Ruta de los Dolmenes (Dolmen Route)
- The Dolmen Route
- Dolmen of La Chabola de la Hechicera
- Dolmen of San Martín
- Dolmen of El Sotillo
- Dolmen of El Encinal
- Dolmen of La Piedra
- Dolmen of La Hoya
- Dolmen of El Portillo
- Dolmen of Los Llanos
- Dolmen of La Mina
- Dolmen of La Cueva
- Insider Tip
The Dolmen Route
The Dolmen Route, also known as the Ruta de los Dolmenes, is a fascinating archaeological trail located in the province of Álava, in the Basque Country, Spain. This route offers a unique opportunity to explore a series of well-preserved dolmens, or megalithic tombs, that date back to the Neolithic period (around 3000-2000 BC). The dolmens are scattered across the countryside, providing an immersive experience into the region's rich history and cultural heritage. The route is approximately 30 kilometers long and can be covered by car or on foot, inviting visitors to uncover the secrets of these ancient monuments. Among the highlights of the route are the Dolmen of La Chabola de la Hechicera, the Dolmen of San Martín, and the Dolmen of El Sotillo, each with its own unique features and historical significance.
Dolmen of La Chabola de la Hechicera
The Dolmen of La Chabola de la Hechicera, also known as the Sorcer back to the Neolithic period, around 3000 BC. It consists of a large stone chamber covered by a massive capstone, which rests on several upright stones. The chamber is approximately 5 meters long and 5 meters wide, and it is surrounded by a circular mound of earth and stones.
The Dolmen of La Chabola de la Hechicera is a remarkable example of the megalithic architecture of the Iberian Peninsula. It is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient people who built it, and it offers a glimpse into the funerary practices and beliefs of the Neolithic period.
To get to the dolmen, take the N-120 road from Burgos to Santander. After passing the town of Briviesca, turn left onto the BU-V-5030 road towards La Puebla de Arganzón. The dolmen is located just outside the town, on the left-hand side of the road.
Dolmen of San Martín
The Dolmen of San Martín is situated Vitoria-Gasteiz. It is a small single-chamber dolmen, with a rectangular plan and a corbelled vault. The chamber measures approximately 5 meters in length, 5 meters in width, and 8 meters in height. The entrance to the chamber is located on the south side and is flanked by two large orthostats. The dolmen is constructed of large limestone blocks, and the exterior is covered with a layer of earth and vegetation.
The Dolmen of San Martín is believed to date back to the Neolithic period, and it is thought to have been used as a burial chamber. The dolmen was excavated in the 19th century, and a number of artifacts were found, including human bones, pottery, and tools. The dolmen is a significant archaeological site, and it is one of the most well-preserved dolmens in the Basque Country.
To get to the Dolmen of San Martín, you can take the A-1 motorway from Vitoria-Gasteiz to the village of San Martín de Valdecarzana. From there, you can follow the signs to the dolmen. The dolmen is located on a hilltop, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Dolmen of El Sotillo
The Dolmen of El Sotillo is located in the town of El Sotillo, in the province of Álava. It is one of the most important dolmens in the Basque Country and is part of the Ruta de los Dolmenes (Dolmen Route). The dolmen is located on a hilltop overlooking the town and is easily accessible by foot or by car.
The Dolmen of El Sotillo is a large and impressive megalithic structure. It consists of a large capstone supported by three upright stones. The capstone is estimated to weigh around 80 tons and is one of the largest capstones in the Basque Country. The dolmen is also notable for its excellent state of preservation.
The Dolmen of El Sotillo is believed to have been built in the Neolithic period, around 3000 BC. It is thought to have been used as a burial chamber and may have been part of a larger funerary complex. The dolmen was excavated in the 19th century and a number of artifacts were found, including human bones, pottery, and tools.
To get to the Dolmen of El Sotillo, follow the signs from the town of El Sotillo. The dolmen is located on a hilltop just outside of town. There is a small parking lot at the base of the hill and a short walk up a path leads to the dolmen.
Dolmen of El Encinal
The Dolmen of El Encinal is located in the town of El Encinal, in the province of Álava. It is one of the most important dolmens in the Basque Country and is part of the Ruta de los Dolmenes (Dolmen Route). The dolmen is located on a hilltop overlooking the town and is easily accessible by foot or by car.
The Dolmen of El Encinal is a large and impressive megalithic structure. It consists of a large capstone supported by three upright stones. The capstone is estimated to weigh around 20 tons and is one of the largest capstones in the Basque Country. The dolmen is also notable for its excellent state of preservation.
The Dolmen of El Encinal is believed to have been built in the Neolithic period, around 3000 BC. It is thought to have been used as a burial chamber and may have been part of a larger funerary complex. The dolmen was excavated in the 19th century and a number of artifacts were found, including human bones, pottery, and tools.
The Dolmen of El Encinal is a fascinating and important historical site. It is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the Basque Country and is a must-see for anyone interested in megalithic monuments.
How to get to the Dolmen of El Encinal
To get to the Dolmen of El Encinal, you can either walk or drive. If you are walking, the dolmen is located about a 15-minute walk from the town of El Encinal. If you are driving, there is a small car park next to the dolmen.
Dolmen of La Piedra
The Dolmen of La Piedra is situated in the vicinity of the town of Salvatierra, a picturesque medieval village perched atop a hill overlooking the Álava plains. This dolmen stands out as a significant historical relic, believed to date back to the Neolithic period. It is characterized by its imposing size, with a massive capstone resting upon several supporting stones. The dolmen's imposing presence has led to its designation as a Cultural Asset of National Interest.
