Dolmen of Laje dos Frades

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Portalegre > Marvão > Santo António das Areias > Pombais

Location

The Anta da Laje dos Frades is located in the Pombais area, within the locality of Santo António das Areias, in the municipality of Marvão. Set in a landscape that reflects the tranquility of the Alto Alentejo, this monument is surrounded by a predominantly rural environment, where the serenity of nature invites contemplation. Its position allows visitors to observe the deep connection that ancient communities established with the territory in which they lived.

A Millennial Legacy

This monument, a type of dolmen or anta, is a fascinating testimony to the Neolithic period, dating back approximately five thousand years. The Anta da Laje dos Frades was conceived and built by the first communities of farmers and shepherds who inhabited the region. These sites were frequently used as funerary and cult spaces, reflecting the deep beliefs and complex social organization of prehistoric peoples. It represents a glimpse into an ancient world, where stone was used to mark and honor the memory of their ancestors.

The Art of Building with Large Stones

The Anta da Laje dos Frades is an example of megalithic engineering and symbolism. Erected with large blocks of stone, its construction involved a remarkable collective effort and advanced community organization. Although it may be less imposing than other similar structures in the Iberian Peninsula, its existence in Marvão demonstrates the capacity of Neolithic societies in Portugal to mobilize resources to create spaces of lasting significance. Its skillfully arranged stones narrate a story of dedication and respect for ancestors and the spiritual world.

Transformations Over Time

Throughout its long history, the Anta da Laje dos Frades has been subject to various human interventions. In different periods, curiosity and interest in its structure led to explorations and studies. In the 20th century, for example, the chamber and part of the corridor of the anta underwent an intervention that ultimately revealed its original configuration more clearly. These episodes are an integral part of the monument's history, adding layers of narrative to its present presence and its relationship with the generations that preceded it.

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