Castro de São Jorge

Category: Archaeology > Hillfort

District: Guarda > Mêda > Alcarva

Location

Located in the locality of Alcarva, in the municipality of Mêda, the Castro of São Jurge stands in an elevated position, at over 800 meters in altitude. This spot offers visitors a panoramic view of the natural surroundings, which include the serene Albufeira de Ranhados, a landscape that extends to the horizon.

Prehistoric Testimonies and Rock Art

The Castro of São Jurge is a site of great archaeological value, holding traces of human occupation dating back to very ancient times. Excavations carried out at the site in 2011 revealed the existence of a rock sanctuary, as well as various prehistoric materials and structures.

Among the most notable discoveries are about eighty rocks adorned with rock art, dating from the third or fourth millennium BC. These millennia-old representations include figures of serpents, podomorphs (representations of feet), and thousands of small hollows believed to symbolize solar motifs, such as stars, the sun, and the moon, offering a fascinating glimpse into the beliefs and culture of the peoples who inhabited this place.

From the Roman Castro to the Medieval Era

The historical importance of the Castro of São Jurge is not limited to prehistory. This site was Romanized around 30 BC, a period that left its mark on archaeological discoveries. For example, traces of a cobbled street and houses dating from the Iron Age have been identified, as well as areas used for functional activities such as pottery and metallurgy.

Later, in the Middle Ages, a church dedicated to São Jurge (Saint George) stood on the site, giving its name to the castro. This religious structure, part of the site's long history, has been abandoned for over a century but remains a testament to the succession of cultures and eras that shaped this elevated point in the landscape.

Preservation and Observation

When exploring the Castro of São Jurge, it is essential for visitors to do so with the utmost respect for its heritage and archaeological value. Given the presence of excavations and sensitive remains, the visit should be made with care, in order to minimize any impact and contribute to the preservation of this remarkable historical legacy.

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