There are a number of interesting caves with prehistoric significance. Some are natural caves (in Portuguese, grutas) that contain evidence that humans used them for shelter and/or for entombment. Others are man-made, carved into the stone intentionally to create a space (usually) for internment. (In Portuguese these are called gruta artificial or plural grutas artificiais) A man-made cave that was used as a temple or tomb is technically called by the Greek term: hypogeum, plural hypogea. In Portuguese hipogeu, or plural hipogeus, is sometimes used as well as gruta artificial.
Note that caves generally lack evidence of human habitation. Any artefacts found will be displayed in museums.
Use the map in the sidebar to browse or search among the various prehistoric sites. (The “Filters” control in the top right corner allows you to select types of sites.) Highlighted map markers indicate sites that are described on this website. Below is a list of all the cave sites on our website (so far!).
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Abrigo de Lagar Velho
Also known as: Vale de Lapedo Site of archaeological discovery: the Lapedo Child, or Lagar Velho 1. In Portuguese, o Menino do Lapedo or a Criança do Lapedo Walk along the valley floor, enjoying the sunshine and peacefulness of the sparsely populated road. The wind blows through the trees, adding a soft rustling sound to…
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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…
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Grutas Artificiais da Quinta do Anjo
Also known as: Grutas Artificiais do Casal do Pardo, Covas da Moura At the edge of the town of Quinta do Anjo, a rock outcrop looks out over fields festooned with wildflowers. Walk along the outcrop and look into the holes. They lead into large chambers, caves in the rock. These are not ordinary caves.…
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Artificial Caves of São Pedro do Estoril
Stand on the cliff face and look off to sea, enjoying the fresh breeze. The surf below competes with the noise of the traffic along the Avenida Marginal. Look down: there surrounded by a circular wall and covered by vegetation are the vestiges of caves that were carved into the rock over 4,000 years ago.…
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Artificial Caves of Alapraia
Portuguese name: Grutas de Alapraia or Grutas Artificiais de Alapraia. Also known as: Necrópole Eneolítica de Alapraia Walk around the neighbourhood of Alapraia, and look into the yards of the houses, read the menu from the restaurant, look at the notices of the clinic. Little glimpses of life in this suburban area surround you. Then…