The most common type of megalithic structure in Portugal are funerary structures. These are typically tombs made of large stone slabs: these are called “dolmens” or portal tombs. In Portuguese, they are typically called antas but also dólmen or orca. Other types of funerary structures include large chambered tombs (including the famous Alcalar monuments), which uses stacked stones to make a circular chamber. This style of building is also called a “tholos” (plural “tholoi” or “tholoses”). I’ve included all large stone funerary structures into this category called “Dolmens.”
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Anta do Penedo Gordo
Walk through the sunny forests on the hills above the Tejo River. Enjoy the birdsong and wildflowers. As you round a bend on the trail, marvel at the enormous stone slabs standing over 2m tall. They have been standing there for 5,000 years. This anta (“dolmen” – megalithic chambered tomb) was built during the Late…
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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…
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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…
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Pedra Branca
Also known as: Dólmen da Pedra Branca, Monument Megalitico da Pedra Branca Walk around the boardwalk and look down at the stones. Their regular placement shows human work. Think about the four and a half thousand years that separate you from their original builders. Did the builders choose this hilly spot for the views to…
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Anta do Barrocal
Also known as: Anta da Herdade do Barrocal, Anta da Herdade do Barrocal 1 Standing tall in a cow pasture in the heart of the Évora “Megalithic Universe,” this massive and beautiful megalithic chambered structure is an impressive sight. This anta is a large construction: 2.3m high and about 3m in diameter. Seven solid granite…