Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Viseu > Tabuaço > Tabuaço
The Citânia de Longa majestically rises atop Monte do Muro, in the locality of Longa, integrated into the municipality of Tabuaço. Situated at an altitude of approximately 920 meters, its privileged position offers a remarkable rural setting, isolated and naturally prominent in the landscape. From this elevated point, visitors are invited to contemplate wide and unobstructed views of the surroundings, providing an environment conducive to observation and enjoyment of nature.
Also known as Castelo de Longa or Castelo dos Mouros, this 'citânia' represents a fortified settlement, or 'castro', dating primarily from the Iron Age, between 1200 and 700 BC, with evidence of a possible occupation extending to the Late Bronze Age. The site is a testament to the ability of proto-historic communities to adapt and harmonize their daily needs with the resources offered by nature. Its historical and patrimonial value is recognized by its classification as a Public Interest Property.
The Citânia de Longa stands out for its elaborate defensive system, designed to take advantage of the natural characteristics of the terrain. The settlement is surrounded by two lines of walls that intelligently associate with the rocky outcrops and steep escarpments of the mountain. The outer wall, in particular, impresses with its robustness, reaching over two meters in height and exceeding one meter in width. It was built with local granite slabs, arranged in a wedge and horizontally overlapping, a technique that ensured its solidity and durability. Upon approaching, it is still possible to glimpse the grandeur of the main entrance and the vestiges of the towers that once protected it.
Beyond its remarkable defenses, the interior of the 'citânia' preserves the marks of the lives of those who once inhabited it. Within the area delimited by the innermost wall, it is possible to identify the outlines of some structures that would correspond to the dwellings of the time. Although extensive archaeological excavations have not been carried out, the surface of the site has revealed the presence of abundant small ceramic fragments and hand mills. These findings offer valuable clues about the daily lives of these ancient communities, their way of life, and their practices.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.1162881,-7.5673993
Coordinates DMS: 41°06'58.6"N 07°34'2.6"W
Weather Tabuaço
On-duty Pharmacy Tabuaço
