Pedra Escrita, Serrazes, Archaeological site in Serrazes, Portugal.
Pedra Escrita in Serrazes is a large granite block that rises about 2.5 meters (8 feet) high and measures roughly 2 meters (6.5 feet) wide, with a protective roof built over it to shield the surface from weather. The carved face shows various patterns and marks that cover much of the stone.
The stone carving dates to around the 10th century BCE based on archaeological study, making it thousands of years old and one of the oldest marked stones in the region. This age places it in the period when people were creating increasingly complex symbols and patterns in stone.
The stone carvings show concentric circles and grid patterns that people who visit today can see and touch with their hands. These marks suggest that someone long ago was thinking about the sky or perhaps drawing figures into the granite.
The monument sits in an open outdoor area that is easy to reach by car, with its location marked clearly for navigation. Visitors should plan to come during good weather, as the protective roof provides some shelter but the site remains exposed to the elements.
Local folklore tells of a Moorish princess buried beneath or near the stone, a story that has become part of how people in the region remember the monument. This legend adds a human dimension to what would otherwise be just an ancient carved rock.
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