Settlements

This page features some of the settlements that existed in Portugal during the prehistoric period – typically during the ages of metal. Some were fortified stone constructions (castros), while others were places enclosed with ditches. Many prehistoric settlements were continued to be occupied in the historic period, and the artefacts and remnants of the prehistoric period may be lost. When there is a significant element of prehistory in such a location, it will be included here.

Use the map at the right to search for specific sites (highlighted map markers indicate settlements that are described on this website), or browse through the entries below. More posts are added as sites are visited!

  • Roman Villa of Freiria

    Roman Villa of Freiria

    This is a Roman site, but it does also have remnants of an Iron Age settlement. Most of the site is of Roman construction (1st century AD/CE), but there are remnants of earlier Iron Age buildings. Pottery from the Chalcolithic period was found on the site, indicating continued occupation from prehistoric to Roman times. Other…

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  • Santa Vitória

    Santa Vitória

    Also known as: Povoado Pré-Histórico de Santa Vitória Climb the metal staircase which spirals 4 meters above the hilltop. Look around at the surrounding countryside: the farms, the nearby town, the water works behind you. Then look down at the hilltop surface. Look closely. There, carved into the ground are curving ditches and holes. They…

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