Cromlech Vale Maria do Meio
Vale Maria do Meio Cromlech · Vale Maria Cromlech · Évora Vale Maria
Late Neolithic (c.4000–3500 BCE)·Alentejo Megalithic (Évora tradition)·🇵🇹 Alentejo, Évora District, Portugal
About
About Cromlech Vale Maria do Meio
Notable horseshoe (U-shaped) cromlech in the Évora megalithic plain, 7 km from Évora near Almendres, regarded as intermediate between Almendres circular and Xerez squared traditions. Comprises 34 granite menhirs (0.3–1.7 m) forming open U ~10 x 12 m oriented east, enclosing small inner arrangement. Built c.4000–3500 BCE. Excavated revealing cup-marks and anthropomorphic shaping. Interpreted as ritual enclosure linked to Almendres hilltop complex 1 km away. Restored with stones re-erected to original pits. Demonstrates diversity of Alentejo enclosure plans (U, circular, quadrangular).
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why three distinct enclosure shapes (U, circular, square) within 5 km — chronological vs functional variation
- 02Art programme — anthropomorphic vs purely geometric granite shaping
Theories
- 01Vale Maria do Meio as satellite ceremonial focus to Almendres chief cromlech
- 02Open U reflects later transitional form toward open-air sanctuaries
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 (c.4000–3500 BCE)
- Culture
- Alentejo Megalithic (Évora tradition)
- Purpose
- Open ritual enclosure with east entrance — assembly and cosmology
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 4000–3500 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1350 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
38.5578° N · 8.0011° W · 280 m · 3 mapped features
U-Shaped Menhir Enclosure (34 stones)
cromlech34 granite menhirs forming 10 x 12 m horseshoe open to east
38.5578° N · 8.0011° WInner Stone Arrangement
standing stoneSmall inner cluster of 3–4 stones possibly representing central focus
38.5577° N · 8.0012° WEast Entrance Gap
entrance3 m open gap at east apex of U oriented toward sunrise
38.5579° N · 8.0009° W
Gallery