Pedreirinha Dolmen

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Faro > Silves > São Bartolomeu de Messines > Vale Fuzeiros

Location and Access

- Anta da Pedreirinha is located in São Bartolomeu de Messines, in the municipality of Silves, in the Algarve region.

- It is situated on top of a hill, known as Cerro da Pedreirinha, in the Vale Fuzeiros area.

The Monument

- It is a necropolis, composed of four tombs carved into Silves sandstone outcrops.

The main group has three tombs close to each other

two for adults and one for a child.

- The fourth tomb is a little further away and has an oval shape.

Historical Significance

- Anta da Pedreirinha belongs to a group of archaeological monuments in the region, called the Vilarinha Archaeological Circuit, which includes other sites such as the Vilarinha Menhir Alignment and the Carrasqueira and Forneca necropolises.

- It is believed to have been used during the Early Middle Ages, although there are traces of older human occupation.

Archaeological Findings

- Several prehistoric objects have been found in the vicinity, such as polished stone axes and ceramic pieces.

- There are also traces of Roman occupation, including fragments of pottery and building stones.

Discoveries and Classification

- Anta da Pedreirinha was discovered in the 20th century and initially mistaken for Roman cult vats.

- In 2005, archaeological work was carried out that confirmed the existence of the tombs.

- The site was classified as a Site of Municipal Interest in 2016 by the Silves City Council.

Visit and Interest

- Visiting the monument offers a journey through time, allowing tourists to discover vestiges of different historical periods.

- The quiet and panoramic location makes Anta da Pedreirinha a point of interest for those who appreciate history and natural landscapes of the Algarve.

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