Little Anta of Zambujeiro

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Évora > Évora > Nossa Senhora da Tourega e Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe

Location:

Situated in the civil parish of Nossa Senhora da Tourega e Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, in the municipality of Évora, the Anta Pequena do Zambujeiro (Small Zambujeiro Dolmen) is immersed in the tranquil landscape of the Alentejo plains. Its surroundings are marked by the presence of cork oaks and the characteristic quietness of this region, providing a sense of isolation and connection with nature.

The surrounding environment invites observation of the typical Alentejo landscape, where silence allows one to appreciate the natural beauty and serenity of the place, which has remained practically untouched over the centuries.

A Megalithic Testament:

The Anta Pequena do Zambujeiro is a megalithic monument, an ancestral construction dating back to the Neolithic period, erected between the fourth and third millennia BC. These monuments predominantly served as collective burial sites, revealing the beliefs and funerary rituals of the prehistoric communities that inhabited this region thousands of years ago.

Built with large stones, known as orthostats, this dolmen is composed of a burial chamber and, typically, an access corridor. Its existence highlights the remarkable technical capacity and complex social organization of the Neolithic populations who, despite limited resources, constructed these imposing structures that endure to this day.

Environment and Contemplation:

A visit to the Anta Pequena do Zambujeiro offers more than just the observation of an ancient structure; it provides an experience of connection with the past. The monument, though of more modest dimensions than other dolmens in the region, is deeply integrated into the landscape, inviting contemplation and reflection on the vastness of time.

The natural setting of plains and cork oaks surrounding the dolmen creates an atmosphere of peace, ideal for those seeking a moment of introspection away from the hustle and bustle. It is a place where history merges with nature, allowing visitors to experience the same landscape that Neolithic communities observed and lived in.

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