Castro da Chandeirinha of Belmonte

Category: Archaeology > Hillfort

District: Castelo Branco > Belmonte > Malpique

Location

The Castro da Chandeirinha of Belmonte is located in the village of Malpique, in the municipality of Belmonte, district of Castelo Branco. Elevated above the surrounding landscape, this site offers a privileged perspective over the surrounding territory.

Its strategic position, common to these ancient settlements, allowed for extended visual control over valleys and mountains, revealing the site's importance in antiquity. The natural surroundings of Beira Interior complement the visit, providing an atmosphere of serenity and communion with nature.

Traces of a Remote Past

The Castro da Chandeirinha represents a silent testimony to the life and civilizations that inhabited these distant lands. It is an ancient fortified settlement, built by pre-Roman communities, whose origins are lost in the Iron Age.

These peoples meticulously chose their places of residence, prioritizing security and defense against potential threats. The visit allows for an understanding of how the populations that preceded the Romanization of the territory lived and organized themselves.

The Architecture of Defense

Although the remains may require careful observation, it is possible to discern the marks of the defensive engineering employed by its builders. The defensive structures, such as the walls that once surrounded the settlement, are proof of its fortress-like character.

Within these defenses, the existence of dwellings, often with a circular or rectangular plan, adapted to the terrain and the community's needs, is conceivable. This architectural complex, although partially visible, invites imagination about the daily life and concerns of its ancient inhabitants.

A Glimpse into the Historical Landscape

Beyond its historical and cultural value, the Castro da Chandeirinha offers an experience of immersion in the landscape of Beira Interior. The silence of the place and the breadth of the views invite contemplation and reflection on human resilience and adaptation throughout the millennia.

It is a space where nature and history intertwine, providing a unique environment for those seeking to understand the deepest roots of the Belmonte region.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belmonte_(Portugal)

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