Dolmen of Herdade da Corticeira

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Évora > Estremoz > Glória

Location

The Anta da Herdade da Corticeira is situated in a rural and isolated environment, integrated into the serene landscape of Herdade da Corticeira. It is found in the vicinity of the locality of Glória, in the municipality of Estremoz, district of Évora. This location provides a tranquil contact with the vast Alentejo nature, inviting contemplation of the landscape.

Ancient Origins

This notable monument is a megalithic dolmen, a collective funerary structure erected during the Megalithic Period, also known as the Neo-Chalcolithic. These ancient constructions were used by the prehistoric communities of the region to bury their dead, revealing the complexity of their social organization and spiritual beliefs.

Visible Remains

From what was once a more complete and imposing structure, the Anta da Herdade da Corticeira still presents visible parts of its burial chamber. One of its large orthostats, the vertical stones that formed the chamber's walls, stands out, retaining its original height of approximately 2.20 meters. It is also possible to identify the presence of two more orthostats, although these are cut at ground level. Currently, no remains of the access corridor or the cairn, the mound of earth and stones that originally covered and protected the monument, are observed.

Recognition and Heritage Value

The Anta da Herdade da Corticeira is a valuable testimony to the region's remote past, recognized for its significance in the study of the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods in the Alentejo. This monument was classified as a National Monument by Decree-Law no. 34 456, of March 24, 1945, a lasting recognition of its undeniable historical and cultural value, aimed at its safeguarding and preservation for future generations.

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