Anta de Cas-Freires

Category: Archaeology > Dólmen

District: Viseu > Sátão > Casfreires > Ferreira de Aves

Location

The Anta de Cas-Freires is located in the peaceful locality of Casfreires, within the urbanization of Ferreira de Aves, in the municipality of Sátão. Situated in a predominantly rural area, marked by the serenity of the fields, its presence signifies a historical landmark in an environment of tranquility. The location of this monument, sometimes referred to as a territorial dividing marker, invites a calm stroll and an immersion in the landscape.

A Portal Through Time

This remarkable megalithic monument, also known as Orca do Tanque, is an eloquent vestige of the Late Neolithic period, dating from approximately 2900 to 2640 BC. Erected for funerary purposes, the Anta de Cas-Freires offers a fascinating glimpse into the beliefs and practices of the prehistoric communities that inhabited this region thousands of years ago. Its existence transports visitors to a distant era, revealing the ingenuity of our ancestors.

Ancestral Architecture

The anta features a polygonal chamber, characterized by nine imposing stone orthostats that lean inwards, culminating in a capstone. Originally, six of these orthostats bore paintings that, unfortunately, are no longer visible today. A corridor, approximately five to six meters long, provides access to the central chamber, which is about two and a half meters in diameter. At the entrance to the chamber, a reclining stone slab stands out, possibly the “laje de cutelo” (blade slab), whose shape is believed to have an anthropomorphic connotation, adding an element of mystery to the ensemble.

A Classified Monument

Recognized as a National Monument, the Anta de Cas-Freires has been the subject of study and investigation over time, with important records such as Georg Leisner's surveys in 1934. Part of the artifacts found during archaeological explorations at this site have been preserved and can now be seen at the National Museum of Archaeology in Lisbon. This fact underscores the anta's relevance for understanding Portuguese prehistory and its contribution to the country's cultural heritage.

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