Category: Archaeology > Hillfort
District: Aveiro > Arouca > Picoto > Monte Valinhas
Castro do Monte Valinhas is an archaeological site in Portugal, with traces of human occupation over the last 2000 years.
Located on top of a hill, the castro was used by different communities over the centuries, from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages, as a place of protection and defense against invasions.
The most significant period of occupation occurred during the Iron Age, when a defensive structure was established on Monte Valinhas and its southern and southeastern flanks, taking advantage of the granite rocks of the region.
During the Roman period, the area was again occupied, probably from the 1st century onwards. Fragments of ceramics, glass, lithics, and metals were found during archaeological excavations.
The strategic location of the castro attracted ancient settlers, but it was especially relevant during the Reconquista era. On top of the hill, a castle was built that remained in use until the late 12th or early 13th century.
Archaeological research in the area began in the late 1980s, coordinated by António Manuel Silva. Walls and a circular structure were identified, and a fireplace was discovered in one of the residences.
The archaeological site of Castro do Monte Valinhas has not yet been officially classified and has been under study since 1996.
The castro is located on top of the Monte Valinhas hill, in Santa Eulália, offering a panoramic view over the Arouca valley, in a strategically advantageous position.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castro_of_Monte_Valinhas
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.9355079,-8.2639684
Coordinates DMS: 40°56'7.8"N 08°15'50.3"W
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