Great Comenda Dolmen

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Évora > Montemor-o-Novo > Monte da Comenda Grande > Comenda Grande

Location:

The Anta da Comenda Grande is situated in the serene landscape of the Alentejo, in the municipality of Montemor-o-Novo. It is specifically located in the rural area known as Monte da Comenda Grande, integrated into a setting of open fields and Alentejo wooded pasture. It is visible from one of the paths that cross this area.

Being at this location allows visitors to appreciate the tranquility of the natural surroundings, punctuated by the presence of cork oaks and rural life.

A Legacy of Prehistory

This megalithic structure dates back to a very ancient period of human history, between the Late Neolithic and the Chalcolithic (approximately 4000 to 2000 BC). It represents a testament to the funerary and social practices of the communities that inhabited the Alentejo region thousands of years ago.

Its existence has been known in academic circles since the early 20th century, having been identified by archaeologists studying prehistoric remains in the Montemor-o-Novo area.

Visible Features

The Anta da Comenda Grande features a chamber with a polygonal plan, built with large vertically arranged stone blocks, known as orthostats. Vestiges of the corridor that originally provided access to the funerary chamber can still be observed.

The structure preserves many of its original orthostats, as well as the slab that would have served as its roof. With approximately 1.65 meters in height and up to 1.9 meters at its widest point, it offers a perspective on the scale of these prehistoric constructions.

Serenity of the Surroundings

Visiting the Anta da Comenda Grande offers a moment of tranquility and contact with Alentejo nature. Although it is not a large site with many visible archaeological finds, its value lies in its harmonious integration into the landscape.

Visitors can observe the anta while enjoying the quietness of the countryside, listening to the characteristic sounds of the rural area, such as livestock, and appreciating the view of the cork oaks, feeling the unique atmosphere of the deep Alentejo.

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