Gorafe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gorafe
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| Country | Spain | ||
| Autonomous community | Andalusia | ||
| Province | Granada | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 77 km2 (30 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 850 m (2,790 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 379 | ||
| • Density | 4.92/km2 (12.75/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| Website | www.gorafe.es | ||
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Gorafe is a small town, also known as a municipality, located in the province of Granada in Spain. It is a place with a rich history, especially known for its ancient stone structures. As of 2010, about 474 people lived there.
Gorafe is famous for its many mysterious megalithic structures. These are large stone monuments built by people long ago. Scientists are still studying them to understand their purpose and who built them.
Contents
Exploring Ancient Stone Structures
Gorafe is home to one of the largest groups of megalithic tombs in Europe. These tombs are called dolmens. A dolmen is a type of single-chamber tomb. It is usually made from two or more large upright stones. A large flat capstone is placed on top.
What are Dolmens?
Dolmens are like ancient burial chambers. They were built during the Neolithic period. This was a time when humans started farming. They also began to live in settled communities. These structures show how clever and strong ancient people were. They moved huge stones without modern tools.
The Gorafe Megalithic Park
The area around Gorafe has a special park. It is called the Gorafe Megalithic Park. Here, you can find over 200 dolmens. They are spread across different valleys. This makes it a very important archaeological site. It helps us learn about early human history.
Types of Dolmens in Gorafe
The dolmens in Gorafe come in different shapes and sizes. Some are simple, with just a few stones. Others are more complex. They might have long passages leading to the main chamber. Each one tells a story about the people who built them.
Who Built These Structures?
The people who built these dolmens lived thousands of years ago. They were likely early farmers and herders. They used these structures for burying their dead. Sometimes, they also used them for rituals. We are still learning about their beliefs and daily lives.
Life in Gorafe Today
Today, Gorafe is a quiet place. It is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. The town is known for its unique cave houses. These homes are built into the soft rock formations. They stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
Natural Beauty of the Area
The landscape around Gorafe is very special. It has unique rock formations. These are shaped by wind and water over millions of years. The area is also part of a larger natural park. It is a great place for hiking and exploring.
See also
In Spanish: Gorafe para niños
