Dolmen de Soto, Trigueros, Spain

The Dolmen de Soto is a Neolithic subterranean structure in Trigueros, Andalucía. It is estimated it was built between 4,500 and 5,000 years ago and is one of about 200 neolithic ritual-burial sites in the province of Huelva.

On the surface it resembles a circle-like mound with a diameter of 75 metres. It has a V-shaped passage 20.9 metres long. In the eastern end of the passage there is a chamber. During the equinox, the first sun lights the interior of the passage and the chamber for some minutes, and it is assumed this was to denote an eventual re-birth of the buried. Several of the standing-stones have engravings, and it is viewed as one of the largest dolmens in Spain. The passage has 31 standing-stones in the northern part of the passage and 33 in the southern part. The standing stones are of quartzite, sandstone, and limestone and carry 20 capstones that make the roof of the passage.

Each of the discovered eight buried bodies were in fetal position and had their respective artifacts beside them. Daggers, cups, and marine fossils were discovered. The artifacts found were not as abundant as those found in other sites; therefore, it is assumed that the Dolmen de Soto was not used for a long time. Engravings were found on 43 standing stones and describe humans, cups, knives, and geometric forms such as simple lines or circles.

References:

Wikipedia

Cemeteries, mausoleums and burial places in Spain

User Reviews

Salegga G Proietti Sally (9 months ago)
We had an excellent guide who took us through the history of Dolmen de Soto. I learnt that they found evidence which dates back nearly 6000 years ago. It was all very fascinating ? ?

Keith Elliott (10 months ago)
Brilliant. What an amazing Dolmen. Highly recommended.

Q Lex (13 months ago)
The huge Dolmen de Soto was discovered in 1922 in the municipality of Trigueros (Huelva). It is one of the most important and best preserved megalithic monuments on the Iberian Peninsula. The construction may have taken place between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age (3000-2500 BC). The megalithic complex is covered by a large earthen hill with a diameter of 60 meters and surrounded by a 65-meter stone circle. Inside the Soto Dolmen there is a room and a 21-meter corridor constructed with large slabs of various stones from granite.

robin barry (15 months ago)
The website wouldn't allow me to book a ticket. Epic fail.

Susi Buho (2 years ago)
Wonderful place. We really enjoyed visiting this magical place. Tell more about the dolmen while in the dolmen, please. Extra, extra

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