Category: Archaeology > Dólmen
District: Viseu > Nelas > Canas de Senhorim
The Orca of Pramelas is situated in a tranquil, rural setting, in the hamlet of Pramelas, which belongs to the parish of Canas de Senhorim, in the municipality of Nelas. Its position offers an environment of serenity, allowing visitors a calm experience and a direct approach to this ancestral monument. The surroundings are marked by the natural landscape of the region, inviting contemplation and a connection with the past.
Although its origins date back thousands of years, this orca was brought to light of modern knowledge relatively recently, in 1985, by Horácio Manuel da Silva Peixoto. This megalithic monument, a collective burial structure from the prehistoric period, also reveals a fascinating temporal continuity. There is evidence that the site was reused in later periods, particularly during the Roman presence in the region. Traces found inside the chamber suggest that it may have served as a tomb during the 4th century AD, demonstrating a reuse of the structure over the millennia.
The Orca of Pramelas features a remarkable architectural configuration. It is a dolmen composed of a polygonal chamber, with a design resembling a trapezoid. This chamber is supported by nine large esteios, vertical stones that rise from the ground. The structure also includes a relatively short access corridor, approximately two meters in length. Inside, the chamber's floor was meticulously composed of granite slabs, over which a thin layer of very fine sand was spread. The corridor, in turn, featured carefully laid paving, made of small fine pebbles, revealing the attention to detail of its original builders.
This site is recognized for its historical and archaeological importance, being classified as a Property of Public Interest. Its preservation is fundamental for understanding the communities that inhabited the Nelas region in remote times, from Prehistory to the Roman era. Visiting the Orca of Pramelas is an invitation to reflect on the engineering and beliefs of our ancestors, offering a unique window into the history of the territory.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.51301973,-7.90421844
Coordinates DMS: 40°30'46.9"N 07°54'15.2"W
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