Category: Archaeology > Dólmen
District: Viseu > Vila Nova de Paiva > Pendilhe
This ancient monument is located in the parish of Pendilhe, a locality that is part of the municipality of Vila Nova de Paiva, in the heart of the District of Viseu. Nestled in an environment that invites tranquility, the Anta de Pendilhe appears amidst landscapes that reveal the region's rural authenticity, offering direct contact with the surrounding nature and the characteristic calm of inland Portugal.
The Anta de Pendilhe is a remarkable testament to human presence and funerary practices dating back thousands of years. Classified as a dolmen, this megalithic construction dates back to a period between the end of the fourth millennium BC and the beginning of the third millennium BC. Its primary function was to serve as a collective funerary chamber, a place of burial and worship for the communities that inhabited this area in prehistoric times. Observing the stones that compose it is an invitation to reflect on the ingenuity and significance of these structures for our ancestors.
Known by various names (Anta de Pendilhe, Casa da Moira, Orca de Pendilhe, or Orca da Moira) this structure evokes centuries of history and popular wisdom. The designation "Casa da Moira" or "Orca da Moira" reflects the monument's deep connection to the local imagination. In Portuguese oral tradition, "Moiras Encantadas" (Enchanted Moorish Women) are mythical figures, often associated with hidden treasures or ancient places of power. These alternative names underscore how deeply rooted this monument is in the community's collective memory, bestowing upon it an almost legendary character and a dimension that transcends mere archaeology.
The Anta de Pendilhe was recognized for its historical and patrimonial importance, being officially classified as a Property of Public Interest since 2002. This official recognition highlights the cultural and archaeological value of the dolmen, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Visiting this site allows for a better understanding of the rites and social organization of the ancient populations that inhabited the region, offering a unique perspective on the distant past of the Iberian Peninsula.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.89829245,-7.82392584
Coordinates DMS: 40°53'53.9"N 07°49'26.1"W
Weather Pendilhe
On-duty Pharmacy Pendilhe
