Megalithic monument of Lousal or Lousal 1

Category: Archaeology > Tolo Hut

District: Setúbal > Grândola > Lousal > Bairro dos Quartéis

Location

The Lousal Megalithic Monument, also known as Lousal 1, is set within the serene and rural landscape of the municipality of Grândola, in the district of Setúbal, near the locality of Lousal. Its presence in this coastal Alentejo territory offers a window into immemorial times, situated in an area that, despite later being marked by mining activity, retained vestiges of much earlier human occupation, revealing the continuity of human presence in this region over millennia.

The Architecture of a Megalithic Tomb

This monument stands out as an example of tholos-type megalithic funerary architecture. It is characterized by a complex structure for collective burial, typically composed of a circular chamber covered by a corbelled dome, accessed via a corridor. The construction of these tombs involved the mobilization of large stone blocks, the megaliths, arranged to create robust and durable internal spaces. Its original configuration would frequently have been covered by an artificial mound of earth and stones, forming a tumulus, giving it an imposing presence in the landscape of the time.

Historical Context and Cultural Significance

Dating from the Chalcolithic period (Copper Age) or the early Bronze Age, the Lousal Megalithic Monument is a testament to the beliefs and social organization of the prehistoric communities that inhabited the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. These tholoi functioned as burial sites for several generations, reflecting a complex vision of life after death and ancestor worship. Their existence underscores the capacity of these societies for planning and executing large-scale works, demonstrating remarkable technical knowledge and advanced social cohesion.

The Legacy and the Surrounding Landscape

A visit to this site provides direct contact with one of the oldest legacies of human presence in Portugal. Its integration into Grândola's natural surroundings allows visitors to appreciate the original environment that these prehistoric communities chose for their funerary rituals and for the construction of monuments that would endure through time. It is a place that invites contemplation on the depth of history and the persistence of human culture in this part of the Alentejo territory.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monumento_megalítico_do_Lousal

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