Category: Archaeology > Dolmen
District: Portalegre > Castelo de Vide > Castelo de Vide > Nave do Grou
The Anta do Sobral is located in the Nave do Grou area, on the outskirts of the town of Castelo de Vide, in the municipality of Castelo de Vide. It is immersed in a predominantly rural and open landscape, characteristic of the Alto Alentejo region, where wild vegetation blends with pastures. This natural setting gives the monument an atmosphere of tranquility and isolation, allowing visitors a deeper connection with the surrounding landscape.
Located on private property, in a field that typically hosts livestock, its observation invites respect for the site and the natural environment. The wind can sometimes be felt in the meadow, carrying the murmur of nature and the jingling of cowbells, creating a serene and authentic atmosphere.
The Anta do Sobral is a remarkable testament to human presence and funerary practices of the Megalithic Era, dating from the Late Neolithic (between 3750 and 3125 BC). This ancient structure, built with large granite blocks, was originally conceived as a collective tomb. Its use extended into the Chalcolithic period, demonstrating its relevance throughout several prehistoric eras.
The monument is composed of a polygonal chamber, formed by five or six imposing uprights (or orthostats), irregularly shaped granite rocks. A large granite slab, which once served as a capstone, now lies reclined, showing the passage of time and the alterations suffered by the structure. Although no traces of the corridor that some dolmens possessed have been found, the presence of an artificial mound of earth, a tumulus about 25 meters in diameter, is suggested by archaeological investigations.
The Anta do Sobral was recognized as a National Monument in 1910, underscoring its importance in Portuguese archaeological heritage. A visit offers an opportunity to contemplate a structure that has traversed millennia, providing a moment of reflection on ancient societies and their beliefs. The site, now considered a historical-cultural landmark, invites careful observation of the primitive architectural features and the robustness of the materials used.
The surrounding environment, with its natural simplicity and sense of timelessness, contributes to a peaceful and enriching experience. The dolmen, although with some of its stones misaligned and its capstone fallen, maintains its dignity and presence, inviting one to imagine the ceremonies and rituals that would have unfolded there thousands of years ago.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.4001404,-7.4907693
Coordinates DMS: 39°24'0.5"N 07°29'26.8"W
Weather Castelo de Vide
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