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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Dolmen de La Vacherie, located in Distré in the department of Maine-et-Loire, is a megalithic building emblematic of the Neolithic period. This dolmen, of the angelvin type, is distinguished by its portico, although the cover table and orthostat of the sepulchral chamber have now fallen to the ground. It illustrates the funeral and architectural practices of local prehistoric communities, which erected these structures to house collective burials.

Ranked as historical monuments by order of 20 April 1976, this dolmen bears witness to the heritage importance of megalithic sites in Anjou. Its official protection underscores its archaeological and historical value, while allowing its preservation for future generations. The monument is now owned by the municipality of Distré, in the region of Pays de la Loire.

Dolmens, like La Vacherie, played a central role in neolithic societies, serving both places of worship and burial. Their construction reflects a complex social organization capable of mobilizing significant resources and labour. In Anjou, these monuments are often associated with ritual landscapes, marking the territory and memory of prehistoric communities.

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