Great dolmen of Corte Serrão

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Beja > Vidigueira > Pedrógão > Corte Serrão

Location

The Anta Grande de Corte Serrão stands on a small elevation, integrated into the Corte Serrão area, near the locality of Pedrógão, in the municipality of Vidigueira. This dominant position gives it a notable presence in the Alentejo landscape, characteristic of many prehistoric monuments of this type, which appear to have been intentionally placed at prominent points in the territory.

Megalithic Vestige

Dating from the Neo-Chalcolithic period, the Anta Grande de Corte Serrão is a remarkable megalithic monument that testifies to the presence and funerary practices of the communities that inhabited this region thousands of years ago. This type of construction, a dolmen, served as a collective burial chamber, reflecting a complex social organization and deep spiritual beliefs of its builders.

Form and Construction

The monument features a well-defined structure, composed of a polygonal chamber and a sub-rectangular corridor. Inside the chamber, six large orthostats (vertical monoliths) are visible, with emphasis on the largest one that forms the headstone. The corridor, which extends for approximately 17 meters, is currently partially buried, but its original extent suggests a grand construction. Near the entrance of the corridor, it is possible to observe signs of a possible primitive covering.

The Site Through Time

The Anta Grande de Corte Serrão is classified as a National Monument, a recognition of its importance as cultural and archaeological heritage. Over the centuries, the site has undergone interventions that altered its original configuration. A subsidence is noticeable inside the chamber, resulting from past violations, probably related to treasure hunting by local populations. These vestiges tell a part of the long and complex history of human interaction with the monument.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt