Anta Grande do Zambujeiro

Anta Grande do Zambujeiro is a megalithic monument located in Nossa Senhora da Tourega, near Valverde, in the municipality of Évora, considered one of the biggest such structures in the Iberian Peninsula.

History

Research has dated this dolmen structure to between 4000-3000 B.C., concurrent with the megalithic construction associated with the region of Évora. It is linked to the dolmen culture of the Anta Grande da Comenda da Igreja (Great Dolmen of Comenda da Igreja in the municipality of Montemor-o-Novo.

In 1965, there were archaeological excavations completed by Henrique Leonor Pina, resulting in the discovery of a number of artefacts that were transferred to the museum of Évora. These excavations, which created some controversy (due to techniques used to examine the structure), unearthed slate tablets, necklaces, crosiers, copper objects, ceramics and carinated bowls.

Due to its importance, the Great Dolmen of Zambujeiro (português. Anta Grande do Zambujeiro) was declared a national monument by the Portuguese government in 1971 (Decree-Law No.516/71, 22 November 1971).

With fears of deterioration of the archaeological site, a metallic enclosure was constructed to protect the site (1983).

A secondary series of excavations were completed between 1989-1990, under the direction of Carlos Tavares da Silva (although there have been no publications on its results).

Architecture

The Great Dolmen is located one kilometre north of the historical Convent of Bom Jesus of Valverde, in the civil parish of Nossa Senhora da Tourega, around Herdade da Mitra (Valverde). This monument illustrates the organizational and technical capabilities of the Neolithic settlements and cultural groups of the period.

Consists of an irregular free-standing plan, composed of a single-chamber, articulated horizontal body with polygonal chamber and rectangular corridor. The funerary chamber and access corridor are covered by size-specific slabs of rock: large granite slabs over the funerary chamber and smaller rock slabs on the entrance corridor.

The principal face, orientated towards the east, is constituted by the projection of the corridor over the chamber face.

The remaining façades are obstructed by the observation mound, which still covers almost the entire structure except for the eastern side. The polygonal chamber, consisting of seven 8 metre-high pillars, is followed by smaller 2 metre-high slabs forming a 12 metre long (1.5 metre wide) corridor. The 7 metre coverage slab (acting as a roof), lies broken on the mound, with a sag on its western edge.

The entrance was marked by a large menhir, decorated with dimples, is now lying on the ground.

References

Notes

Шаблон:Reflist

Sources

Related links

External links

Listed in the following categories:
Post a comment
Tips & Hints
Arrange By:
J Kofler
18 April 2018
Quite the experience to get there (almost off-road driving), but definitely worth the detour. Fascinating remains, a pity that they seem to have tried fixing some parts with bricks, but still great.
Gábor Dömötör
6 August 2016
watch out for the horizontal steel bar at the top under the roof... really painful to hit it with head... been there done that
Richard van Geet
30 March 2013
tricky road to get here, after a couple days of rain. really nice Dolmen
Load more comments
foursquare.com
5.1/10
94 people have been here
Map
0.4km from Unnamed Road, 7000, Portugal Get directions

Anta Grande do Zambujeiro on Foursquare

Anta Grande do Zambujeiro on Facebook

Hotels nearby

See all hotels See all
Ecorkhotel - Évora, Suites & SPA

starting $155

Evora Hotel

starting $109

Vila Gale Evora

starting $110

Vitoria Stone Hotel

starting $127

Casa Do Vale Hotel

starting $49

Imani Country House

starting $203

Recommended sights nearby

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Almendres Cromlech

The Almendres Cromlech megalithic complex, located Coordinates: near

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Capela dos Ossos

The Capela dos Ossos (English: Chapel of Bones) is one of the best

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Évora

Évora (Шаблон:Pronounced) is a city and a municipality in Portug

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Viana do Alentejo Castle

The Viana do Alentejo Castle is a Portuguese castle in Viana do

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Evoramonte Castle

The Evoramonte Castle (formerly also spelled 'Évora Monte' or

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Terena Castle

The Terena Castle is a Portuguese castle in Alandroal, Évora. It has

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Castle of Alandroal

The Castle of Alandroal (Portuguese: Castelo do Alandroal) is a

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Monastery of Jesus of Setúbal

The Monastery of Jesus (Portuguese: Mosteiro de Jesus) is a historical

Similar tourist attractions

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu (Quechua: Machu Pikchu, 'Old Peak', pronounced ]) is a

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis of Athens is the best known acropolis (Gr. akros, akron,

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Old Town, Al-'Ula

The Old Town is an archaeological site near Al-'Ula, Medina Province,

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Persepolis

Persepolis (Шаблон:Audio Old Persian: Pārsa, Modern Persian: تخت جم

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Temple of Poseidon, Sounion

The ancient Greek temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, built during

See all similar places