Sanctuary of Panóias

Classified: NM - National Monument

The Sanctuary of Panóias, for many years known as the Rocks of Panóias. This sacred spot was constructed between the end of the 2nd and the beginning of the 3rd centuries. It comprises an area with three huge boulders, amongst other smaller ones, into which were carved a number of cavities of various sizes, as well as some access steps. Inscriptions were also engraved in one of the rocks, three in Latin and one in Greek, where one can read instructions for the rituals celebrated in Panóias, the identification of the Gods and of the dedicator. The inscriptions can be translated as follows:
 
“G. C. Calpurnius Rufinus consecrated within the temple (the temple understood as a holy place), an aedes, a sanctuary, dedicated to the Severe Gods”

“To the Gods and Goddesses and all the divinities of the Lapitaes, Gaius C. Calpurnius Rufinus, member of the senatorial order, consecrated forever with this sanctuary a cavity, in which the victims shall be burnt according to the rite.”

“To Serapis Most High, together with Destiny and the Mysteries, G. C. Calpurnius Rufinus, the most enlightened.”

“To the gods, G. C. Calpurnius Rufinus, the most enlightened, with this (temple) also offers a cavity for carrying out the mixing.”

It can be assumed that these are evidence of an initiation rite into the mysteries of the infernal deities with a very precise order for the instructions – the killing of the victims, the sacrifice of blood, the burning of the victims, the eating of their flesh, the revelation of the name of the highest authority in the underworld and, finally, the purification.
 
The Monument has various support structures for receiving the public, including a Visitor Centre (where a film can be viewed), a shop, Guides and Audio guides (Portuguese, French, English and German). Guided tours by arrangement.