Dolmen of Pera do Moço

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Guarda > Guarda > Pêra do Moço

Location:

The Anta da Pera do Moço is located in the parish of the same name, in the municipality of Guarda, in an area of particular tranquility. Situated in a predominantly rural and isolated environment, this prehistoric monument is flanked by the road and the Ribeira da Pêga river.

The site is characterized by a gentle elevation with rocky outcrops, surrounded by dry stone walls, oak trees, and cultivated fields. This setting offers a peaceful atmosphere and a direct connection to the natural landscape of the Beira region.

A Portal to the Distant Past:

This dolmen is a remarkable example of megalithic architecture, erected during the prehistoric period to serve as a collective burial chamber. It represents a fascinating testament to the practices and beliefs of the communities that inhabited these lands thousands of years ago, marking their presence and funeral rituals.

Visiting the Anta da Pera do Moço allows us to imagine the lives of our ancestors and how they honored their dead, in a silent journey through time that connects us to the deepest roots of civilization in the Iberian Peninsula.

The Granite Structure:

The dolmen is composed of a polygonal chamber, where five imposing granite orthostats still stand. These vertical, trapezoidal stones lean subtly towards the center, lending the structure a particular grandeur.

A large, oval-shaped capstone, approximately two and a half meters in diameter, rests on three of these orthostats, protecting the inner space. Although it is known that some elements may have been lost over the centuries, the dolmen retains its original essence, being an impressive example of prehistoric engineering.

A Landmark with Recent History:

Recognized for its importance, the Anta da Pera do Moço was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1953, ensuring its protection. Since the 19th century, this monument has attracted the attention of scholars, having been the subject of works and sketches that sought to understand its original form and purpose.

Throughout its more recent history, the dolmen was not only an object of study; it also served as a shelter and meeting point for local shepherds and farmers, integrating into the daily life of the community. Today, it continues to be a relevant cultural and historical landmark for the region, inviting contemplation and the discovery of ancestral heritage.

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