São Martinho Lookout

Category: Nature > Viewpoint

District: Castelo Branco > Castelo Branco > Castelo Branco > Bairro do Barrocal

Location

Situated in the Barrocal neighbourhood, in Castelo Branco, the Mirante de São Martinho stands on a prominent quartzitic hill, approximately 436 meters above sea level. Its privileged position offers a comprehensive perspective over the city of Castelo Branco to the west, and the vast plain of the Tagus Valley, which extends beyond the horizon. The site is characterized by dense native vegetation and extensive olive groves at its base.

Archaeological Past

More than just an observation point, the Mirante de São Martinho is an archaeological site of remarkable importance. Evidence of continuous occupation from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age, where it functioned as a fortified settlement, has been found. Roman and Muslim presence at the site also left its marks, attesting to a millennial history of human occupation. Vestiges of ancient wall structures and a burial site can still be observed today, testifying to the complexity of the civilizations that settled here. Given its historical relevance and the value of the findings, this site was classified as a Property of Public Interest.

Discoveries and Studies

The archaeological richness of this hill was systematically explored in the early 20th century. In 1903, archaeologist Francisco Tavares Proença Júnior led excavations that revealed valuable artefacts. Among the most notable discoveries are three epigraphical stelae from the Bronze Age. Other findings include polished stone axes, burnished pottery pieces, coins, fibulae, and various glass and ceramic fragments from later periods, enriching the knowledge about the region's past.

Scenic Environment

For those seeking a place of serenity and natural beauty, the Mirante de São Martinho is an excellent choice. The landscape unfolding from this point is an invitation to contemplation, with the city on one side and the tranquility of the valley and olive groves on the other. The quartz rock formation and native vegetation contribute to a unique environment, where nature and history converge, providing a calm space to enjoy the vastness and fresh air, a short distance from the urban center of Castelo Branco.

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