ABSTRACT
Portuguese cemeteries founded in the 19th century or earlier, like those in other European countries founded in the same period, are exceptionally important repositories of various forms of art. The approach to cemeteries from the point of view of cultural heritage is a relatively recent phenomenon in Portugal. The cemetery in the village of Macas de Dona Maria has been classified as being of municipal interest since 1997, but does not appear as listed on the Direcao Geral do Patrimonio Cultural website. The general conclusion is that there are very few, indeed very few, classified cemeteries in Portugal, the majority of which were classified because they were next to a classified building. The historical and artistic value of several Portuguese cemeteries has come to be recognized in other ways in recent years—for instance, through guided tours. The main threat is related to the abandonment of perpetual concessions, and the consequent process of re-concession.
