Category: Archaeology > Hillfort
District: Vila Real > Boticas > Gestosa
The Castro da Giestosa, also known as Castro do Souto da Lama, is situated in a natural setting of great beauty, in the village of Gestosa, belonging to the municipality of Boticas. This ancient fortified settlement is isolated at the end of a spur, a projecting elevation of land, densely covered by gorse, shrubs that give the place its name. Its position is privileged, offering views over the Giestosa Stream, which winds nearby.
This 'castro' (hillfort) represents an important vestige of human presence in the region during Proto-History. It is a fortified settlement dating back to very ancient times, revealing how communities organized and defended themselves centuries ago. Its construction and occupation fall within this period, making it a place of great interest for understanding the origins of settlements in the territory.
The Castro da Giestosa stands out for its complex defensive system, designed to protect its ancient inhabitants. The settlement was surrounded by three lines of walls, a notable feature that reinforces its strategic importance. In addition to the walls, the defense was complemented to the east by a ditch, excavated directly into the rock. It is still possible to identify the locations where the access gates were situated, facing west on the second wall line and south on the third.
Walking through the space between the walls, the foundations of circular-plan residential buildings are still visible, testifying to the architecture and organization of the daily life of these peoples. The walls, built of granite, were erected with dry-laid ashlar stones, using a robust technique of polygonal and irregular masonry, with two parallel faces filled inside with rubble.
A visit to the Castro da Giestosa offers an opportunity to imagine the life of its ancient inhabitants. Although the site has undergone some changes over time, careful observation allows for the detection of traces of their existence. In the archaeological collection associated with this site, fragments of common Iron Age pottery were found, small objects that, though modest, are valuable for tracing the cultural and economic profile of the community that resided here. The 'castro' is classified as a Property of Public Interest, recognizing its heritage value and the need for its preservation.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.658289,-7.834773
Coordinates DMS: 41°39'29.8"N 07°50'5.2"W
Weather Gestosa
On-duty Pharmacy Gestosa
