Castro de Santa Olaia

Category: Archaeology > Hillfort

District: Coimbra > Figueira da Foz > Ferreira-a-Nova > Farrestelo

Location

The Castro of Santa Olaia stands on the Outeiro de Santa Olaia, a natural formation integrated into the rural area of Farrestelo, in Ferreira-a-Nova, within the municipality of Figueira da Foz. Its strategic position offers a broad perspective over the Mondego fields that surround it to the north, west, and south. To the south, about a kilometer away, lies the Mondego River, and to the west, approximately a kilometer and a half away, the Foja channel, giving the site a landscape marked by the presence of water and agricultural plains.

Millennia of Inhabited History

This fortified settlement is a testament to the long human presence in the region, revealing a superposition of occupations dating back to very ancient times. Archaeological remains indicate that the site was inhabited since the last phase of the Neolithic, with subsequent settlements occurring over the centuries. The Iron Age represented a period of particular structuring and intensity for the settlement, with a notable concentration of activities.

The history of the Castro of Santa Olaia also extends to the Roman periods, between the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, and the Medieval period, when the site played a significant defensive role. In the Middle Ages, it functioned as an important fortified point in the defense of the Mondego line, which was then a natural border. Historical records from the 12th century even refer to this location as the "Castelo de Santa Olaia," reflecting its strategic relevance at the time.

The Secrets of the Outeiro

Within the outeiro, which extends for about 160 meters in length and 35 meters in width, various structures were identified that adapted to the natural shape of the terrain. Archaeological excavations have unveiled the traces of ancient dwellings, offering a window into the lives of the peoples who resided here. Numerous objects were found, particularly of pottery and iron, which illustrate the daily life and activities of the community.

Particularly interesting are the remains that suggest a strong connection to ancient trade routes. The discovery of materials of Punic-Phoenician origin indicates that the Castro of Santa Olaia may have been a trading post, where Mediterranean civilizations established contact to acquire resources such as minerals, wine, or honey. These findings enrich the understanding of the site's importance as a point of cultural and economic interaction in bygone eras.

A Natural and Tranquil Setting

Beyond its historical and archaeological richness, the Castro of Santa Olaia offers a unique natural environment. The outeiro, with its ellipsoidal configuration, is surrounded by a predominantly rural and serene landscape. A patch of native forest contributes to the tranquil atmosphere of the site, muffling external noises and providing a natural refuge.

The presence of species such as the cork oak, the sycamore, and the elm in this small forested area is an indication of what the natural vegetation of the central-western region of Portugal would have been like in ancient times. This combination of natural and historical elements makes the Castro of Santa Olaia a place for contemplation, where nature and the past meet harmoniously.

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