Santiago do Monte Hillfort or Crastas de Santiago

Category: Archaeology > Hillfort

District: Vila Real > Valpaços > Friões > Vilaranda Boa

Location

The Castro of Santiago do Monte, also known as Crastas de Santiago, is situated on an elevated point in the municipality of Valpaços, in the locality of Friões, more precisely in Vilaranda Boa, in the district of Vila Real. Its strategic position lends particular emphasis to the surrounding landscape, with views extending across the lands of Northeast Trás-os-Montes.

Located in a predominantly rural and natural area, the site offers a sense of isolation and tranquility, allowing visitors a complete immersion in the historical and natural environment that surrounds it. It is a point where the gaze is lost in the vastness of the valleys and elevations that characterize this region of inland Portugal.

Testimony of Remote Times

This archaeological site constitutes a significant testimony to human presence in Trás-os-Montes since time immemorial. The Castro of Santiago do Monte dates back to the Iron Age, a period when communities organized themselves into fortified settlements, choosing difficult-to-access locations for their defense and vigilance. It is a place where history materializes in the foundations and vestiges that endure through time.

The importance of this site lies in its ability to connect us with the civilizations that inhabited it, showing how they lived, worked, and protected themselves. Every vestige, however modest, invites reflection on the resilience and ingenuity of our ancestors.

Ancestral Defensive Architecture

The architectural features visible at the Castro of Santiago do Monte are typical of hillfort settlements. It is possible to observe the marks of defensive structures, such as the ancient walls or earthworks that surrounded the residential area, designed to protect the community from invasions and external threats. The choice of location, on the summit of a hill, was intrinsically linked to the need for vigilance and defense.

Although time and natural elements have altered its original form, the logic behind its construction remains evident. The stones that made up the houses and defenses tell the story of a people who knew how to adapt and thrive in a demanding environment, using available resources to create a safe and functional space for their collective life.

The Landscape and Serenity of the Site

The natural surroundings of the Castro of Santiago do Monte are one of its most striking features. The altitude and position of the site allow for a breathtaking panoramic view of the landscape, characterized by indigenous vegetation and the typical orography of the region. This natural environment contributes to the visitor experience, providing a setting of rustic and untouched beauty.

The serenity emanating from the site invites contemplation and introspection. It is a space where one can feel the force of nature and the presence of history, in a silence broken only by the murmur of the wind or the sounds of wildlife. The fusion of human legacy and natural grandeur makes a visit to the Castro of Santiago do Monte a unique experience.

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