Dolmen of Montalbano

Megalithic structure in the locality of Pisco Marano, located in the countryside of Montalbano di Fasano, and linked to ancient magical, religious or funeral rites.

The Montalbano di Fasano area is crossed by numerous torrential incisions, called lame. Along one of these temporary watercourses, in the locality of Pisco Marano, stands one of the most significant testimonies of the megalithic civilization: the dolmen of Montalbano, a structure consisting of two lateral limestone slabs that support a covering table.

the dolmen probably from the early Bronze Age, around 2000-1500 BC. It still remains firm in the structure, despite the tampering suffered over time, including the very recent disappearance of the dromos, the access corridor to the monument. Various hypotheses related to magical or religious rites, astronomical observations or the cult of the dead have been elaborated on its functions and purpose. According to one of the most accredited readings, the dolmens (literally "stone tablets", from the Breton dol = table and men = stone) were sacrificial altars. For other scholars, however, they were rudimentary, but imposing, sepulchral constructions. In this sense, the Montalbano dolmen would represent one of the first testimonies of the cult of the dead in the entire surrounding area.

Near the dolmen there is also a cave called the table of the paladins