Dolmen-Chapel of Our Lady of the Mountain

Category: Archaeology > Dólmen

District: Viseu > Penedono > Penela da Beira > Britelo

Location

The Dolmen-Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Monte is located in the Britelo area, in the locality of Penela da Beira, belonging to the municipality of Penedono. It is situated in a rural and plateau area, standing out in the surrounding landscape.

Its isolated position, sheltered by a wall that delimits a small churchyard, offers an environment of quietude and provides wide views over the territory, inviting contemplation of the natural scenery.

A History of Millennia

This remarkable monument is a tangible record of the deep antiquity of human occupation in the region. Its roots date back to the Megalithic Period, the time when it was erected as a dolmen, a large funerary complex intended for rituals and burials of prehistoric communities.

The uniqueness of the site lies in its transformation in the 15th century. The ancient dolmen was adapted and integrated into a Christian chapel, dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Monte. The original burial chamber became the chancel, creating a rare fusion between ancestral heritage and Christian religious symbolism. Due to its exceptional importance, this site was classified as a National Monument in 1961.

The Architecture of Fusion

The structure of the Dolmen-Chapel is a fascinating example of the coexistence of different architectural eras, built essentially of granite. The primitive polygonal chamber can be observed, whose vertical orthostats reveal the impressive constructive capacity of megalithic communities.

The original corridor of the dolmen projects outwards from the current chapel, with the entrance to the chamber now sealed by a granite block. This adaptation resulted in an asymmetrical plan, where the robustness of the prehistoric construction and the elements of the medieval building intertwine, giving the ensemble a unique identity and considerable cultural value.

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