Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This huge, spectacular oval of standing stones, 15km west of Évora, is the Iberian Penin-
sula's most important megalithic group and an extraordinary place to visit.
The site consists of a huge oval of some 95 rounded granite monoliths - some of which
are engraved with symbolic markings - spread down a rough slope. They were erected
over different periods, it seems, with basic astronomic orientations and were probably
used for social gatherings or sacred rituals back in the dawn of the Neolithic period.
Two and a half kilometres before Cromeleque dos Almendres stands
Menir dos Almendres
,
a single stone about 4m high, with some very faint carvings near the top. Look for the
sign; to reach the menhir you must walk a few hundred metres from the road.
Anta Grande do Zambujeiro
The Great Dolmen of Zambujeiro, 13km southwest of Évora, is Europe's largest dolmen.
Under a huge sheet-metal protective shelter in a field of wildflowers and yellow broom,
stand seven stones and a 'closing slab' that connects the chamber with the corridor. Each
is 6m high and together they form a huge chamber around 5m in diameter.
Unfortunately, you can't get in; the entrance is blocked, but you can peer in from the
high mound behind. Archaeologists removed the capstone in the 1960s. Most of the site's
relics can be found in the Museu do Évora (
Click here
)
.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Évoramonte
POP 700
Northeast of Évora, this tiny village, with its quaint 16th-century castle, makes an interest-
ing detour on your way through the region. There are fine views all around across the low
hills.
The interesting
castelo
(adult/senior €1.50/0.75; 9am-12.30pm Wed-Sun, 2-5pm Tue-Sun, closed 2nd
weekend of every month)
dates from 1306, but was rebuilt after the 1531 earthquake. Exterior
stone carving shows unwarlike small bows, the symbol of the Bragança f amily - the knot
symbolises fidelity. The interior is neatly restored, with impressively meaty columns
topped by a sinuous arched ceiling on each cavernous floor. The roof provides sweeping
panoramas.
