1. Sacred Destinations
  2. Portugal
  3. Anta Grande do Zambujeiro

Anta Grande do Zambujeiro

Photo © Paula Moya. View all images in our Anta Grande do Zambujeiro Photo Gallery.
Photo © Paula Moya.
Photo © Paula Moya.
Photo © John Atherton.
Photo © John Atherton.
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 on Anta Grande do Zambujeiro

Site Information
Names:Anta Grande do Zambujeiro; Great Dolmen of Zambujeiro
State:Alentejo
Country:Portugal
cat:Megaliths
faith:Prehistoric
Dates:c. 4000-3500 BCE
Status:monument
Visitor and Contact Information
Location:Portugal
Coordinates:38.539262° N, 8.014451° W  (view on Google Maps)
Cost:Free
Lodging:View hotels near this location
Note: This information was accurate when first 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.

Map of Anta Grande do Zambujeiro

Below is a location map and aerial view of Anta Grande do Zambujeiro. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.

References

  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.

More Information

Article Info

Title:Anta Grande do Zambujeiro
Author:Holly Hayes
Last updated:04/08/2009
Permalink:www.sacred-destinations.com/portugal/anta-grande-do-zambujeiro
Link code:<a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/portugal/anta-grande-do-zambujeiro">Anta Grande do Zambujeiro</a>