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All Portugal Évora Almendres Cromlech
AO Edited

Almendres Cromlech

"Portugal's Stonehenge" is made up of nut-like stones aligned with the heavens.

Évora, Portugal

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illaberec
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Standing in the middle of Almendres Cromlech   João Carvalho
Schematic depicting the periods of Almendres Cromlech’s construction   Wikimedia user Fulviusbsas
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About

Built over several different periods between 5000 and 4000 BCE, the Almendres Cromlech are the finest example of Neolithic structures on the Iberian Peninsula, though it remained undiscovered until 1966.

The site consists of several classic megalithic structures, primarily cromlechs, and menhir stones. Arranged in patterns of two concentric rings – an eastern circle and a larger oval in the west – the 95 almond-shaped stones seen today represent a gradual process of accumulation and redistribution over time. 

The smaller ring to the east is the oldest section of the site, constructed during the early Neolithic period circa 6000 BCE, while the western oval ring is thought to have been built during the Almendres era 5000 BCE. During a third period around 3000 BCE, many of the stones seem to have been repositioned to better align with the moon, sun and stars.

As is common with such ancient sites, the purpose of Almendres Cromlech remains unknown. With the stones' final repositioning to be in-line with celestial bodies, geometric patterns already found at Almendres Cromlech were strengthened further, making the intentionality of the stones' presence and arrangement undoubtable, even if the deeper rationale and rituals contained therein remain a mystery.

 

Related Tags

Neolithic Megalithic Rock Formations Rocks Stonehenge Geology

Know Before You Go

The site is accessible 24/7 with no ticket required, but there are no public transport options and the stones are far from any major roads.

To the east of Evora just off the main N114 which connects Evora to Montemor-o-Novo.

The total distance from the edge of Evora to the historic site is 16km (10miles) and takes approximately 25minutes.

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Added By

illaberec

Edited By

littlebrumble, Mike Portanova, madisonavenue10, joanaventura0905...

  • littlebrumble
  • Mike Portanova
  • madisonavenue10
  • joanaventura0905
  • Max Cortesi
  • marlaynaglynn
  • ams199
  • suzieeden
  • parkerwertz

Published

July 20, 2015

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Sources
  • http://www.evora-portugal.com/Attractions/Cromeleque-Almendres-Evora.html
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almendres_Cromlech
  • http://www.sacred-destinations.com/portugal/almendres-cromlech
Almendres Cromlech
Rua do Posto Médico
Évora, 7000
Portugal
38.557475, -8.061119
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Dolmen Chapel of Sao Brissos

Santiago do Escoural, Portugal

miles away

Portugal's Chapel of Bones

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miles away

Montemor-o-Novo Castle

Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Évora

Évora

Portugal

Places 2

Nearby Places

Dolmen Chapel of Sao Brissos

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miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Évora

Évora

Portugal

Places 2

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