Anta 2 Canal Houses

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Évora > Estremoz > Glória > Casas do Canal

Location

The Anta 2 Casas do Canal is situated in a quiet rural area, integrated into the area known as Casas do Canal, near the locality of Glória. It is located in an isolated countryside setting, offering direct contact with the Alentejo landscape. This prehistoric monument lies within the boundaries of Herdade das Casas do Canal, a short distance from the national road.

Traces of a Remote Era

This monument dates back to the megalithic era, a very ancient period in human history, marked by the construction of large stone structures. The Anta 2 Casas do Canal was originally conceived as a collective funerary site, serving as a tomb for the communities that inhabited this region thousands of years ago. It is a testament to the presence and ritual practices of these ancestral peoples.

The Stones That Remain

Of what was once a complete dolmen, today we can observe its main chamber. This chamber, polygonal and elongated in shape, was composed of large stone slabs, known as orthostats. Initially, it would have had six or seven of these orthostats, but currently only five remain, some of which are partially damaged at the top. These imposing stones reach about 2.40 meters in height and visibly lean outwards. There are no longer any traces of the corridor that would have provided access to the chamber, nor of the mound (mamoa), the artificial cover of earth and stones that would have covered the entire structure.

A Legacy in the Countryside

Despite the transformations it has undergone over time, the Anta 2 Casas do Canal remains a significant landmark in the rural landscape. It is recognized today as a point of historical-cultural interest, highlighting the archaeological importance of the region. Its preservation allows us to imagine the original appearance of these monuments and understand a little more about the practices and beliefs of our ancestors.

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