Reaching the Dolmen of La Piedra requires a scenic walk through the serene countryside, following a well-marked path that leads visitors to this ancient monument. Along the way, one can marvel at the stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape, with rolling hills and lush greenery providing a picturesque backdrop.
To fully appreciate the grandeur of the Dolmen of La Piedra, take some time to explore its surroundings and immerse yourself in its historical significance. Let your imagination wander as you contemplate the lives of the ancient people who constructed this remarkable monument, and ponder the purpose it served in their society.
Dolmen of La Hoya
The Dolmen of La Hoya is Burgos. It is one of the most important dolmens in the area, and it is also one of the best preserved. The dolmen is located on a hilltop, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The Dolmen of La Hoya is a large dolmen, with a diameter of about 10 meters. It is made up of a large capstone, which is supported by several upright stones. The dolmen is surrounded by a circle of stones, which may have been used for ritual purposes.
The Dolmen of La Hoya is believed to date back to the Neolithic period, and it is thought to have been used as a burial chamber. The dolmen was excavated in the 19th century, and a number of artifacts were found, including pottery, tools, and weapons.
The Dolmen of La Hoya is a fascinating and well-preserved example of a Neolithic dolmen. It is a popular tourist destination, and it is also a popular spot for archaeologists and historians.
To get to the Dolmen of La Hoya, take the N-622 road from Burgos to La Puebla de Arganzón. In La Puebla de Arganzón, turn left onto the C-629 road, and then follow the signs to the dolmen. The dolmen is located about 2 kilometers from the town.
Dolmen of El Portillo
The Dolmen of El Portillo is located in the town of El Portillo, in the province of Álava. It is one of the most important dolmens in the Basque Country, and it is believed to date back to the Neolithic period. The dolmen consists of a large stone chamber that is supported by several smaller stones. The chamber is surrounded by a circular mound of earth and stones.
The Dolmen of El Portillo is significant because it is one of the few dolmens in the Basque Country that has been excavated. The excavations revealed that the dolmen was used for burials. The dolmen also contains a number of petroglyphs, which are believed to be symbolic representations of the deceased.
The Dolmen of El Portillo is a well-preserved example of a Neolithic dolmen. It is a valuable historical site that provides insight into the lives and beliefs of the people who lived in the Basque Country during the Neolithic period.
To get to the Dolmen of El Portillo, take the N-240 road from Vitoria-Gasteiz to El Portillo. Turn left at the roundabout in El Portillo and follow the signs to the dolmen. The dolmen is located about 1 km from the town.
Dolmen of Los Llanos
The Dolmen of Los Llanos is It is one of the most important dolmens in the Basque Country, and it is also one of the best preserved. The dolmen is located in a privileged position, on a hill overlooking the town and the surrounding countryside.
The Dolmen of Los Llanos is a polygonal dolmen, with a chamber that is 5 meters long and 5 meters wide. The chamber is covered by a large capstone, which weighs an estimated 25 tons. The dolmen is surrounded by a circle of stones, which may have served as a boundary marker or as a place for rituals.
The Dolmen of Los Llanos is thought to have been built in the Neolithic period, around 3000 BC. It was probably used as a burial chamber, and it may have also been used for other purposes, such as religious ceremonies or astronomical observations.
The Dolmen of Los Llanos is a fascinating and impressive monument. It is a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the people who built it, and it is a reminder of the rich history of the Basque Country.
To get to the Dolmen of Los Llanos, you can take the A-2622 road from Laguardia. The dolmen is located about 2 kilometers from the town, on the left-hand side of the road. There is a small parking lot next to the dolmen, and there is a path that leads from the parking lot to the dolmen.
Dolmen of La Mina
The Dolmen of La Mina is situated in the vicinity of the town of Villalba de Losa. It is believed to date back to the Chalcolithic period, roughly 2500-2000 BC, and is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. The dolmen consists of a large capstone resting on three upright stones. The chamber beneath the capstone is approximately 2 meters in length and 5 meters in width, showcasing the impressive construction skills of its ancient builders.
To reach the Dolmen of La Mina, one can follow a scenic hiking route that winds through the picturesque countryside, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The dolmen is located in a secluded spot, amidst a tranquil forest setting that adds to its allure. Visitors can explore the dolmen at their leisure, marveling at its architectural ingenuity and imagining the lives of the people who constructed and utilized it thousands of years ago.
Dolmen of La Cueva
The Dolmen of La Cueva is. It is one of the most important dolmens in the area, and it is also one of the best preserved. The dolmen is located in a small cave, which has given it its name. The dolmen is formed by three large stones, which are arranged in a triangular shape. The dolmen is surrounded by a circle of smaller stones, which are believed to have been used to hold the dolmen in place. The Dolmen of La Cueva is a popular tourist destination, and it is also a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking.
To get to the Dolmen of La Cueva, you can take the A-2622 road from Laguardia to La Cueva. The dolmen is located on the right-hand side of the road, just before you enter the town of La Cueva. There is a small parking area next to the dolmen, where you can leave your car.
Insider Tip
The best time to visit the Dolmen Route is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild. During the summer, the weather can be quite hot, and in the winter, it can be cold and rainy.
There are a number of other things to do in the area, including visiting the nearby town of Vitoria-Gasteiz, which is the capital of the Basque Country. The city is home to a number of historical sites, including the Cathedral of Santa María, the Palace of Montehermoso, and the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca.
You can find more information about the Dolmen Route at the Vitoria-Gasteiz Tourist Office. The office is located at Plaza del Arca, 1, 01001 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava, Spain. The phone number is +34 945 16 15 9
