Castro da Cárcoda=>Castro da Cárcoda

Category: Archaeology > Hillfort

District: Viseu > São Pedro do Sul > Reguengo

Location

The Castro da Cárcoda stands in the municipality of São Pedro do Sul, on the slopes of the Arada mountain range. Situated at an altitude of approximately 610 meters, this historic site is located near the village of Reguengo and a few kilometers from Carvalhais, dominating what is known as the Cárcoda Hillock. Its elevated position offers a view of the surrounding natural landscape, typical of the highlands.

An Ancestral Settlement

This fortified settlement has its roots in the Late Bronze Age, with its occupation extending until the end of the 3rd century CE, a period during which it was significantly influenced by the Roman presence. Recognized as one of the most important and well-preserved castro settlements in the region, the Castro da Cárcoda was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1955, highlighting its historical and archaeological value.

Structure and Defenses

Spanning a considerable area of about ten hectares, the Castro da Cárcoda reveals notable aspects of the daily life of its ancient inhabitants. Remains of dozens of dwellings are observed, with different shapes, circular, oval, or rectangular, some of which featured an atrium delimited by a wall. The walls were constructed with small stones joined by clay, and the roofs, initially made of organic materials, evolved to the use of Roman tiles. Inside the houses, the presence of fireplaces, sinks, and silos indicates domestic and storage activities.

For its protection, the castro benefited from natural defenses, such as the Contença and Varosa streams, complemented by an imposing wall and a moat, which could be flooded in situations of danger. The organization of the space also included small streets, suggesting a well-structured community.

Archaeological Discoveries and Rock Art

The various archaeological campaigns carried out at Castro da Cárcoda brought to light a valuable collection of artifacts, testifying to the evolution and cultural exchanges that occurred here. Stone, bronze, and iron tools, Roman coins, glass fragments, and a variety of pottery were found. In addition to everyday objects, the castro holds a significant set of rock carvings, inscribed on various rocks. These artistic manifestations, due to their variety and location, suggest the existence of areas dedicated to rituals and religious practices in this ancestral settlement.

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