Cromlech of Xerez
Cromlech de Xerez · Cromeleque do Xerez · Conjunto Megalítico do Xerez · Xarez Cromlech
Late Neolithic – Chalcolithic (c.4000–3000 BCE)·Alentejo Megalithic·🇵🇹 Alentejo, Évora District (Monsaraz, Reguengos de Monsaraz), Portugal
About
About Cromlech of Xerez
Small but architecturally distinctive Megalithic cromlech near Monsaraz, Alentejo, forming a unique quadrangular (square) enclosure ~7 x 7 m around a central phallic menhir 4 m high with cup-marks, surrounded by 55 small granite monoliths (0.4–1.2 m) forming squared perimeter. Built c.4000–3000 BCE. Discovered 1969 by José Pires Gonçalves; excavated by Mário Varela Gomes. Relocated in 2004 due to Alqueva reservoir flooding to site near original hilltop, 3 km south of Monsaraz, beside Telheiro village. Associated phallic menhir displays anthropomorphic carving and cupules running its length. One of few squared cromlechs in Iberia contrasting with circular Almendres.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why squared plan rare in Iberian cromlechs (vs circular Almendres)
- 02Meaning of vertical cupule columns on central phallic menhir
Theories
- 01Quadrangular form imitates domestic enclosure or shamanic cosmological diagram
- 02Phallic menhir as fertility idol with cupules as votive pecks for rain/fertility
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 4000–3500 BCE
- Period
- Late Neolithic – Chalcolithic (c.4000–3000 BCE)
- Culture
- Alentejo Megalithic
- Purpose
- Ritual enclosure with central idol-menhir; possibly fertility cult with squared cosmology
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 4000–3500 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1268 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
38.4556° N · 7.3739° W · 110 m · 3 mapped features
Central Phallic Menhir (4 m)
menhirAnthropomorphic granite menhir 4 m tall with vertical cupules and phallic tip
38.4556° N · 7.3739° WSquared Cromlech Enclosure
cromlech55 small granite monoliths forming 7 x 7 m square kerb around central menhir
38.4556° N · 7.3739° WRelocated Original Site (drowned)
siteOriginal location now submerged under Alqueva reservoir, moved 2004
38.4540° N · 7.3760° W
Gallery