History
Discover the rich history of Bemposta
Bemposta, a village in the municipality of Penamacor, Portugal, has a rich historical heritage spanning several millennia.
Archaeological findings indicate human presence in the area since the Palaeolithic era, with artefacts such as hand axes and Bronze Age pottery discovered locally.
During the Roman period, Bemposta was notably significant, being considered the richest in Roman vestiges within the Penamacor municipality. Remnants of a Roman bridge, featuring a round arch with narrow and long voussoirs, still exist, though partially buried and obscured by dense vegetation.
In the medieval era, Bemposta was fortified with walls, likely constructed in the 13th century. A rectangular walled stronghold with a quadrangular tower remains as the only trace of these ancient defences. The tower was restored in the 20th century, with a clock added and a third floor constructed.
The village also holds cultural significance due to the discovery of two altars dedicated to Bandis Isibraia, a pre-Roman Lusitanian deity associated with the celestial realm, akin to the Greek Zeus or Roman Jupiter. These altars are housed in the Núcleo Museológico da Bemposta, located in the Chapel of São Sebastião, which also exhibits a significant collection of stelae.
Bemposta was granted a charter on 1 June 1510 by King Manuel I, marking its administrative recognition and autonomy. It served as a municipality until 1836, when it was integrated into the municipality of Penamacor. The village's historical architecture includes the Pelourinho da Bemposta, a pillory situated in front of the former town hall, symbolising its past administrative autonomy.
In the medieval era, Bemposta was fortified with walls, likely constructed in the 13th century. A rectangular walled stronghold with a quadrangular tower remains as the only trace of these ancient defences. The tower was restored in the 20th century, with a clock added and a third floor constructed.
Today, Bemposta's rich archaeological and historical heritage continues to be a subject of study and preservation, reflecting its importance through various historical periods.
Bemposta: Timeline of Key Events
- Roman roads connecting Mérida to Braga, passing through Bemposta.
- Roman inscriptions dedicated to Bandis Isibraia.
- Roman wine presses (lagaretas) indicate early viticulture.
- Santa Comba’s chapel existed but later disappeared.
- Incorporation of Bemposta into the Caminho de Santiago route.
- Development of cruciform markings, linked to Christian and Jewish influences.
- Development of religious monuments, including the Igreja Matriz.
- Calvário of Bemposta constructed, symbolizing Golgotha.
- 1758 Parish Memories mention Santa Comba’s ruined chapel and religious traditions.
- Bemposta’s chapel used as a school.
- Archaeological findings indicate a possible Islamic settlement.
- Chapel of Bemposta converted into a mortuary.
- Continued religious traditions such as Encomendar das Almas.
- Vandalism at the Roman bridge at Ribeira das Taliscas.
- 2004: Publication of *A Aldeia da Bemposta*.
- 2009: Chapel of São Sebastião converted into a museum.
- 2013: Via da Estrela officially marked.
- 2015-2016: Archaeological discoveries in Bemposta.
- Present: Religious and folk traditions remain active.