Almendres Cromlech — Attraction in Évora

One of the most outstanding super ancient sites in Europe if not the world. The stones pre-date Stonehenge, and represent an advanced culture 7000 years ago. The tribe arranged the stones in a circular way down a small slope. Theories about the individual oblong stones and their arrangement include a phalanx of phalli, commonly worshipped in ancient cultures, Or More generally representing individuals /spirits, or perhaps representing a meeting place or convocation of the several individual neighboring tribes, each monument representing one tribe, forming a Congress or Convocation. A “college of shamans,” perhaps. Some show carved decorations with geometric figures, still visible after 7000 years of weather! The creators aligned their placements specially to align with the cosmos and with the winter and summer solstices. You take a thrilling dirt road drive through pristine, stunning Alentajo countryside, to a place where there is no Wi-Fi or noise except that of nature and your fellow visitors. It’s extremely peaceful and profound and a sensory delight. Spend time in all but also in reflection taking it in and what it means for us. The site wasn’t “discovered“ by academics until the 1960s; one can see why because it is so removed from modern society. However, the Local ranchers and farmers Have long known about these and many other archaeological sites all in the same area of Alentajo, covering a span of at least 7000 years from the birth is farming settlements to the relatively “modern” ruins of the the Roman empire. This is a “must see” destination if you’re going to Evora. This region of Portugal is an archeological miner’s field of gold, rich in the rough diamonds of archaeological treasures, most barely excavated. Dig in...

Sorry to have a different opinion: years ago it was magic: the original stones, standing in the original positions and orientations towards the constellations: you could feel the magic of these stones; today all the stones have been brought together on one spot, with a rope around; it has been transformed into a Disneyland; yes, we can see so many stones without walking, but we can't feel anymore the magic. The stones are now just stones; their orientation towards outer constellations are destroyed, their magnetic power to interact with human beings (and maybe animals, but I don't know) is gone. It is just to go there, shoot a photo and drive to the next bar and have a few beers too much. My wife was crying; I was shocked. Why not bringing the stones to Lisbon expo? And Stonehenge to New York? 7000 years of magic has been destroyed forever for the comfort of tourists. Yes, my 2024 photos show many more stones, but this is not what the world's greatest site...

Romantic and atmospheric - family friendly There are two areas to see. The smaller one where you have to walk a little down a narrow path and the second one with a lot of stones arranged in a circle. The drive is a short distance from Evora -15 mins. You can easily spend an hour visiting here. By the entrance there is a small modern gift shop and a place to sit and eat if you’ve brought your food and a very clean restroom. There are restaurants nearby as well It is a family friendly place.

My husband and I walked to the first small place. It took us about 40 mins of leisurely pasture gazing. The second time we took the car. It didn’t take more than 10 mins but be mindful that the road is bumpy. It is the countryside after all. We loved the splendid views of the old oak trees with the cows and horses. There are one or two people biking but most drive. So if you walk be...