Saturday 18th January : AAA Visit to Alcalar
Despite the very inclement weather a group met at the megalithic monuments at Alcalar to be welcomed by Rui Parreira and Elena Moran who guided the visit. Rui began by explaining the history of the site which had been identified by Estacio da Veiga in the 19th century. The site covers an area of about 10 hectares where there are 18 different megalithic tombs constructed between 2000 and 1600 BCE with a habitation site of similar date overlooking the necropolis. The visitors’ centre has interpretation panels together with a video, to explain the site and its subsequent excavations.
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The group then visited the two tholos (7 and 9) which have been excavated and conserved and Rui explained how they had been originally constructed and the possible reasons for their entrance alignments..which have been the subject of much discussion by archaeologists..sun or moon solstices. Later we moved on to see some of the other tholos, which have not, as yet, undergone full excavation. The AAA has had a long connection with Alcalar having given financial support and manpower to the work at the necropolis and the settlement site. For this both Rui and Elena expressed their thanks to us.
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The visit was followed by a welcome lunch at the Fonte de Pedra restaurant close by the site.
