Castro de Ribas or Alto da Cerca

Category: Archaeology > Fortified Settlement

District: Vila Real > Valpaços > Algeriz > Ribas

Location

Located in the Ribas area, in the village of Algeriz, Valpaços municipality, the Castro de Ribas stands in a predominantly rural and isolated setting. The site is situated on the summit of a spur, with a surrounding landscape covered by pine forest and scrub, offering views over the valley where the Regato da Quebrada stream flows.

A Fortified Historical Legacy

The Castro de Ribas, also known as Alto da Cerca, is an archaeological site of great relevance, bearing witness to a long human occupation. This fortified settlement originated in Protohistory and continued to be inhabited during Antiquity, demonstrating a significant Roman presence. Its existence, spanning millennia, offers a glimpse into the life and defenses of the communities that settled here.

The Settlement Structures

The structure of the castro stands out for its imposing defenses. The settlement was protected by two lines of walls, some of which reach about seven meters thick. This defensive system was complemented by a ditch, excavated directly into the rock, mainly in the northeast and northwest directions. In the inner walls, it is possible to identify the ancient entrances, including a wider gate facing northeast and a narrower one to the northwest. Also notable is the presence of a salient in the first wall line, with an exceptional thickness of thirteen meters.

Traces of Ancient Daily Life

Inside the castro's platforms, vestiges of the dwellings that made up the settlement are still preserved, with both rectangular and circular layouts, allowing one to imagine the organization of the daily life of its inhabitants. To the east, a wine press carved into the rock can be observed, an element that underscores the importance of agricultural activities for these ancient communities. On the walls, ashlar blocks with engraved decorative motifs, namely circles and spirals, were found, revealing the artistic expression of the peoples who lived here.

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