Guifões Hill Castle Settlement or Hill Castle

Category: Archaeology > Fortified Settlement

District: Porto > Matosinhos > Guifões

Location

Located in the town of Guifões, in the municipality of Matosinhos, on a hill overlooking the Leça River.

Ancient Origin

This settlement dates back to the Iron Age, in the 1st millennium BC, and was later Romanized in the 4th century AD.

Fortification

The castro is protected by three lines of walls and is located in an elevated area, providing panoramic views of the surroundings.

Archaeological Discoveries

Over the years, several excavations have revealed houses with circular and rectangular plans, and various artifacts such as ceramics, tools, coins and glass objects, many of which are on display in museums.

Successive Occupations

The site was inhabited in different periods, from before the Roman occupation to the Middle Ages, when a small castle was erected.

Recent Excavations

In 2016, new excavations brought to light remains of a 1st century house, as well as objects from various parts of the Roman Empire, such as Spain, Italy and North Africa.

Modern Impacts

Part of the castro was destroyed for the construction of a shooting range and some areas are now occupied by urbanizations, but it is still possible to visit the site and appreciate the ruins and the landscape.

Cultural Significance

Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1971, the Castro de Guifões is a site of great historical and archaeological value, representing the various phases of occupation and evolution of the region.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castro_of_Monte_Castelo

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