Interpretative Center of the Monte Mozinho Hillfort

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Penafiel > Oldrões

Location

Located in Oldrões, in the municipality of Penafiel, the Interpretive Center is situated in an area that invites immersion in the ancient history of the region. Its location is intrinsically linked to Monte Mozinho, where an important ancient settlement developed. The surroundings are marked by the presence of the mount, which gives the place an atmosphere of discovery and a setting that harks back to ancestral times.

The Fortified Settlement of Monte Mozinho

Monte Mozinho hosted a large fortified settlement, built on the crown of the mount. This archaeological site occupies an area of over two hundred thousand square meters and is characterized by the presence of three lines of walls, which once protected it. These defenses bear witness to the relevance and organization of the community that inhabited it over the centuries.

A Unique Cultural Heritage

This 'castro' (hillfort) stands out for the remarkable fusion between the 'castreja' (Castro culture) tradition and Romanity. This cultural coexistence is visible in the organization of space and in the residential structures, where courtyard houses with circular buildings and vestibules can be observed. The regular layout of the streets also reflects Roman influence. The Monte Mozinho settlement was inhabited for an extended period, spanning from the 1st century AD until after the 5th century AD, revealing a continuity of occupation and adaptation over time.

Understanding the Past

The Interpretive Center of the Monte Mozinho Castro offers visitors a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of this archaeological site. It serves as a starting point to unravel the particularities of the settlement, its architectural characteristics, and its cultural evolution over the centuries. It allows for a contextualized reading of the remains found at Monte Mozinho, enriching the experience of those seeking to learn more about the life and communities that settled here in antiquity.

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