Gruta do Escoural

Walk down the stairs, ducking your head beneath the stone ceiling. Wooden steps lead you down into the Earth. Electric lights have been installed to guide your way, but the silence and the still air remind you that you are in an ancient place. Duck down and follow the laser pointer of your guide. With …

Parque Megalítico dos Coureleiros

Also known as: Necrópole Megalítica dos Coureleiros, Antas dos Coureleiros Walk along the road leading through the farmland: paddocks on either side of you, with the occasional herd of cows. The constant thumping of the nearby rock quarry provides an unpleasant soundtrack for your visit to this “park.” But if you persist, you can see …

Anta de Azurrague

Also known as: Anta do Zurrague, Anta do Azurrague 1 This anta (dolmen) is currently (from 2024) being excavated by archaeologists on a project titled MEDICE (Memórias, Dinâmicas e Cenários da Pré-história à Época Romana). There are few known antas in the area, and few published reports of this anta. The anta has been seriously …

Anta dos Pombais

Also known as: Anta do Pombal Ancient and more recent construction collide in this strange shelter or shed in the Castelo de Vide countryside. Originally a prehistoric anta (or dolmen), it was converted into a more modern farm construction. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the effects of the modern world on ancient structures. This …

Perdigões Archaeological Complex

Also known as: Cromeleque de Perdigões Below the flapping tarpaulins, archaeologists work, carefully excavating holes in the hard clay. There are many holes, forming a series of concentric circles. The team leader explains the site, using maps and illustrations. He points off to the East and explains how the enclosure opened up towards the rising …