Necropolis of Carenque

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Lisboa > Amadora > Carenque > Serra das Brancas

Location:

The Necropolis of Carenque is located in the Serra das Brancas area, in the locality of Carenque, Amadora municipality. Although integrated into a predominantly urban environment, the site is situated on an elevation that provides it with a more serene atmosphere. It allows visitors to immerse themselves in a space where history and tranquility intersect, inviting contemplation of this ancient archaeological site.

A Legacy of Millennia:

This remarkable archaeological site is a valuable testament to the late Neolithic period, with traces of occupation dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. The Necropolis of Carenque was built and used by communities living in the Tagus estuary region, at a time when the local economy was based on agriculture and livestock farming. Its importance extends beyond the local sphere, being a crucial element for understanding Prehistory in Portugal.

The Engineering of Artificial Caves:

The Necropolis of Carenque comprises three collective tombs, known as Artificial Caves, as they were excavated directly into the limestone outcrops of the area. The architecture of each tomb is characteristic: an access corridor, generally oriented towards the east, leads to a circular funerary chamber through a small, rounded portal. Originally, both the corridor and the upper part of the chamber (a skylight) were covered by heavy limestone slabs, sealing the structure to the exterior and giving it a discreet appearance in the landscape.

Rituals and Discoveries:

Discovered and studied in 1932 by archaeologist Manuel Heleno, this necropolis revealed a significant collection of artifacts illustrating the funerary practices of the era. Inside the tombs, human remains of various individuals were found, accompanied by offerings and everyday or ritualistic objects. Among the findings, ceramics, stone and metal artifacts, and peculiar limestone idols stand out. Although most of these objects are deposited at the National Museum of Archaeology in Lisbon, a small exhibition at the Necropolis site itself helps contextualize the life and rituals of the populations who buried their dead here millennia ago.

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