Almendres Cromlech

The Almendres Cromlech megalithic complex, located near Évora, Portugal, is one of the earliest public monuments. It is the largest existing group of structured menhirs in the Iberian Peninsula, and one of the largest in Europe.

This megalithic monument originally consisted of more than one hundred monoliths, some of which have been taken away for other uses. A recent dig showed that the complex had undergone several building phases during the neolithic period (5000 - 4000 b.c.).

92 menhirs of different sizes currently form two grounds that were built oriented to different equinox directions. About a dozen monoliths present some form of carved drawings, four of which exhibit only small circular holes. It is believed that the monument had religious purposes and functioned as a primitive astronomical observatory.

Almendres Menhir

The Almendres Menhir, a single standing menhir from the same period, is located a few kilometers from the megalithic complex.

View of the Almendres Cromlech

Menhirs at the Almendres Cromlech

The single "Almendres Menhir"

See also

• Cromlech
• Menhir
• Megalithic
• Neolithic
• Anta Grande do Zambujeiro
• Carnac
• Ceide Fields

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Almendres Cromlech

• Évora Turist Region
• Évora Town Hall Archaeology site
• The Megalithic Portal
• Megalithomania
• Megalithic Study Group of Alentejo (GEMA - Grupo de Estudos do Megalitismo Alentejano)
• Google Maps

Donate to Wikimedia