Alto das Valadas fortified settlement

Category: Archaeology > Fortified Settlement

District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte de Lima > Facha

Location

Located in the village of Facha, in the municipality of Ponte de Lima, the Castro do Alto das Valadas stands atop a hill in the Serra da Nora. This elevated position, at approximately 347 meters above sea level, offers a view over the surrounding landscape and is set in a predominantly rural environment, where preserved nature is a prominent feature.

Origin and Millennial History

The Castro do Alto das Valadas represents an important fortified settlement with deep roots in the history of the Peninsular Northwest. Its occupation dates back to the Iron Age, with indications suggesting an initial human settlement as early as the 8th century BC. Later, this site continued to be inhabited and had a significant presence during the Roman period, as attested by archaeological remains found, which indicate a continuity of occupation beyond the 1st century AD.

An Ancestral Fortress

This archaeological site stands out for its impressive and complex defensive structure. The Castro do Alto das Valadas is the only 'castro' in the municipality of Ponte de Lima to exhibit five concentric lines of walls. These imposing barriers, built of granite, were complemented by earthworks and two moats, especially visible to the east. This advanced defensive engineering reflects the strategic importance of the site and the ability of the communities living here to protect their settlement.

Testimonies of an Ancient Culture

Classified as a Property of Public Interest, the Castro do Alto das Valadas invites the discovery of a distant past. Although the acropolis, or highest part of the settlement, is degraded, it is still possible to observe traces of a rectangular-plan house. Walking through the site, one can find ceramic fragments, both from the more recent Castro culture and the Roman period, which are tangible testimonies of the lives that developed here. The relatively undisturbed nature of the castro allows for an authentic experience and a deeper connection with its long and rich history.

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