Citânia de Sanfins

Category: Archaeology > Citânia

District: Porto > Paços de Ferreira > Sanfins de Ferreira > Bustelo

Location

The Citânia de Sanfins is located in Sanfins de Ferreira, in the municipality of Paços de Ferreira, and also covers part of the parish of Eiriz.

Classification

It has been classified as a national monument since 1946 and is one of the main archaeological areas of the castro culture in the Iberian Peninsula.

History

The citânia was founded around the 1st century BC, occupying an area of approximately 15 hectares on a hill surrounded by granite mountains. The location was strategic, connecting the Douro and Minho regions. Human presence dates back to the 5th century BC, but the city prospered especially between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, with an estimated population of three thousand people, mostly dedicated to ironwork and warfare. The Citânia was the political and military center of an area that encompassed present-day Valongo, Maia, and Penafiel. The Romans arrived at the site, but faced difficulties conquering it. The first archaeological studies began in 1944.

Heritage

The Citânia is surrounded by several lines of walls, adapted to the terrain and with a regular plan. The public bath building is notable for its construction technique and the presence of the famous "Pedra Formosa da Citânia de Sanfins". It was a place for steam baths, where residents anointed themselves with oil and took cold baths, using water from the source of the Ferreira River.

Constructions

In the Citânia, there are more than 150 buildings with circular and rectangular plans, organized into approximately 40 family groupings. One of the family nuclei has recently been restored. The inhabitants had festive habits, consuming beer and, occasionally, wine. Meals were shared on benches around the walls, while they enjoyed dances and music.

Visit

The Citânia de Sanfins is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and culture of the castro civilization, offering a unique experience in the historical heritage of Portugal.

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

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