Perhaps the most famous (and fascinating) type of human relic from prehistoric times are megalithic constructions. These are symbolic or practical constructions made from enormous stone slabs. (Megalith means “large stones”) Portugal has hundreds, if not thousands, of megalithic sites. These generally include funerary structures, standing stones, and stone circles or enclosures.
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 megalithic sites on our website (so far!).
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Conjunto Megalítico do Monte de Têra
Also known as: Alinhamento da Têra, Alinhamento do Monte de Têra Standing tall with flocks of sheep to keep them company, the stone pillars line up from East to West. There are gaps in their formation revealing the loss of some of their number over the thousands of years they have stood here. The five…
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Cromeleque de Vale d’El Rei
Also known as: Cromeleque do Monte da Têra, Cromeleque do Monte das Figueiras, Recinto Megalítico de Vale d’El Rei Walking among these perfectly arranged stones on an Alentejo hilltop, you can almost feel the ancientness of the land. These stones were placed here six or seven thousand years ago, and likely were being used and…
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Cromeleque da Portela de Mogos
Also known as: Cromeleque da Portela de Modos Walk up the small hill, through the Alentejo cork oak forest. The wind blows through the trees, rustling the leaves. Up ahead, stand a group of still grey shapes. These stones have stood here for millennia, both upright and laying down. Once again they stand tall, dwarfed…
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Menires do Alto da Cruz
Also known as: Cruciforme Megalítico do Alto da Cruz, Cromeleque Cruciforme do Alto da Cruz English translation: “Menhirs of Peak of the Cross”, or “Megalithic Cross-Shape…” or “Cross-Shaped Cromlech…” The wind blows gently through the trees and grass on the top of the Alentejan hill. On a cement block stands a tall geodesic marker. The…
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Anta do Vale da Laje
Also known as: Anta 1 do Vale da Laje, Anta do Casalinho 1 Walk around the grey stones, noting the structure both in the centre and surrounding it. This was an incredibly important construction for thousands of years, used by people for burials and possibly more. The current buildings around it seem oblivious: do the…