Castro de São Miguel de Amêndoa

Category: Archaeology > Hillfort

District: Santarém > Mação > Amêndoa > São Miguel

Location

The Castro de São Miguel de Amêndoa rises on an isolated hill, part of the Serra da Ladeira or São Miguel mountain range, reaching an altitude of 497 meters. Its position is strategic, offering panoramic views over the basins of the Tagus, Zêzere, and Ocreza rivers, a landscape that extends across a vast rural horizon. The southern slope of the hill gently inclines towards the village of Amêndoa, while the eastern slope is notable for its abrupt inclination. At the highest point of the site, there is a geodesic marker indicating this elevation.

Memories of a Long History

This ancient fortified settlement, classified as a National Monument, bears witness to an occupation dating back to the Iron Age. The unearthed remains suggest that human presence at the site may be even older, with indications pointing to a probable occupation as early as the Neolithic period. Over the centuries, the Castro de São Miguel de Amêndoa was shaped by different cultures, having been Romanized between the 1st and 4th centuries AD. Its importance persisted, with evidence of continuous use until the 6th and 7th centuries, the Visigothic period, which makes it a site of great value for understanding regional history.

The Architecture of Defense and Dwelling

The Castro de São Miguel de Amêndoa is distinguished by its fortified settlement structure, designed with an irregular quadrangular layout. One can observe the bases of the walls that formed the walled perimeter, constructed of masonry and granite, without mortar. One of the most notable sections is located in the southwestern part, approximately 1.80 meters thick and extending for about 80 meters. On the northwestern side, a rectangular compartment was identified, which may have corresponded to a citadel, the most well-defended point of the elevation. In addition to the defenses, the castro housed about fifty domestic structures, both square and rectangular in plan, many with two or three divisions, primarily concentrated on the southern slope. Visitors can also glimpse the traces of a steep and narrow alleyway that wound through the settlement.

Vestiges of Ancient Daily Life

Archaeological excavations conducted at the Castro de São Miguel de Amêndoa have revealed diverse findings, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of its ancient inhabitants. Among the findings, notable items include polished stone tools, querns (grinding stones), spindle whorls (weights for weaving), and various ceramic objects, some handmade and others wheel-thrown. Fragments of iron and bronze were also recovered. Interestingly, the discovery of a fragment of a Visigothic belt buckle and a Neolithic idol underscores the long and uninterrupted history of occupation at this site. Those interested in delving deeper into these findings can find part of the collection deposited at the Mação Museum.

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