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Location:
Portalegre, Alentejo, Portugal. |
Grid Reference:
39.5� N,
7.45� W. |
Castelo de Vide:
(Megalithic Complex).
The mountain range that composes the outline of Castelo de Vide and
Marvao are ever present in the scenery of this region. Clustered around the
imposing hills
are over 50 megalithic remains
(2), including dolmens, menhirs and the remains
of passage mounds, making this one of the megalithic hot-spots of Portugal.
The Menhir da Meada (right) is the tallest in
Iberia standing at over 7m.
(Click
here for map of the site)
The 'Parque Megalitico dos Coureleiros'.
The
following four megaliths are found along a stretch of dirt track
just over one kilometre apart. They were all constructed so as to face
east
(3).
The remains of a small dolmen (Anta I), with only one stone remaining
upright.
Although the capstone of 'Anta II' has collapsed, it is still possible to determine
that the large (3m+) chambered area had a passage leading to it, suggesting
that this was originally an 'All�e Couverte' or a small passage-mound, possibly
once covered with a
mound of soil or stones.
An excellent example of 'Quarry-marks' lies in the same
field, showing the Neolithic technique for preparing stones to be split for
use. Portugal has several good examples of this, and there are examples from
all round the ancient world that show common construction technique.
(Other examples of 'Quarry marks')
(Prehistoric
Construction Techniques)
In the same field, about 10m away are the remains of Coureleiros III, a
capstone-less, dwarf-dolmen even without the comparison of the nearby
Coureleiros II.
The last Anta/Dolmen along the track.. has also fallen in on itself..
Coureleiros IV. With evidence of a corridor and possible mound.
The uprights are now supported with stones.
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Menhir da Meada.
The Menhir da Meada stands with spectacular views all round, and the
Castelo de Vide directly in front.
The menhir stands over 7m above ground,
and is probably the tallest monolith in
Iberia. It was first rediscovered broken in two and was re-erected in 1993.
Apparently its height is due to the fact that it belongs to a line of
menhir's which were carefully arranged so that each one was visible from the
next (the Menhir of Meada stands in a lower elevation than the others)
(1).
(More about the Menhir da
Meada)
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Other Sites in the region of Castelo De Vide.
This 'Anta' / Dolmen sits in the middle of a large crop- field, making it
difficult to reach.
This greatly 'restored' dolmen is currently used as a kennel. (Beware of
the puppy - Its cute..)
This small Anta/Dolmen is surrounded by small stones, suggesting that it
was once covered over.
(List of Prehistoric Portuguese sites)
(Portugal Homepage)
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