Panóias Sanctuary

The Sanctuary of Panóias, also known as Fragas de Panóias, is located in Assento, in the parish of Constantim/Vale de Nogueiras, Vila Real. Built in the transition from the 2nd to the 3rd century by the Roman senator Caius Calpurnius Rufinus, it was dedicated to the Infernal deities, headed by Serapis, and to the deities of the Lapiteas, an indigenous ethnic group from the region. Based on studies of the monument, we can say today that there was an initiation ritual at the site with a very precise order and itinerary - the killing of the victims, the sacrifice of the blood, the incineration of the victims, the consumption of the meat, the revelation of the name of the highest authority in hell and, finally, purification. Accessibility: - Audioguides in Portuguese, German, French and English. Services available to the public: - Guided tours - Shop - Sanitary facilities - Parking for buses.