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The Orca Complex.   The Orca Dolmen (Lapa da Orca) - (Passage-mound) The largest and most complete of all the Neolithic remains in area, the Orca dolmen is a magnificent example of a passage-mound and has some interesting examples of prehistoric cut-marks showing on at least two of the stones (see below). It is possibly because it is the dominant structure of the group that this passage-mound has remained in such good condition. The stone at the end of the chamber shows signs of having been worked (in a style similar to that seen on several Maltese temples). The same carving can be seen on a stone at the nearby Orca da Palheira. The holes in the surrounding stones suggest a door mechanism which although unusual, is a feature of many prehistoric Maltese and Egyptian temples. Note: From the middle photo, it looks as though the 'door' was once forced inwards. Exposure of the top of the passage-way lintels has revealed that a couple of the stones still have their original cut-marks in them. Other stones in the area have the same feature. This method of cutting stone was common throughout the prehistoric world as the following pictures demonstrate. Note: this stone has been re-used recently for the entrance plaque for Orca da Lapa. Orca da Lapa (left), Orca do Santo (right)   Orca do Outeiro do Rato: Another passage-mound, only a lot smaller and mostly destroyed, This structure is dated at around 3,500 BC. It is orientated towards a nearby hill and the passageway is so small that by the look of it one would have had to crawl along it to get in originally.     Orca do Santo: This completely demolished passage-mound has apparently little to offer. It has been stripped of almost all its original stones and small eucalyptus trees are growing aggressively through the ground in and around the site. However, just across the way, hidden in the long grass are the following two stones. They appear aligned to each other, but not to the mound. The same cut-marks are seen on the lintel-stones of the passage of the Orca da Lapa (see above). Note: The stone on the right appears to be fashioned across its face. It rests on a support stone.     The 'Quarry': Within sight of the Orca do Santo is this quarry face where it is still possible to see  prehistoric cut-marks in the rocks. The same quarry marks can be seen at the 'quarry' as seen on megaliths around the complex. (Click here for other examples of prehistoric quarry-marks)   Orca 1 do Ameal: This small structure (Orca 1) dated at around 4,000 BC is peculiar in that it has evidence of a mound surrounding it, yet it has no passage. The opening faces away from a spectacular view.   Orca 2 do Ameal: Only a hundred yards away is this greatly restored dolmen (also dated at around 4,000 BC). Again showing evidence of a mound, again facing away from the vista, and again in a different style to other structures in the area.     Prehistoric rock-shelter: Not much to look at perhaps but this tiny, paved shelter would have provided invaluable shelter from the elements.     Rock carvings (Arte Rupestre do Ameal). This is one of two rocks that are almost completely covered with abstract shapes and carvings. Their meaning and age are speculative.     Orca da Palheira: This heavily 'restored' dolmen is almost invisible from most angles having had a 60's nightmare built around it (and with parts of it).  It is dated to around 3,500 BC and again, is completely different in design to all the other structures in the area. The same rock-cut 'door' can be seen on a stone at this site too. The stone has been re-used by the look of it... as part of a modern door-frame (Below, left). Other stones in the structure also appear to have been re-used from the original dolmen (Below, right). (List of Prehistoric Portuguese sites) (Portugal Homepage)