prehistoric heritage
One of the most important treasures of this region is comprised of a circuit of megaliths, which includes scores of menhirs erected between 4 000 and 3 000 B.C. and which provide evidence of the presence of humans in the south-western Algarve since the Neolithic age. These prehistoric monuments were erected for ancient pagan fertility rites and for rites related to the afterlife.
Megalithic Monuments
The Sagres region has a large quantity and variety of megalithic monuments dating from the 4th to 3rd millennium B.C.
They are found in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be seen standing alone or in small groups, some being decorated with stripes in relief.
They are found scattered across three of the parishes in the municipal area: Vila do Bispo, Raposeira and Budens.
Among the many examples, the most noteworthy are the ones found in Vila do Bispo (Monte dos Amantes) and in Raposeira (Milrei, Padrão and Aspradantas).
Aspradantas
This monolithic monument made from white limestone is two metres high. It is found standing 95 metres above sea level, above the stream of Vale Pocilgão, about one km north-east of Hortas de Tábua.
Menhirs of Milrei and Padrão
On the path to Praia da Ingrina (beach), we encounter one of the largest concentrations of Menhirs in the whole Algarve. Dating from between the 4th and 3rd Millennium B.C., this group is comprised of over ten examples, most of which are found near the Raposeira-Ingrina road. About halfway along this route, the most important (and also in the best state) of these Menhirs can be found, being known locally as the “Menir do Padrão”.
Megalithic Menhirs at Monte dos Amantes
This group of Menhirs is found Southeast of Vila do Bispo and close to the path of the former main road between Vila do Bispo and Sagres. It is made up of a wide variety of distinct Menhirs, many of which are decorated. They are thought to date back to between the 4th and 3rd Millennia B.C..
Megalithic Monuments
The Sagres region has a large quantity and variety of megalithic monuments dating from the 4th to 3rd millennium B.C.
They are found in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be seen standing alone or in small groups, some being decorated with stripes in relief.
They are found scattered across three of the parishes in the municipal area: Vila do Bispo, Raposeira and Budens.
Among the many examples, the most noteworthy are the ones found in Vila do Bispo (Monte dos Amantes) and in Raposeira (Milrei, Padrão and Aspradantas).
Aspradantas
This monolithic monument made from white limestone is two metres high. It is found standing 95 metres above sea level, above the stream of Vale Pocilgão, about one km north-east of Hortas de Tábua.
Menhirs of Milrei and Padrão
On the path to Praia da Ingrina (beach), we encounter one of the largest concentrations of Menhirs in the whole Algarve. Dating from between the 4th and 3rd Millennium B.C., this group is comprised of over ten examples, most of which are found near the Raposeira-Ingrina road. About halfway along this route, the most important (and also in the best state) of these Menhirs can be found, being known locally as the “Menir do Padrão”.
Megalithic Menhirs at Monte dos Amantes
This group of Menhirs is found Southeast of Vila do Bispo and close to the path of the former main road between Vila do Bispo and Sagres. It is made up of a wide variety of distinct Menhirs, many of which are decorated. They are thought to date back to between the 4th and 3rd Millennia B.C..