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Location:
S�o
Brissos, Montemor de Novo. |
Grid Reference:
38.53� N 8.13� W. |
Anta-Capelo de S�o
Brissos:
'Christianised
Dolmen'.
Dimensions: 4m diameter
and 1.8m high.
Although it isn't much
to look at, this was once an important pilgrimage site in times of
drought.
S�o Brissos is an
important part of the Evora landscape, as demonstrated by the fact that
it is part of an alignment of significant sites in the area.
(Click
here for map of the site)
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Anta-Capelo de S�o
Brissos:
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(Anta-Capelo de Nossa Senhora
de Livramento).
This 3rd - 4th
millennium dolmen was converted in the 17th cent to honour 'Our Lady
de Livramento'.
The dolmen is now
the lobby of the chapel. It is composed of five uprights and still
retains traces of a corridor.
The site was
until recently, a site for pilgrims and according to tradition,
it took a 'whole roast-lamb for tasting after the mass'.
Processions were common to the chapel in years of drought.
Today, the chapel
is only opened on request (telephone numbers available at the site).
Tradition:
Legend has it that the Lady of
Livramento and San Brissos had a son which was killed by the
lady of Snow (Neves). In drought years, the effigy of their son
is carried to Sao Brissos chapel, the rain symbolizing the tears
of sorrow for being kept away from their son.
Alignments:
Sao Brissos is part of an alignment
of three sites: The three
significant sites are aligned over 9 km's, they are: Gruta do
Escoural, the Christianised 'Anta Capela de S.
Brissos', and the 'Necr�pole de Vale Rodrigo'.
Gallery of Images:
(List of Prehistoric Portuguese
sites)
(Portugal Homepage) |
