Dolmen of Mamaltar of the Fachas Valley

Category: Archaeology > Dólmen

District: Viseu > Lamego > Lamego > Almacave

Location

The Dolmen of Mamaltar do Vale de Fachas is located in Almacave, one of the areas that comprise the town of Lamego. Its position allows it to integrate into the surrounding landscape of this region, known for its rich history and heritage.

Testimony to the Megalithic Past

This monument, classified as a National Monument, is a remarkable example of megalithic funerary architecture, dated approximately between 2900 and 2640 BC. Built of granite, the dolmen originally served as a burial site, a collective tomb that attests to the presence and practices of prehistoric communities in this area. Its importance transcends mere structure, functioning as a cultural and historical landmark that connects us to remote times.

Structure and Particularities

The dolmen is characterized by its polygonal chamber, thought to have been decagonal, measuring about 2.5 by 1.5 meters. It is composed of eight vertical orthostats, slightly inclined inwards. The corridor, which is partially damaged, is oriented Northwest-Southeast and was formed by stone slabs on each side. Noteworthy are the three slabs that served as roofing, one of them with an interesting spherical indentation, known as a cup-mark. Despite time and human intervention, some of the orthostats still reveal traces of engravings, and it is known that originally three of them exhibited paintings, of which, however, no visible traces remain today.

Archaeological Remains and Significance

Archaeological explorations carried out at this site, namely that by José Coelho in 1912, revealed a valuable collection of artifacts that help us understand the life and rituals of the populations who lived here. Among the findings are ceramic vessels, flint blades, polished stone axes, whetstones, and arrowheads. Special mention should be made of a schist idol-plaque, once painted red, now part of the Dr. José Coelho Archaeological Collection. These discoveries reinforce the value of the Dolmen of Mamaltar do Vale de Fachas as a site of profound historical significance, providing a fascinating glimpse into the Portuguese megalithic civilization.

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