument to a distant past and a rich imaginary of stories and secrets.
Currently, Pedra Escrita is protected by a simple structure, a small shelter that safeguards it, although it remains exposed to natural elements. This condition underscores its vulnerability and the importance of preserving this testament to a remote past.
Despite its current simplicity, Pedra Escrita continues to be a point of interest that invites observation and contemplation, a tangible link to prehistory that endures in the landscape of São Pedro do Sul.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.75840792,-8.12009895
Coordinates DMS: 40°45'30.3"N 08°07'12.4"W
Weather Penso
On-duty Pharmacy Penso
