Castro da Cola, Iron Age archaeological site in Ourique, Portugal
Castro de Cola is a fortified hilltop settlement in the Alentejo region with defensive walls built during different periods of occupation. The layout shows separate residential areas protected by stone and earth ramparts that follow the natural contours of the hill.
The settlement began in the Bronze Age and was used and defended by different peoples over thousands of years. During Islamic rule it became a strategic outpost that monitored the main routes southward.
The settlement was a crossroads where people from different cultures met and traded over many centuries. Objects found here show how inhabitants exchanged goods and ideas across distant regions.
The site consists largely of exposed foundations, so sturdy footwear and sun protection are recommended when exploring. The hilltop offers broad views across the landscape, but paths can become slippery after rain.
The fortress sits on a natural ridge surrounded on three sides by deep ravines that created a natural defensive line. This position made the site extremely difficult to attack and explains why it remained occupied for so long.
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