These megalithic monuments have always intrigued us: their religious meanings, the rituals of early man and the manner in which they enigmatically interact with their surroundings.

In southern Portugal, opt for Évora as a base for trips out into the region and discover some of our best preserved megalithic monuments. In Pavia, a dolmen set down in the middle of the village has been converted into a chapel dedicated to Saint Dinis. A little further on, the Grand Dolmen of Zambujeiro, the largest in the region, portrays the most primitive dimension of these monuments to death.

Cromlechs and Menhirs symbolise the worship of life and fertility. The Cromlech of Almendres is the most impressive, composed of 95 individual monoliths that blend into the surrounding trees and vegetation. The Xerez example is more unconventional given its unusual squared layout.

En route to Monsaraz, watch out for the Outeiro Menhir. It is not difficult to spot given its huge granite bulk reaching to about 6 m. in height. Homage paid to the forces of nature that is still capable of ensuring nobody leaves unmoved.