29/06/2026 - 2026 archaeological excavation campaign begins at Perdigões

Another archaeological excavation campaign begins today at the Perdigões Archaeological Complex (Reguengos de Monsaraz). This marks the 29th consecutive year of research by ERA Arqueologia at this site, which is classified as a National Monument. Over almost three decades, we have reaffirmed our commitment to studying, preserving, and promoting one of Europe's most significant prehistoric ceremonial sites from the 4th and 3rd millennia BC.

The 2026 campaign will once again focus on the central enclosure, a monumental structure originally defined by wooden posts (the so-called Timber Circle), whose architecture and symbolism continue to challenge archaeologists. The stratigraphic complexity of this area is immense, resulting from the superimposition of different construction phases and the accumulation of traces of human activity over a very long period. This wealth of information makes the central enclosure one of the project’s greatest scientific challenges, and its investigation will therefore continue over several future campaigns.

3D recreation of the centre of Perdigões.

ERA's António Valera leads the project, which includes a multidisciplinary team of ERA archaeologists, specialist technicians and a group of volunteers whose enthusiasm and dedication are fundamental to the research. The 2026 campaign is funded by ERA Arqueologia, Esporão, S.A. and the Reguengos de Monsaraz Town Council, which, working in close collaboration, continue to ensure the continuity of a scientific project of international standing.

Over the coming weeks, we will share behind-the-scenes insights into the excavation campaign via our official channels and social media, revealing discoveries, working methods and the main challenges faced in the field. Keep an eye on our posts to follow the work first-hand.

Previous excavation campaign.