Menir dos Almendres, Neolithic menhir in Nossa Senhora da Tourega e Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, Portugal
Menir dos Almendres is a large granite stone standing on a hillside with ancient markings on its upper surface. The stone has an elongated shape and rises above the surrounding rolling landscape.
This stone was erected around 5000 to 7000 years ago during a period when people began using stones to mark important places. It belongs to a group of stones in this region that all date back to this distant past.
The stone sits in a landscape shaped over thousands of years by people who left their marks here. These locations held meaning for ancient communities and show how they understood and used their land.
The stone is best reached via an unpaved path, with parking areas and signage to guide visitors. The location sits in a rural area, so prepare for variable weather and bring sturdy footwear.
The stone forms an ensemble with another large stone circle several kilometers away that may have been arranged for heavenly observations. Together with other nearby stones, this location tells a story of very ancient astronomical practice.
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