Historical Landscape

A Methodological Proposal to Analyse the Settlements of Monasteries in the Birth of Portugal

Bibliographic Data

ID3213047
AuthorsIsabel Vaz De Freitas (0000-0002-1277-3700, Universidade Portucalense, corresponding author), Hélder Silva Lopes (0000-0002-2931-5175, University of Minho, corresponding author), Helena Albuquerque (0000-0003-3064-1514, Universidade Portucalense, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume15
Issue10
Pages1158
Publication date2024-09-25
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel15101158
OpenAlexW4402849716
LanguageEN
References cited19

This study aims to understand and characterise the landscape of monasteries in early medieval Portugal using a methodology to better comprehend the factors influencing monastery construction. The research focuses on variables such as altitude, slope, aspect, hydrology, geomorphology, and topographic prominence. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for detailed spatial analysis, the study reveals that monasteries were typically located in areas with slight elevations, gentle slopes, and proximity to watercourses, reflecting considerations about resource exploitations, access, and population development. The analysis shows no significant differences in construction preferences among different religious orders, indicating a general adaptability to the local environment rather than distinct criteria for each order. Despite the broad trends, individual orders exhibited some variability in their specific site selections, such as altitude and slope preferences. The findings highlight the importance of integrating historical and environmental data to understand settlement patterns, providing valuable insights into the strategic considerations behind monastery locations. Future research could expand on these findings by incorporating socio-economic impacts, enhancing our understanding of medieval monastic landscapes

Archaeology · Geography · Human settlement · Regional science · Archaeology and Cultural Heritage · History · Medieval Architecture and Archaeology · Religious Tourism and Spaces