Anta da Aboboreira, Prehistoric dolmen in Serra da Aboboreira, Portugal.
Anta da Aboboreira is a prehistoric megalithic tomb built from granite slabs, located in the Serra da Aboboreira mountain range. A long passage leads into an underground chamber where the dead were laid to rest.
This megalithic structure was built during the Neolithic period around 4000 to 5000 years ago as a communal burial site. It stands as evidence of how early communities organized shared spaces for their dead over generations.
Red paint remains and artistic carvings cover the granite slabs, including jar-shaped patterns that echo similar designs seen in Galician monuments. These marks hint at connections between distant prehistoric communities.
The site sits in a hilly area and is accessible on foot, though the ground can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain. Sturdy footwear is essential for safely moving around the stone structures.
When viewed from below, the capstone reveals a mask-like face formed by two circular depressions and a small hollow, creating an striking optical effect. The builders likely knew about this visual phenomenon and may have positioned the stone intentionally to create it.
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