Vieito Castro Interpretation Centre

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Perre > Castro do Vieito

Location

The Castro do Vieito Interpretation Centre is located in the village of Perre, in the municipality of Viana do Castelo. It is situated in the area known as Castro do Vieito, making use of the facilities of the former Portelas primary school, which were adapted to host this important cultural space. Its location allows visitors to understand the centre's proximity to the area where the ancient settlement developed, on the right bank of the Lima River.

The Memory of an Ancestral Settlement

This centre is dedicated to revealing the history and daily life of Castro do Vieito, a significant fortified settlement whose origins date back to the Iron Age, approximately three thousand years ago. Over time, this settlement was profoundly influenced by Roman culture, demonstrating a complex historical evolution. The centre offers an opportunity to explore the social, economic, and cultural characteristics of the communities that inhabited this Minho region in prehistoric and Roman times.

Archaeological Finds in Focus

Inside the Interpretation Centre, visitors can observe a diversity of artefacts recovered during the archaeological excavations of Castro do Vieito. Among the most notable elements is a tranqueiro, a stone door handle notable for its rare representation of a human head, symbolizing the craftsmanship and symbolism of the era. The exhibition also includes a significant number of amphorae, attesting to the relevance of the Lima River as a trade route, as well as foreign ceramics, silver coins, a gold earring, and various iron agricultural tools, all illustrating the material wealth and daily activities of ancient communities.

A Look at Regional Culture

The Castro do Vieito Interpretation Centre constitutes an essential pillar for deepening knowledge about the historical and cultural heritage of the Viana do Castelo region. Through the interpretation of the exhibited pieces and the available information, visitors can gain a broader understanding of Castro societies and their interaction with the Roman Empire. This space provides an enriching experience, allowing a direct connection with the oldest roots of local history.

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