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 (dolmens or antas), standing stones (menhirs or menires), and stone circles or enclosures (cromlechs or cromeleques).
Use the map below to browse or search among the various megalithic sites. Clicking on a cluster (a coloured circle with a number in it) will zoom in and disperse the cluster. Highlighted map markers indicate sites that are described on this website. More posts are added as sites get visited. (If you know of a megalith that should be added to the map, please let me know!)
Below the map is a list of all the megalithic sites on our website …so far!
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Mamoa da Eireira
An exceptionally unusual dolmen: forming a V-shape with undifferentiated corridor and chamber. Many of its upright stones have engravings and/or paintings.
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Anta do Monte dos Serôdios
A Neolithic/Chalcolithic dolmen on a hill in the Grândola municipality, Setúbel district. One of the upright slabs in the chamber is covered in cup marks.
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Anta da Pata do Cavalo
An enormous dolmen with a chamber at least 4m across, in Grândola (Setúbal district).
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Casas Velhas
A Bronze Age graveyard with dozens of stone cists, near the town of Melides in the southern part of Setúbal district.
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Monumento Megalítico do Lousal
An unusual dolmen in the Grândola municipality: this dolmen has two connected chambers.