Category: Archaeology > Fortified Settlement
District: Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Vila Franca
The Castro de Sabariz is located in the village of Vila Franca, belonging to the municipality of Viana do Castelo. This ancient settlement is situated on a hill that offers a privileged view of the surrounding landscape. From there, it is possible to contemplate a vast plain stretching northward, following the course of the Lima River. Its elevated position and rural setting provide a calm environment, ideal for those seeking tranquility and appreciating the natural beauty of the Minho region.
The Castro de Sabariz represents an important vestige of the Iron Age, bearing witness to the presence and way of life of the communities that inhabited this area millennia ago. There are indications that this fortified settlement was occupied until the period of the Roman invasion of the Iberian Peninsula, marking the passage of different cultures and eras. Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1962, the castro is a site of great historical and archaeological relevance, inviting reflection on the origins of civilization in the region.
Although time and various human interventions have altered its original configuration, the elements that made up this fortified settlement can still be observed. The Castro de Sabariz was characterized by an acropolis, the highest and most central part of the settlement. The defense of the site was reinforced by two orders of stone walls, which, to the west, were complemented by a ditch at the base of the outer wall. These granite structures, still visible, allow for a mental recreation of the imposing nature and defensive planning that characterized these ancient settlements.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.674933,-8.736613
Coordinates DMS: 41°40'29.8"N 08°44'11.8"W
Weather Vila Franca
On-duty Pharmacy Vila Franca
