Portugal - Exploring the Alentejo
The Almendres Cromlech, A Neolithic site used for Astronomy
The Almendres Cromlech is a monument in the Alentejo region of Portugal composed of almost 100 large stones and believed to have been built during the Neolithic period around 7000 BCE. The original shape of the cromlech, or stone formation, was a horseshoe. The stones are arranged on the upper portion of a hill, which is one of the highest points in the surrounding landscape.
During the Neolithic period, humans become farmers and shepherds and were no longer nomadic hunters. Archaeologists believe the cromlech served as a gatheirng place and provided astronomical assistance to the community. The large oval stones, called menhirs, are set on the side of a hill in an east to west direction from which one one can see the sun rise, view the summer solstice, and identify the spring equinox. Humans need tools in order to determine when the equinox will be and the menhirs in the formation provided that.
Some of the menhirs, like the one in the center of the photograph below, have engravings, which can still be discerned.
An isolated menhir not far from the Almendres Cromlech is known as the Monte dos Almendres menhir. This menhir, as seen from the nearby Almendres Cromlech, is aligned with the sun rise on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. I’ve included a photo of the Monte dos Alemendres below.
Archaeologist determined that this stone has a shepherd’s crosier or crook engraved on the upper part of the western side. When we visited the menir, I was not able to see this. Our guide shared that some of the engravings are easier to see after it rains and the menhirs are wet.
In Portugal, historical monuments are sometimes located on private land, and that is true of the Almendres Cromlech. As a result, the route or path to reach the monuments is sometimes awkward or difficult. The walking path to the Monte dos Alemendres below is perhaps two feet wide and has a fence on either side. When it rains, the path become a narrow gully with steep banks of mud on each side. If you are not able or comfortable walking on such a path, consider omitting a visit to this menhir.
When we visited Évora, we took a tour of the Almendres Cromlech with a local archaeologist and I am so glad we did. If you plan to visit the area, I recommend touring the site with a knowledgeable archaeologist.
The Almendres Cromlech is located to the west of Évora; however, it is not the only Neolithic monument in this area. The Alentejo has one of the greatest concentrations of Neolithic stone monuments in Europe. To learn about more of the historic sites in this area, look at some of the links in the resoursces area below.
Resources
Évora Capital of the Iberian Megaliths
Centro Interpretativo dos Almendres
The BBC - Discovering the Secrets of Portugal’s 7,000 year-old cromlech
Tours of the Almendres Cromlech by an archaeologist (eboramegalithica (at) gmail.com)
Núcleo Interpretativo do Megalitismo do Évora
Neolithic Studies - Almendres Stone Rows, Portugal, by Prof. Phillip C. Lucas, Stetson University, 2000-2021.
A Vegetarian Dish Worth Trying
Red Curry Lentils With Sweet Potatoes and Spinach (gift link)
is a thoroughly delightful blend of flavors. Fresh ginger, Thai red curry paste, garlic, a red chile, turmeric, red lentils, sweet potatoes and coconut milk make this a delicious dish for lunch or dinner. The recipe is the consistency of a thin dal, so serving it over rice would make the meal a bit more hearty.
American South → Portugal: Loving, Leaving and Recreating Home is a reader-supported publication. If you enjoy it, please consider leaving a comment to let me know.
Vegetarian Recipe Worth Trying
Red Curry Lentils With Sweet Potatoes and Spinach (Gift Link)
This vegetarian dish is incredibly flavorful and after having it for dinner just once, it is now on our list of favorite dishes. Although I am not in favor of always including rice, pasta or a grain with a vegetarian entree, this lentil dish has the consistency of thin dal and having it over rice would be a wonderful combination.
So interesting! Thank you Julie. Looks like you and Deb are having a wonderful time exploring your new home. 💖
Super interesting. I hadn’t heard of these.