Mina de Recesindes

The Mina de Recesindes is a very unique anta within the northwestern group. Part of the mámoa is conserved, but most remarkable is the polygonal, almost circular, dolmen with its passage. The vertical slabs of the chamber are magnificently crafted so as to fit seamlessly together. In the upper part one can even observe how they are regulated so that the capstone would fit perfectly—although no vestige of it remains.

It is reported that excavations took place by treasure seekers during the Civil War in 1936. According to a neighbor these seekers found 2 stone hatchets and a cupule.

Searching for treasure inside the mámoas and dolmens is an ancient practice in the northwestern Iberian Peninsula. They probably began in prehistory, but the most bizarre episode occurred at the beginning of the 17th century.

In 1609 the priest Pedro Vázquez de Orjas obtained a Royal Decree granting him authorization to excavate Galician mámoas in order to recuperate the kingdom’s gold and silver that had apparently been hidden in the tombs. The news had an enormous impact and hundreds of people took to the hills in search of fabulous treasures. This unique fever caused thousands of megalithic monuments throughout the northwest to be opened by plunderers. At present, it is unusual to find a monument that has not been looted. The most obvious sign of such plundering is the presence of a sort of depression, like a crater, in the upper parts of the mámoa.