Outeiro de Santa Clara Dolmen

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Évora > Arraiolos > Monte da Comenda Grande > Gafanhoeira (São Pedro) e Sabugueiro

Location

In the Alentejo region, within the municipality of Arraiolos, this dolmen is located. It is situated near the village of Monte da Comenda Grande, in the area between Gafanhoeira (São Pedro) and Sabugueiro. Its position is quite close to a road, making it visible to passers-by.

Monument Characteristics

The Anta do Outeiro de Santa Clara is a remarkable example of a prehistoric megalithic monument. It features a main chamber with a polygonal shape, supported by seven imposing vertical stones, known as orthostats. The slab serving as the ceiling for this chamber remains intact.

Adjacent to the chamber, there is an access corridor, where two vertical stones are still in place and one stone that would have been part of its original cover can be observed.

About the Name

This monument is often referred to as Anta do Outeiro de Santa Clara, a name associated with it in 20th-century investigations. However, more recent records identify it as Anta do Monte dos Soldos. This duplication of names reflects a certain uncertainty in its classification or even the possibility of distinct monuments in the vicinity, a matter still to be fully clarified in the archaeological community.

A Particular Detail

An interesting detail that can be observed is the presence of small stones aligned on the large capstone of the dolmen. Although their exact origin is unclear, it is possible that they have been collected from the surrounding fields over time, adding a layer of curiosity to the monument's appearance.

Situation in the Landscape

Although it is located on private property and protected by a fence, the Anta do Outeiro de Santa Clara is situated very close to the road, allowing for its observation from the outside. Its discreet presence in the rural landscape invites a pause to contemplate this ancient structure from afar.

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