Category: Archaeology > Fortified Settlement
District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte de Lima > Facha
The Castro de Trás de Cidades is located in the village of Facha, part of the municipality of Ponte de Lima. This ancient settlement is situated on a prominent elevation, on the western side of the Serra do Nó, at an altitude of about 360 meters. Its position is quite isolated, nestled in a rural and mountainous environment, where scrubland and pine trees predominate. The natural surroundings offer a sense of tranquility and provide a perspective on the surrounding landscape of the region.
This hillfort represents a testament to human presence in the region since very ancient times. Its origin dates back to the Iron Age, around the 8th century BC, marking the beginning of the Castro culture in this territory. Throughout the centuries, the site continued to be inhabited, also registering occupation during the Roman period. The historical importance of the Castro de Trás de Cidades is underlined by its mention in ancient documents, such as the Inquirições of 1258 and the Chancellery of D. Afonso III in 1273, where it was referred to as "Coroa da Cidade" (Crown of the City), indicating its relevance in the territorial structure of the time.
The Castro de Trás de Cidades is an example of a fortified settlement, characterized by its defensive ingenuity. The site was protected by two lines of walls, built of granite, which encircled the area where the settlement stood. These walls were reinforced in the most vulnerable parts with embankments and moats, which, although now filled, attest to the scale of its defenses. The ancient inhabitants knew how to take advantage of the terrain's topography, using natural boulders as an integral part of their defensive system, and even shaping the landscape by cutting or moving rocks to optimize the protection of the hillfort.
A visit to the Castro de Trás de Cidades allows for immersion in an environment that, despite the few visible structures on the surface, invites imagination about the lives of its ancient inhabitants. The scarcity of superficial archaeological finds, such as Castro ceramics or amphora fragments, does not diminish interest in the site. It is in the landscape, shaped by nature and human hands for millennia, that much of its charm lies. Additionally, the hillfort is associated with a popular legend of the region, which speaks of an "Enchanted Moura", adding a touch of mystery and folklore to its history.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.694829,-8.60759
Coordinates DMS: 41°41'41.4"N 08°36'27.3"W
Weather Facha
On-duty Pharmacy Facha
