Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel
District: Santarém > Rio Maior > Alcobertas > Valteira
Located in the village of Alcobertas, in the municipality of Rio Maior, the Dolmen-Chapel is situated in an urban area but stands out and maintains a certain uniqueness. The site is surrounded by a spacious churchyard, with characteristic Portuguese-style cobblestone paving, delimited by a small masonry and stonework wall. Inside this space, flanked by large trees, stands a monolith with an inscription marking historical milestones of the parish, contributing to a calm and inviting atmosphere.
The Dolmen-Chapel of Alcobertas represents a fascinating intersection of eras, offering a unique glimpse into the cultural and religious evolution of a community. This singular monument has its roots in a megalithic tomb from the Neolithic period, built for ancestral funerary rites. Over the centuries, this prehistoric structure was incorporated and transformed, culminating in its integration into the current Parish Church of Santa Maria Madalena. The transition from an ancient burial ground to a place of Christian devotion is a testament to the human capacity to adapt and re-signify their sacred spaces.
Inside the Parish Church of Alcobertas, the dolmen reveals itself as one of its most surprising and integrated elements, forming part of one of the side chapels. The prehistoric core consists of a polygonal chamber, where large granite stone uprights are distinguishable, and a corridor, partly covered by the original structures. Passage to this megalithic monument is through a vaulted arch, covered with tiles. The church, in turn, features a single nave, a high choir, and walls adorned with polychrome tile panels from the 17th century. At the back of the ancient dolmen chamber, there is now a stone altar dedicated to Santa Maria Madalena, highlighting the continuity of the sacred use of this site over time.
Recognized as a Property of Public Interest, the Dolmen-Chapel of Alcobertas is a site of profound historical and cultural significance. It invites reflection on the various layers of human occupation and the beliefs that shaped this landscape. Its preservation allows visitors to observe the coexistence of a distant past, marked by the large stone constructions of the Neolithic, with the faith and architecture of later centuries, providing an enriching experience and an opportunity to connect with a truly unique heritage.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.418523961538, -8.9035874307692
Coordinates DMS: 39°25'6.7"N 08°54'12.9"W
On-duty Pharmacy Alcobertas
