Capilla y necrópolis de San Victor de Barxacova, Medieval necropolis and chapel site in Ribeira Sacra, Spain
The Chapel and necropolis of San Victor de Barxacova is an archaeological complex featuring numerous anthropomorphic tombs carved into rock in the Ribeira Sacra region. These graves are arranged across different elevation levels in northern and southern sectors, creating a medieval burial ground.
The necropolis dates from the 9th and 10th centuries, while the chapel was constructed later and remained in use until its destruction in the 19th century. This timeline shows how the site functioned as a burial ground across multiple centuries.
The tombs reveal regional medieval burial practices where bodies were wrapped in cloth and covered with stone slabs. Visitors can observe these rituals today in how the rock-carved graves face east to west across the site.
Access is via the OU-0605 road from Plaza del Campo da Feira, followed by a path to the archaeological remains. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain, as the tombs are spread across multiple elevation levels.
One tomb in the northern sector measures about 2.5 meters in length, showing how multiple burial spaces were connected together. This construction reveals regional rock-carving techniques used over extended periods.
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