Sarangonheiros Dolmen 1

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Portalegre > Nisa > Cadouços

Location:

Anta dos Sarangonheiros 1 is located in the village of Cadouços, in the municipality of Nisa, within the Alentejo region. This prehistoric monument is situated in a predominantly rural environment, offering a serene and inviting landscape. Its position in this rural setting provides a peaceful visit, ideal for those seeking tranquility and contemplation of heritage and the surrounding nature.

Testimony of the Past

This remarkable monument is a megalithic construction known as an anta, or dolmen. Erected thousands of years ago, during the Megalithic Period, specifically between mid-4000 BC and 3000 BC, Anta dos Sarangonheiros 1 originally served as a burial site. It represents one of the most impressive pieces of evidence of human presence and their funerary beliefs in the region, revealing the practices and worldview of the peoples who inhabited this territory in very ancient times.

The Megalithic Structure

The anta is characterized by its imposing structure of large stones, or megaliths, which formed a chamber and sometimes an access corridor, although its entirety is not always preserved. These monuments were meticulously constructed to house the mortal remains of prehistoric communities, functioning as true collective tombs. The size and complexity of their construction demonstrate advanced knowledge and an already developed social organization among the peoples who, millennia ago, chose this landscape for their funerary rituals.

Cultural and Heritage Value

Currently, Anta dos Sarangonheiros 1 is recognized as a significant historical and cultural landmark. Its relevance is such that it is undergoing the process of classification as a Monument of Municipal Interest, an acknowledgment of its invaluable worth to local and national history and culture. A visit to this site provides a deep dive into the ancestral roots of the territory, offering a unique perspective on how communities lived, interacted with the landscape, and honored their ancestors millennia ago.

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