Dólmenes de Alcántara, Prehistoric burial site near Alcántara, Spain.
Dólmenes de Alcántara are ancient stone burial chambers made from large granite blocks arranged in underground or semi-underground structures. The site features multiple dolmens with corridors leading to central burial chambers, all built with stones fitted together without mortar.
These megalithic tombs were built during the Neolithic period, over 5000 years ago, and served as communal burial sites for prehistoric communities on the Iberian Peninsula. They show how early groups repeatedly used the same locations to bury their dead and invested significant effort in construction.
The stones' arrangement demonstrates the advanced engineering capabilities of prehistoric communities in the Iberian Peninsula through precise architectural methods.
The site sits on flat terrain and is easy to navigate on foot, with pathways connecting the different dolmens. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and allow time for a leisurely walk to explore the stone structures at their own pace.
Some dolmens are decorated inside with fine carvings and symbols that hint at the ritual practices and beliefs of the community. These markings are visible upon close inspection and give the structures a personal touch that visitors often miss.
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