Dombate Dolmen, discover its unique petroglyphs and rock paintings
The Dombate Dolmen is a stunning megalithic monument from the Neolithic (c. 3800–2700 BC), located in Cabana de Bergantiños, Galicia, and considered the most important in Galician megalithic art.
Date and Type
- Built around 6,000 years ago, reused between 3800 and 2700 BC.
- Classified as a tumulus, a collective burial covered by earth and stones.
Architecture and Decoration
- Features a polygonal chamber of seven massive slabs (largest 4×3 m) and a three-segment corridor.
- Likely preceded by a simpler, smaller megalithic monument.
- Original petroglyphs and rock paintings adorn chamber and corridor slabs.
- Entrance sealed by a frontal slab and small stones.
Archaeological Finds
- Stone tools (flint blades, polished axes, arrowheads) and Bell Beaker pottery.
- Necklaces and personal ornaments.
- Twenty stone idols aligned at the corridor base, likely ritual or symbolic.
Visit and Conservation
- The monument is protected under a wooden and glass structure to allow viewing without damage.
- A visitor center offers models and explanatory panels.
- A full-scale replica lets visitors appreciate the petroglyphs without entering the original dolmen.
In sum, the Dombate Dolmen offers an exceptional glimpse into Neolithic funerary ritual and symbolism, combining monumental architecture, rock art and archaeological finds from 6,000 years ago.
How to get there
Coordinates:
Decimal: 43.190000°, -8.969444°
DMS: 43°11'24" N, 8°58'10" O
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