Anta Grande do Zambujeiro
View from the approach corridor. Photo
Paula Moya.
Approach corridor. Photo
Paula Moya.
Side view of megaliths forming the burial chamber. Photo
Paula Moya.
The dolmen still being excavated in 1971. Photo
John Atherton.
View from the burial chamber to the corridor, 1971. Photo
John Atherton.
Inside the burial chamber. Public domain.
Olive and cork groves around the dolmen. Photo
Philip Larson.
The Anta Grande do Zambujeiro (Great Dolmen of Zambujeiro) dates from c.4000-3500 BC. It is the largest dolmen in Europe.
The dolmen is located in a peaceful setting among olive and cork trees. The main chamber - measuring 8 meters high and 6 meters in diameter - is formed by eight standing stones leaning inward. Leading to the chamber is a 12-meter-long approach corridor made of smaller standing stones.
The capstone has been removed by archaeologists and the artifacts found here (pieces of pottery, flint tools, beads and other items) are on display at the Museu de Evora.
Getting There
The Anta Grande do Zambujeiro is not accessible by public transportation. By car from Evora, take the N380 (Alcáçovas road) 7km southwest to the town of Valverde. From there, brown archeological signposts lead north through the university's agricultural faculty grounds to the dolmen. The last kilometer is on a dirt road that is safe for cars except sometimes after heavy rains.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Anta Grande do Zambujeiro; Great Dolmen of Zambujeiro |
| Location: | Alentejo, Portugal |
| Category: | Megaliths |
| Faith: | Prehistoric |
| Status: | monument |
| Date: | c.4000-3500 BC |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 38.539262° N, 8.014451° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Cost: | Free |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Anta Grande do Zambujeiro. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Portugal Map.
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Anta Grande do Zambujeiro - Wikipedia (accessed April 2009)
- Anta Grande do Zambujeiro - Rough Guide to Portugal, 12th edition
- Lonely Planet Portugal (2007), 230.
Article last updated: 04/08/2009.
