Portugal
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Cromeleque dos Almendres
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An Iberian
Stonehenge - without the fencing, Cromeleque dos Almendres.
Just
a few minutes from Evora in the Alto Alentejo, through a stupendous
glade of cork trees
lies this group of 95 prehistoric megaliths, some with vague inscriptions
visible.
It's not as impressive as England's Stonehenge in size and shape of
stones, but the magical aspect of a trip here is the freedom to enjoy
the stones without having to buy tickets, stand outside fencing or
go elbow-to-elbow with a herd of sightseers.
In May 2004 the only fencing was around the neighbouring cork trees
and the only discreet sign gave information in Portuguese and English
about the site. No warning notices, no barbed wire, no kiosks, no
vendors and practically no other visitors.
There
is also a single large stone, Menir dos Almendres, on the same road
- bigger but somehow tamed by the farmer's narrow fencing of the approach
track.
A
little further away at Zamujeirois is a group of Europe's largest
dolmen, seven stones each about 6m high, but covered by a metal shelter.
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Travel and Photos © Julian Loader