Citânia de São Julião de Caldelas

Category: Archaeology > Fortified Settlement

District: Braga > Vila Verde > Sande, Vilarinho, Barros e Gomide > São Julião de Caldelas

Location and History

, Strategic location on the top of Mount São Julião, overlooking the Homem Valley.

, Founded around 900 BC, but with evidence of earlier occupation since the 4th or 3rd millennium BC.

, Development into one of the country's main citanias due to the resources available in the region.

Parish of Santo Adriano do Monte

, Also known as Santo Adriano do Monte after the Reconquista.

, Possible transformation into a parish during the Suevic period, with the construction of a church.

Excavations and Finds

, First excavations in 1935 by Father João Martins de Freitas.

, Scientific excavations carried out in different periods from 1981 to 1995.

, Various items found, such as ceramic fragments, metal artifacts, loom weights, and fishing nets.

Statue of Malceino

, Discovery of a statue of a Gallaecian warrior representing Malceino, son of Dovilonis.

, Representation with a short tunic, dagger at the waist, and shield with the inscription in Latin.

Legends and Myths

, Existence of various legends associated with the Citânia, such as the legend of Cova da Moura and the existence of a tunnel with much gold.

, Accounts of the presence of Enchanted Moors and the golden bell of King Mourão.

Current Situation

, The Citânia is in a state of neglect, despite being classified as a Property of Public Interest.

, Efforts by volunteers and the parish council to keep the site visible and visitable.

Archaeological Importance

, The Citânia de São Julião offers an important overview of the transition between the Bronze Age and the Iron Age.

, Through the finds and studies of pollen and seeds, it is possible to understand the daily life and economic activities of the inhabitants.

World Heritage

, Participation in candidacy projects for classification as a World Heritage Site along with other citanias in the region.

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

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