quinta-feira, 3 de junho de 2010

Preserving the Portuguese cultural and historical heritage in Charneca de Caparica


Location and description of the site:

Monte da Cruz or Monte do Outeiro and its stone Cross are situated in Vale do Rosal, Charneca de Caparica, Almada, Portugal. This place has been sacred since the 16th century. It is a pilgrimage place, a place of worship and meditation, not only for the inhabitants of Charneca de Caparica, but also for people from all over Portugal and foreigners. This Cross has a great spiritual and cultural value for many people. This is the place where the forty Portuguese martyrs prayed before setting to Brazil. These martyrs were considered holly men in 11-05-1854. When the canonization process of the holly man Inácio de Azevedo and the other monks of the congregation is complete, this place will even have a higher dimension and meaning to all. This place is part of our history, that of our ancestors in search for higher ideals and it should be recognized as Portuguese and World Heritage.

Some facts that endanger this part of Portuguese heritage:
The main factor is the opening of the high road throughout Setubal peninsula. The work on this high road started in 2010 and its plan will destroy this special place. Another factor is that the governmental entities responsible for preserving national heritage haven’t taken any measures to preserve this site, so it cannot be officially preserved.

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