Monte das Fontainhas Cromlech

Category: Archaeology > Cromlech

District: Évora > Mora > Pavia > Monte das Fontainhas Velhas

Location:

The Cromeleque Monte das Fontainhas is located in a quiet rural area, known as Monte das Fontainhas Velhas, near the village of Pavia, in the municipality of Mora. It is situated on a gentle slope, offering a view of the surrounding landscape, marked by the Ribeira da Raia stream. The site is isolated, providing a serene environment that invites contemplation.

Traces of a Remote Past

This monument dates back to the Megalithic period, having been built between the early 4th millennium and mid-3rd millennium BC. It is a testament to human presence and ancestral practices in this region for thousands of years. Its construction is part of a cultural context of great antiquity, being one of the few examples of its kind in the Central Alentejo region.

The Arrangement of the Stones

The site features six menhirs, granite monoliths of varied dimensions, the largest measuring about 1.2 meters in height and the smallest approximately 0.5 meters. These stone elements now form an alignment shaped like an open horseshoe. It is believed that the original arrangement was part of a circular enclosure. Some of these megaliths, which were fallen or broken, were repositioned after excavation and restoration work carried out in 2005.

Historical and Cultural Importance

The Cromeleque Monte das Fontainhas was formally identified in the 1970s by archaeological teams. Due to its relevance and antiquity, the megalithic enclosure was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1990. This monument is considered a typical example of megalithic art from the Évora region, standing out as the northernmost of this complex, which underscores its importance in the archaeological landscape of Alentejo.

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