Category: Archaeology > Dólmen
District: Viseu > Mangualde > Cunha Baixa
The Anta de Cunha Baixa, also locally known as Casa da Orca, is located in the serene village of Cunha Baixa, part of the municipality of Mangualde, in Viseu. This megalithic monument is situated in an open and fertile valley, near the course of the Castelo River, in a predominantly rural landscape. Surrounded by vineyards to the south and east, and by pine forests to the north and northwest, the dolmen harmonizes with the surrounding natural environment, offering a tranquil and isolated setting for an immersion in history.
Dated between 3000 and 2500 BC, the Anta de Cunha Baixa is a remarkable testament to the Neolithic period, having been an important collective burial site. Its construction dates back approximately 5000 years, and archaeological findings reveal that the site was used until the Bronze Age, demonstrating continuity in the use of this sacred place over millennia. Classified as a National Monument since 1910, this dolmen represents a cultural and historical legacy of great relevance.
This dolmen stands out for its imposing and well-preserved architecture. It consists of a robust polygonal chamber, formed by nine orthostats (large vertical stones) and covered by an impressive granite capstone, rectangular in shape with rounded corners, measuring about 4.5 meters in diameter. The monument also features a remarkably long access corridor, approximately 7.2 meters in length and 1.4 meters in height. The corridor is flanked by eight orthostats on each side, which are arranged to subtly widen and converge, culminating in a southeast-facing entrance. Although the mound (the earth tumulus that originally covered the dolmen) has not survived to the present day, it is still possible to observe traces of engravings on the dolmen and, more rarely, remnants of ancient red paintings on some orthostats and on the capstone, details that once enriched the sepulchral space.
Archaeological excavations carried out at the Anta de Cunha Baixa have revealed a vast collection of artifacts, offering a fascinating insight into the life and practices of prehistoric peoples. Among the finds are polished stone axes, flint blades and microliths, and ceramic fragments, some with decorations. Other remains were also discovered, such as charcoal, calcined substances, and even human bone fragments. Interestingly, a narrow stone with 15 grooves was found at the entrance, its function remaining an enigma, possibly linked to magical or ritual meanings. Although these artifacts are currently preserved and exhibited at the National Museum of Archaeology in Lisbon, a visit to the dolmen allows a visitor to feel the presence of its ancient inhabitants and imagine the context of these discoveries.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.57070994,-7.77089775
Coordinates DMS: 40°34'14.6"N 07°46'15.2"W
Weather Cunha Baixa
On-duty Pharmacy Cunha Baixa
