Prehistoric tomb of Almendralejo, how to visit it and see the solstice

Un trip through Extremadura is always synonymous with cultural places.

Castles, churches, palaces or historic towns are common along the route, but I admit that I did not know that it was also possible to find prehistoric places.

On one of my recent trips through the badajoz province I have been able to visit a prehistoric tomb which is dated in copper age, 4.650 years ago.

Prehistoric tomb Huerta Montero in Almendralejo

El prehistoric tomb of Huerta Montero It is located on the outskirts of Almond grove, in the aforementioned province of Badajoz, and it is a collective burial that was used for about a thousand years

It is thought that also a Cult place Well, on December 21, coinciding with the Winter SolsticeDue to its specific orientation, sunlight penetrates through the corridor to the bottom of it.

And also, on the occasion of the Summer Solstice Various cultural events are carried out.

The story of its discovery dates back to 1988, when a farmer, moving land with a plow, found an unusual slab on those lands, who did not know that he had discovered a large prehistoric tomb of enormous archaeological interest.

The farmer reported his discovery to the People's University, And from the Archeology Workshop The first prospecting work began, under the direction of the historian Francisco Blasco, led to determining that there was a prehistoric tomb.

Excavations were subsequently carried out for three years, which ended in 1992.

Finally, the enclave was prepared for tourist visits, which began in 2011.

What is the prehistoric tomb of Almendralejo like?

Originally it was a dolmen and with a covered circular chamber with a false vault 4,50 meters in diameter.

As you can see when you visit it in Almond grove, the complex has a length of 15 meters divided into three sections.

The first seven meters correspond to the access ramp, which leads you to a four-meter section, which is the corridor that takes you into the aforementioned circular chamber.

In the tomb they have been found remains of 109 people, with bones very deteriorated and scattered throughout the chamber.

In addition to the necropolis, the tomb of Huerta Montero It was also a place where ancestors received worship.

This is how the aforementioned fact is interpreted that the orientation and layout of the tomb encourages the entry of sunlight coinciding with the Winter Solstice every December 21.

During the visit of the prehistoric tomb A simulation is carried out that allows you to verify this fact.

In addition to seeing the tomb, on information panels you have the most curious data that allows you to know the importance of this tomb and the different stages of the burial.

You also have information about what the world was like in that time before celebrities megalithic monuments like the famous enclave of Stonehenge, south of England, which dates back to about 3.000 years BC.

Summer Solstice Festival in Huerta Montero

As I mentioned previously, on the occasion of the Summer Solstice A cultural festival is held in Huerta Montero with a program that includes music, dance, workshops and poetry.

In this year, the dates of the Summer Solstice Festival 2024 in Huerta Montero are from June 21 to 29, with this cultural events program.

Likewise, from June 24 to 28, the prehistoric tomb can be visited for free with guided tours every half hour, from 10 a.m. to 11,30:XNUMX a.m., without the need for prior reservation.

On June 29 the programming ends with a archaeoastronomy workshop at night and observing the starry sky.

Visit schedules for the Huerta Montero prehistoric tomb

To visit the tomb of Huerta Montero, they are usually carried out guided tours half an hour from Friday to Saturday, although it varies depending on the time of year.

For this reason, it is essential to call the Almendralejo tourist office (924 666 967) to arrange your possible visit, whose Admission is free.

Map: how to get to Huerta Montero in Almendralejo

El prehistoric tomb of Huerta Montero is in the surroundings of Almendralejo, a town located 45 minutes by car southwest of Badajoz, a Estremadura, already an hour and a half north of Seville.13