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 Monte Abraão
The rush of traffic on the nearby motorway is noticeable but not overwhelming. The buzz of the electricity wires overhead is a gentle background noise. Occasionally you can hear a distant shout of a person in the apartment buildings at the edge of the field. Mostly, you’re aware of the warmth of the sun and…
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Tholos do Monge
Standing at the top of one of the highest peaks in the Sintra Mountains, you can see all around: Guincho Beach, the Atlantic Ocean, the Setúbal peninsula and the Arrabida Coast. Look down at your feet, and amidst the jumble of stones a circular structure stands out. This massive chamber is part of the Tholos…
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Anta da Coutada de Barbacena
Walking through the fields in this Alto Alentejo countryside, horses gambol around you. Splash across the small stream and look up at the hill before you. A towering eucalyptus tree near its top stands out in the landscape, and you make for it. As you climb the hill, the trees clear out and you see…
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Anta do Estanque
Walk through the quiet village of São Geraldo, and turn down the small lane of Rua Esquerda. Say “bom dia” to the old gentlemen sitting in chairs on the lane outside their houses, having a chat. Then, when you see the silver metal historic plaque from Évora Turismo at the end of the lane, look…
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Dólmen de Monte Serves
Also known as: monumento megalítico de Monte Serves The wind blows gently through the tall grass on the hillside as you look out over the broad estuary of the Rio Tejo. Squint and you can see the Vasco da Gama bridge stretching across the water. Every few minutes you can see an aeroplane taking off…