Anta da Aboboreira

Anta da Aboboreira is a prehistoric monument located in the municipality of Baião, in northern Portugal. It is one of the largest and best-preserved dolmens in the country, and is believed to date back to the Neolithic period, around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago.

The monument consists of a large chamber made of granite slabs that is accessed by a long passage. The chamber measures around 5 meters in diameter and 3 meters in height, and is covered by a large capstone that weighs around 17 tonnes. The passage leading to the chamber is around 10 meters long and is partially covered by a smaller capstone.

Anta da Aboboreira is notable for its impressive size and the quality of its construction. The massive stones used in the construction of the monument were likely quarried from nearby granite outcrops and transported to the site using rollers and sledges. The precise techniques used to raise and position the capstone remain a mystery, but it is thought that the builders may have used wooden scaffolding and levers to move the stone into place.

The original purpose of Anta da Aboboreira is not known, but it is believed to have been used as a tomb for a local community. Archaeologists have found human bones and pottery fragments inside the chamber, indicating that it was used for burial ceremonies.

Today, Anta da Aboboreira is a popular tourist attraction in Portugal and is open to visitors. It is a fascinating example of prehistoric engineering and architecture, and provides insight into the beliefs and practices of the people who built it.