Category: Archaeology > Fortified Settlement
District: Setúbal > Palmela > Palmela > Palmela (Noroeste)
The Castro de Chibanes is located in the Serra do Louro, in the municipality of Palmela, district of Setúbal. Its elevated position offers remarkable panoramic views, overlooking the Tagus estuary to the north and the Sado estuary to the south.
This historical site is accessible via walking trails that invite exploration of the surrounding area, set within a natural environment characteristic of the region.
The Castro de Chibanes reveals a long and continuous period of human occupation, with traces dating back to the Chalcolithic, around 2900 BC, during the Copper Age. Over the centuries, the site was successively inhabited by various cultures.
During the Iron Age, the settlement was significantly reinforced with the construction of imposing defensive walls. Later, during the Roman occupation, the site was predominantly used for residential purposes. Its history extended into the Islamic period, in the 12th century, when it was known as "Alcaria".
Recognized for its heritage value, the Castro de Chibanes has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 2011. Excavation campaigns carried out at the site have led to the discovery of a wide range of artifacts.
Among the findings are ceramic fragments that attest to the Chalcolithic and Roman presence, as well as animal bone remains, which provide data on the hunting, fishing, and livestock farming practices of its former inhabitants. On-site, it is possible to observe the remains of ancient dwellings, including circular towers from the Iron Age, and various defensive structures from different periods.
A visit to the Castro de Chibanes provides an immersion in a natural environment of great beauty in the Serra do Louro. The surrounding landscapes are ideal for nature observation and for hiking on the nearby trails.
This site allows for a deep understanding of the region's history and culture, taking the visitor on a journey that spans from the Copper Age to the Roman and Islamic periods, in a setting that invites contemplation and the study of the past.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castro_of_Chibanes
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.56375964924084,-8.918803017465065
Coordinates DMS: 38°33'49.5"N 08°55'7.7"W
Weather Palmela
On-duty Pharmacy Palmela
