The tholos of El Romeral, also commonly called El Romeral dolmen or El Romeral cave, is a megalithic monument, declared a World Heritage Site on July 15, 2016 and a Site of Cultural Interest, located in the Spanish city of Antequera (Málaga), forming part of the Antequera Dolmens Archaeological Complex. It is located in the second enclosure, less than 2 km from the Menga and Viera dolmens, right on the axis between the Menga dolmen and the Peña de los Enamorados. It dates back to the Copper Age, around 2200 BCE, and is one of the most important megalithic structures in the region.
The monument consists of a large circular chamber or tomb, known as a tholos, that was constructed by placing large stones in a corbelled arch pattern. The chamber is surrounded by a large mound of stones and earth that measures approximately 45 meters in diameter and five meters in height.
Excavations of the site in the 1990s revealed that the tomb contained the remains of at least 27 individuals, along with pottery, jewelry, and other artifacts. The people buried at the site were likely members of a small farming community that lived in the area during the Copper Age.
Tholos de El Romeral is notable for its impressive size and the sophistication of its construction. It is believed to have been an important religious or ceremonial center for the ancient people who built it, and its location on a hill overlooking the surrounding landscape suggests that it may have been used for astronomical observations or as a symbol of power and authority.
