Castros and petroglyphs

PETROGLYPHS OF THE RIVER VILAR

PETROGLYPHS OF THE RIVER VILAR

Discover engravings of Mediterranean boats and unique animals from over 3000 years ago, in a place with a history of treasure hunting.
This is the most significant petroglyph station on the route due to the theme of one of the motifs engraved on the rocks: boats. In this area we find at least three groups with representations of vessels, among which the one depicted in the drawing stands out. This is a representation of a Mediterranean-type vessel, with a central mast and rigging. The missing portion of the engraving in the centre of the vessel was the result of an unsuccessful treasure hunt in the early 20th century. This type of vessel would date from the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC at the latest (a little over 3000-3500 years ago) and would tell us about the visit of sailors from the western Mediterranean.
Accompanying the vessel are multiple representations of animals, resolved in two different ways. Some are schematic, similar to those you can see at other stations along the route, and others show a more naturalistic treatment. They have a completely empty body and bent legs, to give the sensation of movement. Completely empty zoomorphic motifs are unusual in Atlantic rock art as a whole, which adds to the interest of this group.