Huge oval boulders, looking like gigantic stone eggs (some 3 meters/10 feet tall), stand on the ground, forming a mysterious circle. I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. The total distance from the edge of Evora to the historic site is 16km (10miles) and takes approximately 25minutes. Yet, Almendres Cromlech is not just any megalithic site . Several displays provide historic information about the site, and a shop offers products from the area. Just follow the signs, and eventually a dirt road leads directly to the site. Cromeleque Dos Almendres: (Twin-Stone Circle and Menhir). Discover the ancient town of Évora and the stunning stone circle complex of Almendres Cromlech during this private day trip from Lisbon. The exhibition in Centro Interpretativo do Megalitismo opens on weekdays from 9:30am to 12:30pm and again from 2pm to 6pm. It's one of Europe's largest prehistoric monuments and said to be one of the continent’s (and humankind’s) oldest, formed about 7,000 years ago with close to 100 stones. The ring to the east is circular in shape and the smaller of the two. Look for the sign; to reach the menhir you must walk a few hundred metres from the road. It explains the megalithic culture of the region, and displays a few artifacts found at the different sites, as well as models of the Almendres cromlech and of the houses of those who lived in the surroundings. In 2015, it was reclassified as a National Monument. Both the visitor center and the actual site are free. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. The stones are arranged in two ‘twin’ circles. Most were unearthed in the 1960s, and scholars repositioned those that had tumbled. We recommend booking Cromeleque dos Almendres tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Geometrically aligned in relation to the equinox, it’s believed to have been associated with astronomical observation and sacred rituals, especially during the sunrise on the summer solstice. The journey time is about 25 minutes, but you need to rent a car, as there is no public transportation. The larger oval ring was built during the middle Neolithic (approximately 5,000bc) era. Older than Stone Henge and not so impressive, but still worthwhile. Interestingly, all of the ring formations are aligned with the largest of the granite standing stones. Plan what to see and do. The Almendres Cromlech is the largest circle of menhirs ever found in Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula. Obviously there is not alot known about this or the other stones, but the ancient origins add, Cromeleque dos Almendres, the oldest Cromlech in the Southern Europe and one of the largest in Europe, is 2000 years older than Stonehenge. The smaller ring to the east contains the oldest stones and was constructed during the early Neolithic (6,000bc) era. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. A couple of them have human-like figures that possibly represent gods or deities, and are believed to have been used for cult purposes. The Almendres Cromlech is easy to reach, taking the N114 road, which connects Évora to the town of Montemor-o-Novo. It is the Iberian Peninsula’s most important megalithic group and an extraordinary place to visit. Cromeleque dos Almendres, the oldest Cromlech in the Southern Europe and one of the largest in Europe, is 2000 years older than Stonehenge. 2. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Cromeleque dos Almendres: What hotels are near Cromeleque dos Almendres? This private tour explores the unique Roman ruins in the town of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Insider's Tip: If you enjoy the cromlech and similar sites, stay at the Vitoria Stone Hotel, which is a contemporary design hotel, but with a stone interior inspired by megalithic culture. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. It is here, in a parish in the municipality of Évora, that we can find the enigmatic Cromeleque dos Almendres. Finally, marvel at Almendres Cromlech, one of the largest group of structured monoliths in Europe. Consisting of over 90 granite standing stones, it is the largest megalithic site in the Iberian Peninsula , and one of the largest in Europe as well. Before you go, pass by Centro Interpretativo do Megalitismo, an exhibition in a former convent in Évora, located just outside the walls, down the road from the bus station (on Avenida de São Sebastião). In Portugal, it was classified as property of public interest in 1974, being the largest enclosure of menhirs in the Iberian Peninsula. See a different angle of Portugal’s history as you explore the macabre monument Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) and visit one of the largest megalithic monuments Anta Grande do Zambujeiro (Great Dolmen of Zambujeiro). situé 2km5 avant "le cromlech dos almendres"je ne vois rien d'extraordinaire à aller le voir; mais bon si vous êtes là pour voir les cromlech dos allemandes pourquoi ne pas y aller.. mais pour moi y'a rien a voir. Set in the beautiful and sacred Alentejo landscape, this double stone circle is now considered one of the oldest in Europe. Often called the “Portuguese Stonehenge,” it’s actually 2000 years older than the famous monument in England. It is the Iberian Peninsula’s most important megalithic group and an extraordinary place to visit. The Almendres Cromlech is easy to reach, taking the N114 road, which connects Évora to the town of Montemor-o-Novo.