Dolmen Creu d'en Cobertella, Roses, Girona, Costa Brava, Spain

Dolmen Creu d’en Cobertella is a tomb built of granite slabs between 3000 and 2700 BC, in the Neolithic. It is therefore a funerary enclosure in which, through a corridor that now no longer exists (but whose marks in the rocky base of the monument show their past existence) human bodies were buried inside.

The first written evidence of the presence of this monument comes from thirteenth century, when it was known as ‘petra coperta’ (covered rock). As villagers then were not aware of the importance of this archaeological evidence it was used as goat pen attached to the farmhouse attached to it, now in ruins.

Dolmen de la Creu d'en Cobertella is located in a megalithic guided foot trail, in Roses, Cape of Creus, Costa Brava

Although studies of this monument began early twentieth century, it was not until twentieth mid-century when the first excavations were made: in addition to the aforementioned brands of the corridor today disappeared, remains of bones, pottery, coins of the Roman empire and other funeral items were found.

Dolmen dimensions are impressive, especially considering the lack of means with which the inhabitants of this land had to lift weights like these. In total it is formed by seven slabs granite gneiss. The stone used as roof measures 4.15 meters by 5.7. Its thickness is 40 cm. The top of the enclosure reaches 2.45 meters and the plant is 3.90 by 3.15 meters. Inside the dolmen, not opened to the public, we would see that the interior walls contain small spaces were funeral rituals containers were were placed.

Entrance to the dolmen Creu d'en Cobertella, in Roses, Cape of Creus

Getting to the dolmen Creu d’en Cobertella is relatively easy. Starting from the center of Roses village take the Cala Montjoi route, that takes us to the beautiful landscapes of Cap de Creus. In one of the curves, just 1.5kms, on the left, you’ll see an indication of the walking path leading to the dolmen, that you’ll reach after 500 mts (park beside the route). This same walking path leads us also to other dolmens in the surrounding as Casa Cremada and Llit de la Generala or Turo de l’Home.

Cova d'en Daina, in Romanyà de la Selva, Girona, Costa Brava, Spain

Reaching Romanyà de la Selva is simple, since taking the road linking Llagostera with Santa Cristina d’Aro, we just have to take the good state road to the left that indicates Romanyà de la Selva village direction, up into the mountains. The monument is located about 650 meters from the center of town, in whose cemetery, by the way, is buried one of the writers of Catalan literature more universal Rodoreda, author of Diamond Plaza.

Scenic view of Cova d'en Daina, one of the most important monuments in Catalonia

The megalithic site is protected by a cromlech, a series of granite stones arranged in a ring of 11 meters in diameter surrounding the monument. The dolmen itself is 7.60 meters long by 1.70 wide. Its height is 1.50 meters.

Cova d'en Daina megalith, in Romanyà de la Selva

Already during the XIXth century the former owner of the land began to investigate its contents, but it was in 1957 when excavations made by Cruañas revealed bones, teeth, about 7 arrowheads made with silex, collars pieces, fragments of knife and ceramic remains.

Archeological excavations, realised inside the monument, revealed important findings

The complex was declared a National Monument in 1931, and both by the appearance and by the nice location where it is (in the middle of a nice forest) family visit is interesting to discover an ancient relic open and available to everyone.

Interior of the dolmen Cova d'en Daina, Romanyà de la Selva, Costa Brava