Ovil Hillfort

Category: Archaeology > Fortified Settlement

District: Aveiro > Espinho > Paramos

Location

Castro de Ovil is located in Lugar do Monte, in the parish of Paramos, municipality of Espinho, district of Aveiro, Portugal.

Ancient History

The castro was built in the 2nd century BC and abandoned during the Romanization of the region in the 1st century.

Strategic Position

The castro is located on a small south-facing hill, offering a dominant position and a panoramic view of the region.

Archaeological Discovery

The archaeological site was identified in 1981, although there are references to it in documents from the 10th to 13th centuries.

Medieval Denomination

The current name, "Ovil", derives from the medieval denomination of the Esmoriz lagoon, located nearby.

Historical Significance

Castro de Ovil has been classified as a Property of Municipal Interest since 1990 by IGESPAR, highlighting its historical and cultural relevance.

Ruins of the Fábrica do Castelo

Next to the castro, are the ruins of the old Fábrica do Castelo, an old paper factory built in 1836 and deactivated in 1975.

Tourism Development Plans

The Espinho City Council has plans to build an interpretive center and improve access to the site, aiming to promote tourism in the region.

Artifact Exhibition

The interpretive center would house an exhibition of artifacts found in archaeological excavations, including ceramics, jewelry, and polished stones.

Characteristics of the Fortified Settlement

Castro de Ovil consists of several circular-plan housing structures, indicating the presence of an ancient community.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castro_de_Ovil

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt