Archaeological - natural site of Santomé, Archaeological site and hillfort near Ourense, Spain
The site combines an Iron Age hillfort at its peak with a Roman villa in the lower areas. It reveals both settlement levels with their different structures set within Mediterranean forest landscape.
Excavations showed that the upper section served as a residential district from the 1st century AD with interconnected homes. This Roman period built upon an earlier Iron Age occupation.
The site shows how Roman building methods blended with local traditions, visible in structures with inner courtyards and heating systems. This mixture becomes clear as you walk through the remains.
The site sits about three kilometers from central Ourense with marked paths guiding you through the ancient structures. Signage helps with navigation through the forest and across different areas.
The grounds contain geological formations with shallow water-carved depressions formed through extended erosion processes. These kettle-like features become visible as you explore the landscape.
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