Almendres Cromlech
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The Almendres Cromlech megalithic complex, located near Evora - Portugal, is one of the earliest public monuments. It is the largest existing group of structured menhirs in the Iberian Peninsula, and one of the largest in Europe.
This megalithic monument originally consisted of more than one hundred monoliths, some of which have been taken away for other uses. A recent dig showed that the complex had undergone several building phases during the neolithic period (5000 - 4000 b.c.).
92 menhirs of different sizes currently form two grounds that were built oriented to different equinox directions. About a dozen monoliths present some form of carved drawings, four of which exhibit only small circular holes. It is believed that the monument had religious purposes and functioned as a primitive astronomical observatory.
[edit] Almendres Menhir
The Almendres Menhir, a single standing menhir from the same period, is located a few kilometer from the megalithic complex.
 View of the Almendres Cromlech |
 Menhirs at the Almendres Cromlech |
 Almendres Menhir |
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