Category: Archaeology > Dólmen
District: Viseu > Carregal do Sal > Oliveira do Conde > Azenha
The Dolmen of Orca is located in the Azenha area, in the locality of Oliveira do Conde, in the municipality of Carregal do Sal. It is situated on the Ameal Plateau, at an altitude of 313 meters. Its location offers views of the surrounding landscape, with the Mondego River to the south and the Azenha Stream to the northwest, natural elements that shape the surroundings of this historical site.
This megalithic monument, known as the Dolmen of Orca, is a testament to human presence and funerary practices in very remote times. It reflects the ingenuity of prehistoric communities in constructing grand structures with available resources. Its historical and cultural relevance was officially recognized in 1974, when it was classified as a National Monument, highlighting its invaluable worth to Portuguese heritage.
The structure of the Dolmen of Orca is an anta, a type of prehistoric funerary monument. It is composed of a polygonal chamber and an access corridor. These elements, built with large stone blocks, were originally covered by a mamoa, an artificial mound of earth and stones that enveloped and protected the anta. Although the original mamoa is no longer visible, the impressiveness of the chamber and corridor allows one to imagine the grandeur of this type of ancient funerary construction.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.44306571,-7.93863652
Coordinates DMS: 40°26'35.0"N 07°56'19.1"W
Weather Oliveira do Conde
On-duty Pharmacy Oliveira do Conde
