Paiva Dolmen

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Évora > Mora > Pavia > Quinta do Gião

Location

The Anta de Paiva, also known as the Chapel of Saint Dinis or Chapel of Saint Dionysius, is harmoniously integrated into the village of Pavia, municipality of Mora, in the district of Évora. It is specifically located in Praça de São Dinis (Saint Dinis Square), where it stands out in a corner of a small square, lending a distinctive atmosphere to the surrounding urban space. Its presence is striking in the local landscape, combining the antiquity of stone with the vibrancy of village life.

Megalithic Origins

This remarkable monument is, in its essence, a large dolmen, constructed between the 4th and 3rd millennia BC. Its impressive orthostats, which form a polygonal chamber approximately 4.30 meters in diameter and 3.30 meters high, support a monumental capstone. It is recognized as one of the most significant dolmens in Portugal, bearing witness to the presence of prehistoric communities in the Alentejo. The structure, once a site of funerary rituals, has endured for millennia, carrying with it the memory of remote times.

The Fusion with the Christian Chapel

In the 17th century, this ancient dolmen was transformed into a Christian chapel, dedicated to Saint Dinis. This singular reuse resulted in an architectural and symbolic fusion, where the megalithic structure served as the foundation for the new religious building. One observes the triangular facade, a small masonry portico, and a modest bell tower rising above the dolmen's original capstone. Inside, the main altar features 18th-century Baroque tiles, originating from a Lisbon workshop, adding a layer of art and faith to the site's ancestry. This uniqueness earned it classification as a National Monument since 1910.

A Symbol of Cultural Permanence

The Anta de Paiva is a remarkable example of the permanence of sacred spaces throughout history. It represents the adaptation and superposition of different cultures and beliefs in the same place, uniting the mysticism of the megalithic period with Christian devotion. Over the centuries, this monument has been the subject of archaeological studies, notably in the early 20th century by Virgílio Correia, which helped to unravel its secrets. Its presence in the village of Pavia invites reflection on the passage of time and the human capacity to attribute meaning and sacredness to places, making it a profound and intriguing point of interest for visitors.

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