Castro de Andelhe

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Museum

District: Vila Real > Montalegre > Castro de Andelhe > Viade de Baixo e Fervidelas

Location

The Castro de Andelhe stands on a strategic elevation, overlooking the left bank of the Andelhe stream. Located in the area of Viade de Baixo and Fervidelas, in the locality of Castro de Andelhe, municipality of Montalegre, this site offers a privileged perspective over the surrounding landscape. Its position, overlooking National Road 103, allows for wide visibility. From here, it is possible to admire vast panoramic views extending over the Rabagão river to the northwest, and the imposing Larouco and Barroso mountains to the south, framing the region's natural horizon.

Remains of the Ancient Fortification

At Castro de Andelhe, visitors can observe the notable remains of its ancient fortification, which encircles the settlement with two distinct wall lines. The innermost defensive line stands out for its prominence, extending from North to South. With a considerable width of approximately three meters, its structure is filled with earth and gravel, revealing the robustness of the original construction. The protection of the settlement was reinforced by additional elements, such as stones laid on the North slope and a ditch dug into the rock on the South side, designed to hinder access at more vulnerable points. Interestingly, part of this ditch is now used as a pathway, integrating into the current landscape.

The Pre-Roman Heritage

One of the most striking aspects of Castro de Andelhe lies in its historical heritage, visible in a beautiful stretch of wall that exhibits a particular construction technique: the trapezoidal masonry. This form of construction is clearly of pre-Roman origin, indicating the profound antiquity of the settlement and its strategic importance in the region in remote times. Observing these techniques allows for a direct connection with the civilizations that inhabited this territory millennia ago, offering a window into the past and the evolution of the communities that settled on this hill.