Old Castle of Safara

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Beja > Moura > Safara

Location

Located in the vicinity of Safara, in the municipality of Moura, Castelo Velho stands on a rocky spur at the confluence of the Safara stream with the Ardila river. This natural position afforded it excellent defensive conditions, especially to the north and east, on a plateau that dominates the waterways. Although it does not stand out imposingly in the surrounding landscape, its strategic location is a central element for understanding why ancient communities chose this site.

The Millennial History of the Settlement

Castelo Velho de Safara, also historically known as Aldeia Velha, is a testament to the long human presence in the region. Its history dates back to the Chalcolithic period, approximately five thousand years ago, revealing continuous occupation that extended through the Iron Age and up to the Roman Republican period. This enduring presence underscores the strategic importance of the site, chosen for its natural defensive conditions and the control it allowed over the surrounding territory.

The Defenses and Structure of the Site

On site, it is possible to observe the remains of the ancient walls that protected the settlement, still visible and relatively well-preserved. An interesting feature of these constructions is the presence of signs of vitrification in some sections, a phenomenon that occurs when structures are exposed to extremely high temperatures, giving them a glassy consistency. Additionally, three moats partially encircled the settlement, reinforcing its defensive system. Inside, small compartments, possibly used for storage, and a pathway that may have structured the residential area, were identified.

Traces of Ancient Life

Archaeological excavations at Castelo Velho de Safara have revealed a vast collection of artifacts, allowing us to glimpse the life of the communities that inhabited this place. Various ceramic fragments have been found, ranging from the Chalcolithic period to the Iron Age and Roman period, including locally produced pieces and imported ones, such as Attic pottery of Greek origin or Roman Sigillata ware. These findings are indicators of trade networks and cultural interactions. The discovery of traces of metallurgical industry further suggests that the settlement could have been an important center for production and trade, with connections to the region's rich mines and even to the Eastern Mediterranean.

A Look at the Research

Castelo Velho de Safara continues to be a site of great interest for archaeological research. Since the first explorations in the 1970s, the site has been the subject of continuous excavation campaigns, which bring new discoveries each year. This activity allows for a deeper understanding of its long history, from its earliest inhabitants to the more recent periods of occupation, revealing details about the defensive architecture, residential areas, and daily activities of the populations who lived here over millennia.

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