Artificial caves of Alapraia

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Artificial caves of Alapraia, Archaeological burial site in Estoril, Portugal

The Alapraia complex contains four subterranean tombs excavated in marl limestone, each featuring a circular chamber with a central skylight and long corridor.

Discovered in 1889 by researcher Francisco de Paula Oliveira, the caves underwent multiple excavation campaigns between 1932 and 1943 funded by the Portuguese government.

The caves reveal burial practices from the Late Neolithic period, where deceased individuals were positioned along chamber walls with ceremonial objects.

The artificial caves contain chambers measuring between 4.20 and 6.20 meters in diameter, with corridors extending up to 13.70 meters in length.

The central skylights in these caves earned them the designation of coelheira-type caves, allowing alternative access when corridor entry became impossible.

Location: Cascais e Estoril

GPS coordinates: 38.70639,-9.37722

Latest update: March 3, 2025 03:06

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