Dolmens of Mas de Abad: prehistoric remains in Ribagorza
The dolmens of Mas de Abad constitute an interesting megalithic complex within the archaeological heritage of Ribagorza , a silent testament to the ancient communities that inhabited these lands. Both monuments are signposted and easily located, requiring only a short detour from the main road leading to the town of Aler.
The first of these dolmens appears as a hollow formed by eight vertical slabs , arranged in a circle to once support a large horizontal slab that served as a roof. This upper stone has not survived to the present day, but the preserved structure allows us to imagine the original appearance of the monument and its function as a collective burial site , typical of Neolithic and Bronze Age communities.
To reach the second dolmen, it is necessary to cross the track that leads directly to Mas de Abad. This dolmen is located at the highest point of a small forest of holm oaks and shrubs, about 800 meters from the first. Its elevated position suggests a deliberate choice, possibly linked to symbolic criteria or visibility within the landscape. The surrounding tumulus is clearly visible and, although simple, has a design reminiscent of the examples at the Cornudella megalithic complex, with a possible small chamber and a short access corridor.
A visit to the dolmens of Mas de Abad not only offers a journey back in time to the origins of megalithic architecture in Ribagorza , but also allows you to enjoy a peaceful natural setting, ideal for combining archaeological tourism and hiking . These remains are part of a wider network of prehistoric monuments in the region, contributing to our understanding of the ancient history of Ribagorza and the cultures that inhabited it thousands of years ago.
