Castro da Serra de Alvaiázere or Carreira dos Cavalos

Category: Archaeology > Hillfort

District: Leiria > Alvaiázere > Alvaiázere > Marzugueira

About the Castro

- Ancient Iron Age Settlement: This historical site dates back to the Iron Age but also features traces of the Chalcolithic and Bronze Age.

- Impressive Wall: The castro is protected by a wall made of limestone blocks, known as "Carreira dos Cavalos," which surrounds a large part of the mountain.

- Defensive Strategy: The walls were built in a circular format and were part of a defense system that took advantage of the natural topography of the area.

About the Castro in Detail

- Circular Structure: The inner wall is about one hundred meters in diameter and is composed of limestone blocks from the region, four meters wide.

- Strategic Location: The castro is located on top of the Serra de Alvaiázere, at 600 meters altitude, offering a spectacular panoramic view.

- Historical Importance: This archaeological monument played a vital role in the region, controlling transit routes between northern and southern Portugal in the Bronze Age.

History and Significance

- Ancient Age: It is believed that the castro is more than 3000 years old, playing a key role in the economy, trade, and movement of goods and people in the region.

- Network of Settlements: It was part of a network of settlements that arose in the area during the Bronze Age, contributing to the power of local elites.

- Largest Settlement: The Castro da Serra de Alvaiázere was possibly the largest among these settlements, exerting influence over neighboring villages.

Exploring the Site

- Access by Car: We recommend arriving by car, as there is a road that leads directly to the top of the mountain.

- Panoramic View: The views from the top of the mountain are truly magnificent, providing a unique view of the surrounding landscape.

Archaeology in the Serra de Alvaiázere

- Carreira de Cavalos: In the northern region of the mountain, there is a prehistoric vestige called "Carreira de Cavalos".

- Circular Walls: This site features two partially collapsed circular walls, about 100 meters in diameter.

- Potential Bronze Age Settlement: Based on artifacts found, such as fragments of bronze and decorated pottery, it is believed to have been a Bronze Age settlement.

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