Through a valorisation project that is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, the town of Moreira de Rei, in the municipality of Trancoso, district of Guarda, intends to elevate the largest Iberian necropolis to a significant tourist attraction. The intervention, which has as its main aim to reveal a portion of the 670 known tombs carved into the rock, also involves restoring Santa Marinha Church.
Amílcar Salvador, the head of the Trancoso Municipal Council, thinks that the findings will give tourists even more incentive to stay in the municipality longer. As the mayor explained, “It is an extremely important discovery because we are talking about the largest necropolis in the Iberian Peninsula. These are authentic treasures that were hidden here. These territories are very valuable”.
The 12th-century archaeological site, which has been designated a National Monument since 1932, is situated near to Santa Marinha Church. The region was the focus of investigation and study from 2018 to July of the previous year. Moreover, a tourist office at the village entrance was established by the City Council in anticipation of the potential impact of this finding, and it has been open since September.
As the architect and head of the town's Works Division Tiago Castela shared, “Our vision was ambitious, but what turned out to be much more than we had hoped for. The fact that we have a pearl of heritage here meant that the project had to adapt”. Since most of the burials are composed of less rigid and more porous stone, they will be covered to ensure their preservation, while some will still be visible.
Do they not pay attention to the damage and negative impact that tourism has on endangered and at-risk sites?
As a tourism destination and development professional for 40 years, I would warn that tourism is a double-edged sword.... just ask Rome and Venice and Barcelona or Lisbon or Sintra. Without serious controls it can overwhelm and destroy a destination
By Susan Smith from Other on 12 Aug 2024, 21:45