The Trace of Archaeology

The Millenary Petroglyphs

The relationship between humans and horses in these lands is much older than the legend of the Rapa itself. Proof of this are the numerous petroglyphs, engraved in stone thousands of years ago, found in the area. Many of them represent equines and hunting scenes, demonstrating the importance of this animal for the first settlers.

In places like Chan da Lagoa (in Parada), engravings of deer, circular and pseudo-labyrinthine combinations, and horse-riding scenes have been found. Likewise, in Outeiro dos Cogoludos (in Paredes), petroglyphs showing riders have been discovered.

The Archaeological Site of ‘A Casa das Vellas’

Archaeological excavations at the site that tradition points to as “A Casa das Vellas” have revealed remains of a possible Bronze Age settlement. Although the legend cannot be confirmed literally, these findings show that the place has had a special significance for the inhabitants of the area since time immemorial.