La Roche-aux-Fées, Prehistoric dolmen in Essé, France
La Roche-aux-Fées is a prehistoric megalithic passage grave comprising two connected burial chambers linked by a covered passage. The structure uses roughly 48 stone blocks arranged across approximately 20 meters of length.
This passage grave was built between 3000 and 2500 BC during the Neolithic period. Its construction reflects the sophisticated techniques Neolithic communities possessed for moving and placing massive stone blocks.
The name means 'The Fairies' Rock,' rooted in folklore about magical beings arranging the stones overnight. These old stories reveal how local communities made sense of this mysterious ancient construction.
The site is open to visitors and managed by an on-site visitor centre offering guidance and learning materials. Visit with plenty of daylight available, as the interior passages can be dark and the ground may be damp.
The entrance passage aligns with the winter solstice sunrise, casting natural light through the interior on December 21. This alignment suggests the builders possessed a sophisticated understanding of celestial movements.
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