Town of Bagunte

Category: Archaeology > Hillfort

District: Porto > Vila do Conde > Bagunte

Location

Located in Bagunte, a parish of Vila do Conde, in the district of Porto. This ancient settlement is situated on an elevation, allowing for a wide and strategic view over the valleys of the Ave and Este rivers.

Archaeological Significance

The Cividade of Bagunte is one of the largest and best-preserved examples of the Castreja Culture in the northwest region of the Iberian Peninsula. It is one of the main historical testimonies of Vila do Conde and has been classified as a National Monument since 1910.

History and Function

It dates back to the Iron Age and was later Romanized. It acted as a fortification protecting the entrances to the valleys and coexisted with other small neighboring settlements, guaranteeing defense and communication between them.

Dimensions and Structure

This castro is extensive, measuring approximately 325 meters in length and 150 meters in width. The population, which may have reached 4,000 inhabitants, lived in about 800 houses. The dwellings were organized in small areas, suggesting an organization into "neighborhoods".

Constructions and Walls

It has at least five lines of walls surrounding the settlement. Inside, there are remains of houses with circular and rectangular plans, typical of the time.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cividade_de_Bagunte

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