Dolmen de La Pastora, Prehistoric passage grave in Valencina de la Concepción, Spain
Dolmen de La Pastora is a passage grave in Valencina de la Concepción, Spain, built from dry stone walls topped with limestone and granite slabs. A long corridor leads into a circular burial chamber at the far end, closed off by a single large granite capstone.
The monument dates to the Chalcolithic period, built more than 5000 years ago when communities in this region were constructing large collective tombs. Excavations in 1860 uncovered 27 copper arrowheads inside the mound, offering a window into the burial practices of the time.
The site sits near other megalithic structures, suggesting the area once served as a shared ceremonial space for surrounding communities. Walking through the corridor today, visitors can see how the dry stone walls were carefully stacked without mortar, a technique that has held the structure together for thousands of years.
The site is in Valencina de la Concepción and requires arranging a guided visit in advance, so plan accordingly before heading there. The corridor is narrow and low in places, so comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear make the experience easier.
Unlike most comparable tombs in the region, which face the sunrise, this dolmen is oriented toward the sunset. This appears to have been a deliberate choice by the builders, making it stand apart from other passage graves nearby.
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