Striped tapir

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Lisboa > Sintra > Idanha > Quinta da Portela

Location

Located in Quinta da Portela, in the locality of Idanha, municipality of Sintra, the Anta da Estria occupies a slightly elevated position in the landscape. Although it is near a high-volume transit area, its location allows it to stand as a singular and isolated element, accessible by a stone staircase and framed by vegetation.

A Megalithic Legacy

The Anta da Estria is a notable example of prehistoric funerary architecture, erected during the Megalithic Period. This monument of large stones was conceived as a burial site, a testament to the complex beliefs and ritual practices of the communities that inhabited this region thousands of years ago. Its existence offers a window into the beginnings of human social organization and symbolic thought in Portuguese territory.

Details in Ancient Stone

The structure of the dolmen consists of a polygonal chamber, from which five large limestone slabs remain, and an access corridor. This corridor, which is oriented to the west, is marked by small stones embedded in the ground. One of the most unique aspects of the Anta da Estria lies in the observation of geometric grooves on some of its stones, as well as ichnofossils, fossilized traces of ancient biological activity. It is thought that these marks were intentionally arranged, possibly bestowing upon the dolmen an aesthetic meaning or a specific ritualistic purpose, making its visit even more intriguing.

Conservation and Historical Importance

Recognizing its historical and cultural relevance, the Anta da Estria was classified as a National Monument in 1910. This distinction reflects the importance of preserving this type of ancestral construction. Over time, conservation and cleaning works have been carried out to ensure its integrity and accessibility, allowing the dolmen to remain a landmark of prehistory and a site of cultural interest in the surroundings of Sintra.

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