Anta of Pavia, transformed into the chapel of Saint Denis.

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Évora > Mora > Pavia > Capela de São Dinis

Location and Importance

Located in the village of Pavia, in Mora, Évora, the Anta de Pavia is a National Monument of great relevance in Portugal.

Ancient Structure

Built between the 4th and 3rd millennia BC, this dolmen has an enclosure and chamber with a diameter of 4.30 meters and a height of 3.30 meters.

Transformation into a Chapel

In the 17th century, it was converted into a chapel dedicated to Saint Denis or Saint Dionysius, reflecting a unique blend of the Neolithic and Christian eras.

Historical Influences

Inspired by other similar transformations, such as the Anta-Chapel of São Brissos in Montemor-o-Novo, this site combines archaeological elements with Christian symbols.

Archaeological Excavations

Important excavations were carried out in the early 20th century by Vergílio Correia, revealing significant details about the Neolithic culture of the region.

Classification and Recognition

Classified as a National Monument since 1910, it is a protected historical and cultural landmark in Portugal.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anta_de_Pavia

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