Praia das Maçãs Prehistoric Monument

The Praia das Maçãs Prehistoric Monument, also known as the Tholos of Outeiro das Mós, consists of an artificial Neolithic cave and a Chalcolithic domed or beehive tomb [1]. The artificial cave was probably dug into the rock in the second half of the 4th millennium BC or early in the 3rd [1]. The Neolithic cave has a diameter of around 2 m and was originally covered with stone supports [1]. The later tholos was composed of a circular chamber with a diameter of approximately 5.5 m [1]. Walls were constructed with limestone slabs placed horizontally [1]. A pillar was raised in the centre to support a dome [1]. Items found at the site have included geometric microliths, arrowheads, polished axes, and cylindrical idols [1].