Castro de Leceia

Category: Nature > Park

District: Lisboa > Oeiras > Barcarena > Nova Barcarena

Location

The Castro de Leceia is located in Nova Barcarena, in the locality of Barcarena, municipality of Oeiras. It stands on the right bank of the Ribeira de Barcarena valley, offering a privileged perspective of the surrounding landscape. Its strategic position allowed the ancient inhabitants to visually dominate the area, including the entrance to the Tagus Estuary.

A Glimpse into the Distant Past

This ancient settlement represents one of the most important archaeological sites in Portugal. It was inhabited for an extensive period, spanning approximately one thousand years, from the late Neolithic to throughout the entire Chalcolithic period, between approximately 3200 and 2300 BC. Recognized for its historical and cultural importance, the Castro de Leceia has been classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest) since 1963, bearing witness to the complexity and organization of prehistoric communities in this region.

Defensive Architecture

The Castro de Leceia is distinguished by its impressive defensive structures. Over centuries of occupation, several lines of robust walls were built and reinforced, erected with local limestone blocks. These fortifications, covering an area of about 10,000 square meters, included semi-circular bastions and utilized pre-existing natural escarpments for more effective defense. The entrances to the settlement were also protected, making the site a notable fortress for its time.

Ancient Daily Life and Activities

Life at the Castro de Leceia was marked by a diversified economy, as revealed by archaeological findings. The communities were mainly dedicated to agriculture and pastoralism, with the raising of pigs, cattle, and goats playing a central role in their subsistence. Shellfish gathering in the then fertile Ribeira de Barcarena and fishing complemented their diet. There is also evidence of textile production, ceramics, and, in a later phase, copper metallurgy, demonstrating a notable development of techniques and crafts among its inhabitants.

Remains and Discoveries

Archaeological excavations at the Castro de Leceia, which began in the 19th century and continue to this day, have brought to light a wide range of artefacts. Among the recovered objects are arrowheads, sickle blades, flint blades and scrapers, querns, axes, adzes, and pounders. Copper fishhooks were also discovered, underscoring the importance of fishing. These material remains are crucial for understanding the tools, techniques, and way of life of the populations who inhabited this prehistoric settlement.

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