Cromeleque da Portela de Modos, Stone circle in Nossa Senhora da Tourega, Évora, Portugal.
Cromeleque da Portela de Modos is a stone circle composed of six standing stones arranged in a star formation near the village of Modos. The stones rise individually from the landscape and together form a geometric pattern that makes this archaeological site a notable remnant of prehistoric construction.
The site was discovered in 1966 and declared a Property of Public Interest in 1997, underscoring its age and importance. Excavations in the mid-1990s revealed insights into prehistoric construction techniques used to build the structure.
Four of the standing stones display carved lunar and solar symbols that reflect the astronomical knowledge of prehistoric inhabitants in this region. These carvings show how ancient peoples observed the sky and integrated celestial bodies into their spiritual life.
The site is accessible via local roads and welcomes visitors throughout the year, though the warmer seasons offer the most comfortable experience. Sturdy shoes are recommended as the terrain can be uneven and exposed, especially during windy or rainy weather.
The stones were carved after they were set upright rather than before being erected, as stone fragments around their bases reveal. This discovery changed understanding of how prehistoric builders organized their work and which tools and methods they employed.
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