Category: Archaeology > Dólmen
District: Viseu > Penedono > Britelo > Senhora do Monte
The Dolmen of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Monte is located in a serene plateau area of the Senhora do Monte urbanization, in the locality of Britelo, which belongs to the municipality of Penedono. Its position is notably isolated and stands out in the surrounding landscape, demarcated by a wall that forms a small churchyard. This rural setting offers a scenario of significant scenic interest, inviting contemplation of the natural environment that embraces this ancient monument.
This unique monument dates back to the megalithic era, having been originally built as an 'anta' (dolmen), a type of large prehistoric tomb. The structure consists of a polygonal chamber and a corridor extending outwards. Three large complete vertical uprights that were part of the chamber can still be observed, as well as the capstone, the original covering slab. Remains of the 'mamoa' (burial mound), the mound of earth and stones that once covered the structure, are still visible, bearing witness to the magnitude of this ancestral funerary site.
One of the most striking aspects of this dolmen is its transformation and Christian adaptation, which began in the 15th century. The dolmen's polygonal chamber was skillfully utilized to serve as the chancel of a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Monte, whose ruins still remain. To achieve this, part of the dolmen's original uprights were integrated into the walls of the new construction, resulting in an asymmetrical plan and the headstone slab serving as the chancel's pavement. A granite block was placed to seal the corridor's access to the chamber, marking the transition from a pagan funerary space to a Christian place of worship. This fusion gives the monument a rare character and profound symbolic value, representing the superposition of different eras and beliefs in the same location.
Due to its rarity and unquestionable importance in the context of national prehistoric heritage, the Dolmen of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Monte was classified as a National Monument in 1961. It is a remarkable example of megalithism, which, due to its unique christianization, offers a unique perspective on the cultural and religious evolution of the region. Archaeological interventions carried out in the late 20th century allowed for a deeper understanding of its history and uncovered vestiges, such as tools and ceramic fragments, which help tell the story of the communities that inhabited these lands millennia ago.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.02407905,-7.44164281
Coordinates DMS: 41°01'26.7"N 07°26'29.9"W
Weather Britelo
On-duty Pharmacy Britelo
