D49, Neolithic dolmen in Noord-Sleen, Netherlands
D49 is a Neolithic stone tomb made of multiple large blocks arranged in a chamber formation. Supporting stones hold up the heavy capstones that form the roof of this underground burial space.
The tomb was built by Funnel-beaker culture farmers between 3350 and 3030 BC. It was constructed long before the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge, marking early building traditions in northern Europe.
The local name 'De Papeloze Kerk' meaning 'The Church without a Pope' reflects its use as a gathering place for reformed religious services. People would meet here to practice their faith in their own way.
The tomb sits along Slenerweg road N376 and remains freely accessible to visitors. You can walk around the site and view the structure from different angles.
In the 1860s the tomb was severely damaged when people mined its stones for building materials. Restoration work in 1959 saved the remaining structure from further decline.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
