Artificial caves of Casal do Pardo, building in Palmela, Setúbal District, Portugal
The Artificial caves of Casal do Pardo are underground chambers and tunnels carved into soft rock in Quinta do Anjo. The site consists of several small rooms with rough walls that show the handiwork of ancient people.
The site was established as a burial place around 4500 years ago during the Neolithic period and remained in use for about 1500 years. Local people continued performing burial practices during the Bronze Age, placing their dead within the chambers.
The caves served as a burial ground where ancient communities performed their funeral rites and honored their dead. This underground space held deep meaning for the people who used it across many generations.
Visitors can explore the caves on marked paths with safety rails for comfortable access throughout the site. The area is well maintained with explanatory signs showing what each section was used for in ancient times.
Excavations in 1876 uncovered bell-shaped ceramic bowls decorated with patterns known as Taças Tipo Palmela. These rare pottery pieces demonstrate the artistic skill and craftsmanship of those ancient communities.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
