Category: Archaeology > Fortified Settlement
District: Beja > Aljustrel > São João do Deserto
Cerro da Mangancha, also known as Castelo da Mangancha, is an archaeological site located in the municipality of Aljustrel, district of Beja, in Portugal.
The site dates back to the Bronze Age and was occupied throughout the Iron Age, being abandoned during the Roman period, around the 1st century.
Cerro da Mangancha was an ancient fortified settlement, with walls and defensive slopes, which controlled a vast area of the territory, including the important mining district of São João do Deserto.
Traces of structures have been found, such as fragments of ceramics and lithics, belonging to the Bronze Age and the Roman period.
The archaeological site of Cerro da Mangancha was classified as a Site of Public Interest, recognizing its historical and cultural importance.
The abandonment of Cerro da Mangancha may be related to the pacification of the territory by Roman forces, known as Pax Romana. Populations were transferred to the mining town of Vipasca.
The first archaeological surveys were carried out in 1967, revealing the defensive structures and refuting the theory that it was not a fortified settlement. Additional excavations took place in 2010 and 2011.
The process of classifying Cerro da Mangancha as a Site of Public Interest was initiated in 1991 and concluded in 2011, through an ordinance.
Near Cerro da Mangancha is the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Castelo, another important historical monument of Aljustrel.
Cerro da Mangancha offers visitors the opportunity to explore a fascinating archaeological site, delve into the ancient history of the region and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views from the hill where it is located.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerro_da_Mangancha
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.8851657,-8.1763102
Coordinates DMS: 37°53'6.6"N 08°10'34.7"W
Weather São João do Deserto
On-duty Pharmacy São João do Deserto
