The Dolmen of Dombate

The Cathedral of Megalithism

Before us lies what is often referred to as the “Cathedral of Galician Megalithism”. Built from local granite, the Dolmen of Dombate is one of the finest examples of megalithic architecture in Galicia. This collective funerary monument comprises 18 orthostats and stands 4.65 metres tall. Dating to the Galician Neolithic period, it was constructed ca. 3,700 BCE and remained in use until approximately 2,700 BCE – a span of roughly a thousand years.

The smaller stones surrounding the dolmen are part of the stone revetment that formed the mound – in other words, the dolmen’s original covering. This earthen and stone mound, measuring 24 metres in diameter and currently standing 1.8 metres high, partially enclosed the monument. Today, much of this stone revetment has been destroyed as a result of the looting the monument has suffered throughout its history.

At the front of the dolmen stand the famous “idoliños” (idol figures). These small anthropomorphic stone figures, aligned with the entrance to the dolmen and positioned in front of the passage, may have represented the people buried here or served a protective function.

Conservation of the Rock Art

The Provincial Council of A Coruña acquired the site in 1975, and it was excavated shortly afterwards, in the late 20th century. More specifically, three excavation campaigns were carried out between 1987 and 1989 under the direction of José María Bello, during which many of the monument’s key features were uncovered.

The building that protects the dolmen was designed by the A Coruña architect Francisco Vidal and was inaugurated in 2011. Its roof was inspired by the paintings discovered inside the dolmen. These paintings, which decorate the interior of both the passage and the chamber of the dolmen, can be seen in the replica housed in the archaeological centre. Created using kaolin, iron oxide and charcoal, they feature geometric motifs and grid-like patterns outlined with dots, combining white, red and black pigments.

Also found inside the dolmen were engravings, which the Irish archaeologist Elizabeth Shee referred to as “The Thing”. These engravings continue to generate debate, as it remains unclear what they may have represented.

The Archaeological Complex

As part of efforts to enhance the Dombate site, a new campaign was carried out under the direction of Manuel Lestón in the early 21st century. Evidence of prehistoric human activity was documented in the area immediately surrounding the dolmen, including features such as ditches, pits and the remains of hearths. These investigations helped broaden our understanding of the site and its different phases of occupation. As a result, when we refer to the site today, we are no longer referring solely to the visible funerary monument.

Beside the dolmen we can also see two small stone circles, believed to have been used for lighting fires. These hearths may have been used in funerary rituals. Another hypothesis suggests that they were used to cremate the bodies before they were placed inside the dolmen, although there is no scientific evidence to support this. It is more likely that burials took place by inhumation in the funerary chamber. However, the acidity of Galician soils prevents the preservation of organic remains, making it impossible to confirm this.

The Dolmen of Dombate also has a unique feature in Galicia: the presence of two dolmens within the same mound. The smaller dolmen, which in turn has its own mound, is the older of the two, dating ca. 3,900 BCE. It is therefore approximately 200 years older than the larger monument, known as “Dombate Recente” (Recent Dombate). Today, the smaller dolmen’s complete structure is not preserved.

All these features are part of the magic of the Dolmen of Dombate, an inspiration to great poets such as Eduardo Pondal and the subject of legends that have become part of our shared heritage.