Castro de Lanhoso

Category: Archaeology > Hillfort

District: Braga > Póvoa de Lanhoso > Lanhoso > Monte do Castelo

Location

The Castro de Lanhoso is located at the summit of Monte do Castelo, in the locality of Lanhoso, which belongs to the municipality of Póvoa de Lanhoso. Its elevated position, on a rocky spur, offers a comprehensive view of the surrounding landscape. This strategic location, naturally defensive, was fundamental for the settlement and development of the community that inhabited it over centuries.

A Millennial Settlement

This site is one of the most relevant archaeological remains in the region, revealing a fortified settlement with a long history. Research indicates that it was occupied in various phases, from the Chalcolithic and early Bronze Age, through the Iron Age, a period associated with the Castrejan Culture, and extending into the Roman era. Its importance lies in the continuity of human presence and the evolution of a community over millennia on this hillside.

Remains and Reconstructions

As you explore the Castro de Lanhoso, visitors can observe the foundations of ancient dwellings, with circular and rectangular plans, organized in terraces supported by retaining walls. To provide a clearer understanding of life in these settlements, three castrejan houses have been reconstructed, aiming to reproduce the original characteristics of these dwellings. An interpretive trail accompanies the visit, helping to explore the site and deepen knowledge of the Castrejan Culture.

Testimonies of the Past

Archaeological excavations carried out at this settlement have brought to light a valuable material heritage, fundamental to understanding the lives of the communities that inhabited this place. Through fragments of pottery, tools, adornments, and other everyday objects, archaeologists have been able to reconstruct aspects of the economy, social organization, and customs of these populations, which spanned millennia. These findings offer a glimpse into the rich material culture and ancestral techniques, including the creation of metal pieces, fitting into the region's deep and ancient connection to the art of working gold, which is still manifested today in the tradition of Lanhoso filigree.

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