Antelas Dolmen (painted)

Category: Archaeology > Dólmen

District: Viseu > Oliveira de Frades > Pinheiro

Location

The Anta de Antelas is situated in the small village of Pinheiro, in the municipality of Oliveira de Frades. This monument is immersed in a tranquil, rural landscape, surrounded by the region's common vegetation, such as eucalyptus and pine trees. Its location offers an experience of closeness to nature and the profound history the site holds.

A Megalithic Testament

This remarkable monument is a testament to human presence and their funerary beliefs in prehistoric times. It stands out as one of the rarest examples in Portugal that preserves engravings and paintings on its inner walls. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is the only known monument where all the chamber's orthostats feature pictorial elements, making it a site of great value for understanding ancient art and rituals.

Architectural Design

The Anta de Antelas consists of a medium-sized burial chamber. This chamber is formed by eight orthostats, or large vertical stones, which successively lean on the headstone, the one located at the back. The ensemble also includes a relatively short access corridor, distinguished by its design in plan and elevation. The entire monument is surrounded by a mound, an artificial elevation of earth and stones that once covered the structure, highlighting its grandeur in the landscape.

The Unique Rock Art

What most distinguishes the Anta de Antelas are its paintings and engravings, present on each of the orthostats inside the chamber. These prehistoric artistic expressions include geometric, abstract, and, to a lesser extent, figurative representations, created in shades of black and red. The headstone holds particular importance, being the focal point of the pictorial composition. It is believed that these images reflect aspects of daily life, symbolism, and the profound beliefs of the people who created them, offering a fascinating glimpse into their spiritual and cultural world.

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