Fortified Settlement of Cossourado

Category: Archaeology > Settlement

District: Viana do Castelo > Paredes de Coura > Cossourado

Location:

Situated in Cossourado, in the municipality of Paredes de Coura, this ancient fortified settlement stands isolated atop a hill. Its strategic position, at approximately 375 meters of altitude, offers a comprehensive view over the vast basins of the Coura and Minho rivers, framing the site within a rural and naturally imposing landscape.

A Millennial Legacy from the Iron Age:

The Fortified Settlement of Cossourado represents an important testimony to the Iron Age in Portugal, having been recognized as a National Monument. Spanning an area of approximately 10 hectares, this archaeological site demonstrates the imposing nature and complexity of the Castro culture that flourished in the Alto Minho region.

The Defense and Residential Structures:

The settlement is distinguished by its remarkable defensive system, which included up to three lines of walls adapted to the terrain. These robust walls, built with large granite blocks, featured ramps and internal buttresses, and the main access was through a single entrance. Inside, visitors can observe the remains of residential constructions, which appear in circular and elongated plans. To facilitate understanding of the daily life of its ancient inhabitants, some model huts were reconstructed, including a circular one and another of larger dimensions, using original stones from the settlement and wooden roofs. In the heart of the settlement, a tower and an oval-shaped structure stand out, believed to have been a meeting point and communal gathering place.

Traces of Ancient Daily Life:

Archaeological excavations carried out at this site have revealed a diverse set of remains that offer a perspective on the life of the ancient community. The findings indicate a society with a well-structured socioeconomic organization, dedicated to various activities. Among these, the exploitation of natural resources, such as food gathering, hunting, and fishing, and the manufacture of various objects and utensils stand out. These elements, together with the visible structures of the settlement, provide valuable insight into the knowledge and daily life of the Iron Age peoples.

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