Category: Archaeology > Dolmen
District: Portalegre > Gavião > Torre Fundeira
The Anta do Penedo Gordo is immersed in a serene and rural landscape, characteristic of the Alto Alentejo region. This place of profound historical significance is framed by a natural environment that invites contemplation and silence. Its position offers visitors a privileged perspective on the rural setting, marked by the typical vegetation of the area, where history and nature merge harmoniously.
The Anta do Penedo Gordo represents a unique testament to human presence in the region thousands of years ago. This funerary monument, built during the Neolithic period, served as a collective burial site, reflecting the beliefs and rituals of the prehistoric communities that inhabited these lands. Its existence transports visitors to a remote past, allowing a glimpse into the first manifestations of monumental architecture and complex social organization.
The structure of the Anta do Penedo Gordo is a remarkable example of megalithic ingenuity. It is composed of large stone blocks, known as orthostats, which stand vertically, supporting a voluminous capstone. The apparent simplicity of the construction conceals the colossal effort and technical knowledge of the Neolithic communities who, without the aid of modern tools, managed to move and arrange these impressively sized stones to create a sacred and enduring space.
When visiting the Anta do Penedo Gordo, the surrounding environment is as much a part of the experience as the monument itself. The predominant silence, punctuated only by the sounds of nature, enhances the atmosphere of tranquility and reverence. It is a place that invites reflection on the passage of time and the profound connection between human beings and the earth, in a setting that maintains the authenticity and natural beauty of the Alentejo landscape.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.491886306865396,-7.99722696322505
Coordinates DMS: 39°29'30.8"N 07°59'50.0"W