Dolmen El Romeral Antequera — mysterious tholos tomb

Dolmen El Romeral is one of the three key megaliths of the Antequera Dolmens ensemble, located in Antequera, Andalusia. This monument is notable because its architecture is closer to a tholos — a structure with a false corbelled dome — rather than a typical corridor dolmen. The official version states that it was built around 1800 BC, although some researchers believe its construction may have begun in earlier periods. But how exactly it was built and for what purpose remains unknown.

The passage leads to the first circular chamber, whose roof was created through a technique of gradually overlapping stone layers, and then continues to a second, smaller chamber, possibly intended for ritual activities or additional burials. Inside the main chamber there is a flat altar stone that may have been used for sacrificial ceremonies. The entire structure is covered by an earthen mound that conceals its inner system of chambers.

The free-standing Dolmen El Romeral reveals its megalithic blocks beneath a covering of smaller stones. Today it is a tourist site open to visitors. When visiting, special attention should be paid to the dolmen’s ceiling, its floor, and the door lintels, all built from massive stone slabs without the use of mortar. The monument ends with a chamber that is closed to the public, but a mirror has been placed inside so visitors can appreciate the construction of its ceiling. Photographs taken within also allow a closer look at these architectural details.

One of the unique aspects of this dolmen is its orientation. Unlike the neighboring Menga and Viera, El Romeral is not aligned with the sun but rather with the El Torcal mountain range. This has given rise to many theories suggesting that the dolmen may have served not only as a burial site but also as a sacred place connected to the surrounding landscape and the symbolic power of the mountains.

The dolmen was discovered in 1904 by brothers Antonio and José Viera Fuentes. Initially it was known as “Sepulcro del Cerrillo Blanco.” Since then, the monument has been studied, partially restored, and reinforced, yet it still holds many mysteries — from the methods used to build its false dome to the true purpose of its secondary chamber.

Today El Romeral is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Antequera Dolmens ensemble. Official archaeology provides dates and interpretations, but in reality we do not know who built it, how, or why. This uncertainty makes it especially captivating for anyone interested in the enduring mysteries of the ancient world.

Where is Dolmen El Romeral located?

Dolmen El Romeral is situated in Antequera, Andalusia, southern Spain, as part of the Antequera Dolmens ensemble. The site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is easily accessible from Málaga and other nearby cities. It is one of the three major megaliths in the area, together with Menga and Viera.

What makes Dolmen El Romeral unique compared to other dolmens?

Unlike the corridor-style dolmens of Menga and Viera, El Romeral is built in the form of a tholos with a false corbelled dome. Its construction technique, with overlapping stone layers forming a circular chamber, is closer to Mediterranean tholos tombs than Iberian passage graves. This architectural distinction makes El Romeral especially important for archaeologists and visitors.

What can visitors see inside Dolmen El Romeral?

Inside the monument, visitors enter through a long passage that leads to a large circular chamber and a smaller secondary chamber. The ceiling was created without mortar, using massive megaliths in a corbelled fashion. A flat altar stone stands in the main chamber, while mirrors and photos allow visitors to glimpse areas not open to the public.

What is the orientation of Dolmen El Romeral?

Unlike many megalithic monuments aligned with the sun, El Romeral is oriented toward the El Torcal mountain range. This unusual alignment has fueled theories that the dolmen may have served not only funerary purposes but also ritual or sacred functions linked to the surrounding landscape and the symbolic power of the mountains.

When was Dolmen El Romeral built?

Archaeologists have proposed an approximate time period for the dolmen’s construction, but the true date remains uncertain. Despite the existence of an official version of history, the actual time of construction is unknown. This ambiguity deepens the sense of mystery that surrounds the monument today.

Is Dolmen El Romeral open to the public today?

Yes, Dolmen El Romeral is open to visitors and forms part of the Antequera Dolmens Archaeological Complex. Entry is free of charge, and the site includes information panels and visitor facilities. It is a popular destination for tourists, researchers, and anyone fascinated by the mysteries of ancient megaliths.