Castle of Pena de Aguiar, Medieval castle ruins in Telões, Portugal
Castelo de Pena de Aguiar is a castle ruin showcasing Romanesque design that sits high above granite cliffs overlooking the Vila Pouca de Aguiar valley. Two towers are joined by a curved defensive wall forming the core of this compact fortress structure.
Romans built an initial military fort here during the first century BC to guard the trade route between Aquas Flavias and Lamecum. Medieval builders later expanded and reinforced the site with Romanesque construction techniques.
Archaeological excavations between 1982 and 1984 revealed ceramics, metallic objects, and evidence of prehistoric settlements, leading to National Monument designation.
Visitors reach the site by walking up a steep mountain path from Telões through rugged terrain with challenging ascent sections. The ruins are open to explore freely and offer viewpoints across the surrounding countryside.
Excavations during the 1980s uncovered pottery and metal objects showing that people lived here long before the Romans arrived and built their fort. These findings reveal a much older history of settlement at this hilltop location.
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