The so-called rupestrian art is one of the areas of symbolic representation that most defies the limits of interpretation, both scientific and popular. One of its best-known manifestations are the compositions formed by geometric, anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures, engraved on rock and whose original meaning usually escapes us.
The carvings in the Terva River Upper Valley are part of the so-called Atlantic Art, a symbolic manifestation that can be identified from the Vouga River to the British Isles and which is generally recognised to have been produced by the communities that occupied the territory between the 4th and 1st millennia BC.
PUB
Located on the western edge of the Leiranco slope, near the village of Bobadela, the rock engravings identified at this site are inscribed on a granite slab facing east, towards the valley, measuring around 14 square metres and partially fractured.
Due to their obvious stylistic harmony and internal connection, the motifs carved into this rock seem to form a compositional ensemble of monumental character, in which the three-dimensional expression of the representation is emphasised, through the obvious use of the topographical characteristics of the outcrop.
For an archaeologically contextualised understanding of this site, the relative proximity of the Muro de Sapiãos Hillfort, Nogueira Hillfort and Brejo Hillfort must be taken into account, as well as the engraved sites of Barrenhas, Souto Escuro 2 and Outeiro Gordo.
The engravings are not signposted, but TC helps you get there.
The Ancient Rock Carvings of Souto Escuro are part of the Ancient Rock Carvings Route of the Terva Valley Archaeological Park (TVAP). The route is not signposted but TC helps you get there.
The use of a GPS navigation system or equivalent smartphone application is recommended.
Coordenadas GPS: 41.72397, -7.62765
