Cromlech dos Almendres — Western Enclosure
Almendres West Circle · Almendres Ocidental
Early to Late Neolithic·Alentejo Megalithic·🇵🇹 Alentejo, Évora, Portugal
About
About Cromlech dos Almendres — Western Enclosure
Western arc of Almendres Cromlech (c. 6000–3000 BCE), the largest stone circle in Iberia with 95 granite menhirs in elliptical setting. West enclosure includes horseshoe of engraved menhirs on forested hillside, astronomical east-west alignment with eastern circle.
Why it mattersLargest Iberian cromlech, key for Atlantic megalithic astronomy debate.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Solstice alignment function
- 02Chronology of two enclosures
Theories
- 01Neolithic ceremonial aggregation site
- 02Solar observatory for farming calendar
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. 6000–4000 BCE (west sector early)
- Period
- Early to Late Neolithic
- Culture
- Alentejo Megalithic
- Purpose
- Ritual enclosure and astronomical observatory
- Rediscovered
- Modern excavation 19th–20th century
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 6000–4000 BCE (west sector early)
Initial construction / first occupation at Cromlech dos Almendres — Western Enclosure
19th century / 1960s
Antiquarian notice and modern systematic excavation of Cromlech dos Almendres — Western Enclosure
2000s
Conservation and publication of final reports for Cromlech dos Almendres — Western Enclosure
On the ground
Structures & features
38.5570° N · 8.0610° W · 320 m · 3 mapped features
- Western Horseshoe Menhirsstone circle12 largest granite menhirs 2.5–3.7 m forming western horseshoe with carvings38.5572° N · 8.0609° W
- Engraved Menhir 57 (Cup-Marks)standing stone3 m menhir with 10 cup-marks and solar motif on south arc38.5569° N · 8.0609° W
- Forest Shrine PlatformplatformLevelled schist platform between west and east enclosures with pottery scatter38.5572° N · 8.0611° W
Gallery