Megalithic Monuments of Alcalar, Archaeological site in Mexilhoeira Grande, Portugal.
The Megalithic Monuments of Alcalar form an archaeological complex with eighteen burial structures spread across a hilltop on the limestone coast of the Algarve. The tombs vary in design, featuring stone-built corridors and central chambers that once held human remains and burial goods.
This burial complex dates back to the third millennium before our era and stands among the earliest known burial sites in southern Portugal. The construction methods reveal that prehistoric communities possessed advanced knowledge of stone building and spatial organization.
The tombs reveal burial practices of early farming communities, with bodies positioned in specific ways that reflect their religious and social beliefs. Walking among these structures, you sense the importance these people placed on honoring their dead.
The site is accessible with an interpretation center providing context about the structures and their significance. Wearing comfortable shoes is advisable since the terrain is hilly and you will walk between the scattered monuments.
Monument Seven stands out for its beehive-shaped design created from carefully stacked stone blocks, with a corridor opening into a central chamber. This distinct architectural style and the numerous objects discovered inside illustrate the craftsmanship and planning skills of prehistoric builders.
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