Almendres Cromlech, Stone circle in Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, Portugal
The Almendres Cromlech consists of ninety-five granite monoliths arranged in concentric circles that cover an area of roughly seventy by forty meters. The stones form an open field with clear structure, where each monolith is carefully positioned in relation to the others.
This complex was built between 6000 and 4000 BC and went through three construction phases during the Early, Middle, and Late Neolithic periods. Each phase brought new stones and possibly changes in arrangement until the current layout was established.
The monoliths bear carved symbols such as lines, rays, and human figures that reveal how people once performed rituals here. Visitors can observe these inscribed marks while walking between the stones and sense the spiritual importance this gathering place held.
This site remains freely accessible throughout the year and lies about twelve kilometers south of Évora. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as paths across the grounds can be uneven and the weather in this area changes frequently.
Monolith number eight features a flat top surface with dimples that aligns with astronomical observations during the spring equinox. This precise positioning reveals that the builders understood a deliberate connection between the stone arrangement and the sky.
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