Category: Archaeology > Citânia
District: Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Santa Luzia
Situated on top of Santa Luzia Hill, in the locality of Viana do Castelo, this ancient settlement enjoys a privileged geographical position. Its elevated location offers comprehensive views over the city of Viana do Castelo, the mouth of the Lima River, and a vast coastal area. This placement took advantage of the natural slope of the terrain, serving as an effective defense for its ancient inhabitants.
The Citânia de Santa Luzia represents an important fortified settlement, with origins dating back to the Iron Age, around the 8th century BC. Its most significant development occurred in the early stages of the region's Romanization, remaining occupied until at least the 5th century AD. It constitutes one of the most notable hillforts (castros) in Northern Portugal, essential for the study of protohistory and Roman influence in Alto Minho.
The site was a large-scale proto-urban agglomeration, originally defended by multiple lines of walls with reinforcement towers and intermediate moats. Although one of the wall lines has disappeared over time, the remaining structures allow for an understanding of the defensive and organizational complexity of this ancient community.
Upon exploring the Citânia, it is possible to observe the remains of approximately 74 houses, many of which were concentrated within the innermost wall. These dwellings feature various shapes, including circular, elliptical, and rectangular plans, with many of them having vestibules or porches. A distinctive architectural detail is the use of helical masonry in some walls, demonstrating advanced construction techniques for the period.
The settlement was organized into groups or neighborhoods, separated by paved streets with flagstones. Elements of daily life are visible through the bread ovens, sinks or drinking troughs found outside the houses, possibly for livestock, and the rainwater drainage systems. The floors, on the other hand, were typically made of crushed gravel or compacted clay earth. The presence of a stone in the center of some houses suggests that the roofs were made of light materials, supported by a central pillar.
Classified as a National Monument, the Citânia de Santa Luzia is a significant testimony to the region's past, offering insights into pre-Roman and Roman life and society in the Iberian Northwest. The first excavations at the site date back to the 19th century, and since then, various conservation and restoration works have been carried out to preserve and make the site accessible.
Currently, the site is prepared for visits, with an organized route that includes walkways allowing visitors to circulate over the ruined structures without damaging them, while also enjoying a clear and comprehensive view of the ancient settlement.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.705253,-8.835282
Coordinates DMS: 41°42'18.9"N 08°50'7.0"W
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