Sacred Destinations

Anta Grande do Zambujeiro

Anta Grande do Zambujeiro
View from the approach corridor. Photo Creative Commons License Paula Moya.

Approach Corridor in Dolmen
Approach corridor. Photo Creative Commons License Paula Moya.

Side View of Megaliths
Side view of megaliths forming the burial chamber. Photo Creative Commons License Paula Moya.

Dolmen in 1971
The dolmen still being excavated in 1971. Photo Creative Commons License John Atherton.

View from Inside
View from the burial chamber to the corridor, 1971. Photo Creative Commons License John Atherton.

Burial Chamber
Inside the burial chamber. Public domain.

Grove
Olive and cork groves around the dolmen. Photo Creative Commons License 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
Faith:Prehistoric
Category: Megaliths
Date:c.4000-3500 BC
Status:monument
Visitor Information
Coordinates: 38.539262° N, 8.014451° W   (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:View hotels near this location
Cost:Free

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

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

  1. Anta Grande do Zambujeiro - Wikipedia (accessed April 2009)
  2. Anta Grande do Zambujeiro - Rough Guide to Portugal, 12th edition
  3. Lonely Planet Portugal (2007), 230.


Last updated on April 8, 2009.






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