Malhão Dolmen

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Faro > Alcoutim > Afonso Vicente > Malhão

Location

The Dolmen do Malhão is situated in the serene landscape of the municipality of Alcoutim, in the Algarve interior, more specifically in the locality of Afonso Vicente, in the Malhão area. This corner of the Algarve is marked by a rural and rugged environment, characteristic of the Algarve mountains, which contrasts with the more well-known coastline. Its position offers a unique perspective on the undulating terrain, dominated by Mediterranean vegetation and a profound calmness, inviting contemplation of the vast horizon.

A Legacy of Prehistory

The Dolmen do Malhão is a remarkable vestige of human presence in the region during Prehistory, dating back to the Neolithic period. These monuments, built by ancient communities, primarily served as collective tombs, burial sites for their dead. They represent not only a testament to the funerary practices and rituals of these societies but also a tangible link to the first inhabitants who shaped the landscape of the Algarve mountains.

Primordial Stone Engineering

The structure of the Dolmen do Malhão, like that of other megalithic monuments, reveals the impressive engineering capacity of our ancestors. It typically consists of large vertical stone blocks, known as orthostats, which support one or more massive horizontal slabs, designated as capstones or covers. The way these colossal stones were handled and erected, without the aid of modern technology, inspires admiration and raises questions about the methods and labor employed.

Symbolism and Natural Setting

The choice of location for the construction of a dolmen was never random, implying a deep connection to the territory and possibly to cosmological beliefs. The Dolmen do Malhão, set in an untouched natural landscape, invites reflection on the intimate relationship between man and nature over the millennia. The quietness of the environment, coupled with the grandeur of the ancient stones, lends the site an atmosphere of mystery and respect for the deep history that unfolded there.

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