Fraga da Pena possesses a magical aura that envelops us, set in an idyllic landscape formed by a natural amphitheater whose stage rises to an altitude of 750 meters. This gigantictor(granitic tower) stands atop the western slope of Ribeira da Muxagata and marks the natural boundary between the parishes of Queiriz and Sobral Pichorro.
This is one of the most majestic ceremonial sites from the late third millennium B.C., dating to the transition from the Chalcolithic to the Bronze Age. As communities developed through their social and political assertiveness, the emergence of new metallurgical techniques and tools, and new artistic and symbolic activities, we can understand this site as a means of reinforcing the local community’s identity.
Fraga da Pena, in Queiriz, is an example of an important settlement characteristic of the Bronze Age. Archaeological excavations conducted by António Carlos Valera at the end of the last century revealed the existence of two walls and two towers, which would have served as a defensive stronghold. Various artifacts were also found, such as axes, arrowheads, and bell-shaped vessels. In addition to everyday objects, a small, unusual anthropomorphic idol was also discovered.
This site continues to serve as a natural stage for many of the events that the municipality organizes throughout the year.
Tor da Fraga da Pena is classified as a geosite associated with granitic landforms by the UNESCO Estrela Global Geopark.
For more information, contact the Fornos de Algodres Interpretive Center (CIFA).
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