Plaça del Dolmen

Plaça del Dolmen is a small but symbolic square at the heart of Capmany, a Catalan village in the Alt Empordà known for its wine and its megalithic past. The name is no coincidence — at its centre stands a reconstructed dolmen, a nod to the prehistoric burial monuments scattered across the surrounding hills.

What does the square look like?

The square has a distinctive semicircular shape and is enclosed by a low fence. The ground is covered in red volcanic gravel, giving the space a warm, earthy tone that contrasts with the greenery around it. It was laid out at the turn of the 1970s and 80s (construction began in 1982) as a gathering spot for residents, right next to the remains of the old town's defensive walls.

Why a dolmen?

Capmany sits in a region that, together with French Roussillon, forms one of the richest megalithic landscapes in Europe — a combined total of 112 dolmens, 19 menhirs, 7 cists with tumuli and 378 engraved rocks have been catalogued here. Capmany alone counts up to eight dolmens and menhirs strung along the so-called Itinerari megalític de Capmany, a route winding through forests, streams and vineyards. Among the most notable sites are the Quer Afumat dolmen and menhir, the so-called Oscillating Stone (Pedra Oscil·lant), the Verneda dolmen, the Comanera I and II standing stones, the Vidal menhir and the Sacrificial Stone. All are dated to the late Neolithic and early Chalcolithic periods. The square works as an urban preview of that heritage — you don't need to head into the countryside to sense the village's megalithic identity.

What else is there to see in Capmany?

Beyond the dolmens, the village is known for wine production under the DO Empordà appellation, and the surrounding vineyards and cellers can be visited for most of the year. Walking from Plaça del Dolmen towards the old town takes you past the remnants of the former defensive walls, and from there the marked hiking trails leading to the authentic dolmens in the countryside are within easy reach.

How do you get there?

Capmany lies in the province of Girona, in the Alt Empordà region, close to the French border. Driving is the most convenient option — the village is only a short distance from the main roads connecting Figueres with the Costa Brava. The square sits southeast of the village centre, near the old defensive walls, so it's an easy walk from anywhere in Capmany.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn offer the mildest temperatures, making the surrounding megalithic trails pleasant to walk without the summer heat. Autumn brings the added bonus of the grape harvest in local vineyards. In summer, plan walks for the early morning, as the Alt Empordà can get quite hot.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a real dolmen on the square? No — the centrepiece is a reconstruction that echoes the shape of the authentic dolmens found in the surrounding countryside. The genuine megaliths are found along the hiking trail outside the village.

How many dolmens and menhirs are there around Capmany? Up to eight megalithic sites have been recorded within the municipality, including dolmens and menhirs dated to the late Neolithic period.

Is the route to the dolmens difficult? The Itinerari megalític de Capmany runs through forests, streams and vineyards — it's a moderate walking route, manageable for most visitors with average fitness.

What else can you do in Capmany besides visiting the dolmens? The village is known for its wine under the DO Empordà appellation, so tastings at local cellers pair naturally with a stop at Plaça del Dolmen.