Menir of Patalou

Category: Archaeology > Menhir

District: Portalegre > Nisa > Nisa > Espírito Santo, Nossa Senhora da Graça e São Simão

Location

The Menhir of Patalou is located in Nisa, in the municipality of the same name, in an area known as Tapada da Bajanca. It is situated on a gentle slope facing east, occupying a prominent position in the landscape. This area is part of the union of the parishes of Espírito Santo, Nossa Senhora da Graça, and São Simão, offering a tranquil environment and wide perspectives over the surrounding territory.

A Millennial Legacy

This imposing megalithic monument dates back to the Early Neolithic, estimated to have been erected in the mid-5th millennium BC. Carved from granite, approximately four meters high, one meter in diameter, and weighing around seven tons, it is considered one of the largest phallic-type menhirs in the Iberian Peninsula. It represents an important testimony to the first human communities that inhabited this region, and its erection was presumably linked to ancient fertility cults.

Discovery and Enhancement

For many decades, the Menhir of Patalou remained fallen, awaiting its rediscovery. It was in the late 1990s that its existence was noted again, sparking the interest of researchers and leading to in-depth studies by the University of Évora. In 2015, through an enhancement project promoted by the municipality, this monument was re-erected with due care, being placed a few meters from its original implantation site, which is properly marked. The Menhir of Patalou was classified as a Monument of Public Interest in September 2023, thus recognizing its patrimonial and historical value.

Characteristics and Symbolism

The menhir is a remarkable piece of granite, with a shape that suggests symbolism. It exhibits faint traces of engraved decorations. On its surface, it is possible to observe wavy marks, which archaeologists consider to be even older, and a set of cupules, possibly resulting from later interventions. Its presence and its physical and decorative characteristics offer a fascinating window into understanding the practices and beliefs of the prehistoric civilizations that lived in Alto Alentejo.

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