Castro da Curalha

Category: Archaeology > Hillfort

District: Vila Real > Chaves > Curalha

Location

The Castro da Curalha stands on a rocky hill in the locality of Curalha, in the municipality of Chaves. Its elevated position, over 400 meters above sea level, grants it a privileged view of the surroundings. From here, the landscape unfolds, allowing one to glimpse the houses of Curalha village and the vast green expanse that frames the surroundings, with the River Tâmega winding in the distance.

A Window into Antiquity

This fortified settlement is one of the most significant vestiges of ancient human presence in the Chaves region. Evidence suggests that the Castro da Curalha was inhabited since the Iron Age, probably between the 8th and 7th centuries BC. Its occupation spanned several centuries, extending until the 2nd or 3rd centuries AD, a period during which the site underwent Romanization. Subsequently, the area continued to hold some importance, with vestiges pointing to human presence until the medieval period.

Castro Architecture and Defense

The oval configuration of the castro, with a perimeter of approximately 240 meters, is marked by a robust defensive system. This consisted of three lines of walls, built with large granite blocks laid without mortar, and which in some places reached considerable widths. Access to the interior was made through strategically positioned gates and ramps. Within the enclosure, the foundations of ancient dwellings, predominantly square in shape, remain, and it is possible to distinguish the layout of streets, once paved with granite slabs. Some of these structures have undergone reconstruction work, aiding in the understanding of the settlement's internal organization.

The Experience at the Site

Visiting the Castro da Curalha offers an opportunity to connect with the millennial history of the Iberian Northwest. The serene atmosphere of the hill, often crowned by a leafy pine tree, invites reflection on the life of the communities that settled here. In addition to the archaeological interest, a visit to this spot provides a stunning panoramic view. It is a place where history meets nature, ideal for those seeking tranquility and a unique perspective on the Trás-os-Montes landscape.

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