Castro ou Castelo de Vermoim, Medieval castle and Iron Age hillfort in Vermoim, Portugal.
Castro ou Castelo de Vermoim is an archaeological site on a hilltop containing remains from two distinct periods: an Iron Age settlement and a medieval fortification. The surviving walls and foundations reveal different building techniques that were used across these separate centuries.
The site was first established as a Celtic settlement and later developed into a fortified castle during the medieval period. An attack in the 11th century marked a turning point in the location's importance to regional power structures.
The name Castro refers to the ancient Celtic settlement that once occupied this hilltop, while Castelo marks the medieval fortress built later on the same ground. This layering of two distinct periods shapes how locals understand the site's role in their regional heritage.
The site is accessible from Vermoim's center by following marked pathways, with information panels explaining the different archaeological periods. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is hilly and some paths can be uneven underfoot.
Archaeological excavations in the 1980s uncovered pottery and building remains that provide clues about the daily activities of Iron Age residents. These artifacts help archaeologists understand how people lived in this region more than 2000 years ago.
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