Pedro Barradas
02-11-2005, 20:15
In 1989, E.D.P. (Electricidade de Portugal) ordered an Environmental Impact Study to be carried out in the Côa valley, in preparation for the construction of a large dam to be located near the mouth of the river. In the framework of that study, a team of archaeologists made a preliminary survey of the area to record and evaluate the cultural heritage items that would be submerged or destroyed as a result of the construction of the dam. An important array of archaeological sites was identified, including four rock-shelters with prehistoric paintings.
Passionate controversy immediately followed the public announcement of the existence of this soon-to-disappear complex of rock art sites. Massive national and international protest - conducted under the slogan Petroglyphs can't swim, derived, from a popular rap song, by the high-school students from the local town of Vila Nova de Foz Côa - eventually forced the Portuguese government to slow down construction work, which almost came to a halt in May 1995.
In November 1995, recognising the importance of the cultural heritage of the region, the Portuguese government decided to halt the construction of the dam and to integrate this ensemble of finds into a Côa Valley Archaeological Park.
Passionate controversy immediately followed the public announcement of the existence of this soon-to-disappear complex of rock art sites. Massive national and international protest - conducted under the slogan Petroglyphs can't swim, derived, from a popular rap song, by the high-school students from the local town of Vila Nova de Foz Côa - eventually forced the Portuguese government to slow down construction work, which almost came to a halt in May 1995.
In November 1995, recognising the importance of the cultural heritage of the region, the Portuguese government decided to halt the construction of the dam and to integrate this ensemble of finds into a Côa Valley Archaeological Park.