Citania de Santa Luzia
Viana do Castelo
The Citânia de Santa Luzia is a significant archaeological site located on Santa Luzia hill in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. Originating from the Iron Age, this fortified settlement was strategically built to oversee the Lima River's delta, featuring three defensive walls, towers, and moats. Excavations have revealed around 74 houses with predominantly circular and elliptical foundations, organized in small walled neighborhoods. The site evidences continuous occupation from the 8th century BCE through the Roman period and into the early medieval era. Despite only one third of the original settlement being excavated due to later constructions, findings include ceramics from the Castro, Roman, and Visigothic periods. The settlement's architecture reflects adaptation to the terrain and climate, with house entrances oriented to protect from prevailing winds and rain. The Citânia also once included a medieval chapel dedicated to Saint Lucy, replaced in the early 20th century. Today, it stands as a protected national monument, offering insight into ancient northern Portuguese culture and settlement patterns.
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Astuce: Visit from Tuesday to Sunday, preferably in spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Entrance tickets are available on-site, with possible discounts for students and seniors. Booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Wear comfortable shoes to navigate uneven terrain and bring water and sun protection. Guided tours are available and enhance understanding of the site's history and architecture.
Faits intéressants
- •Only about one third of the original Citânia de Santa Luzia has been excavated; much was lost due to early 20th-century constructions.
- •The settlement was protected by three concentric walls, towers, and two moats, demonstrating advanced defensive architecture for its time.
- •House entrances were oriented to the southwest-southeast to shield from rain and northern winds, showing climatic adaptation.
- •Ceramics from multiple cultural periods-Castro, Roman, and Visigothic-have been found, indicating long-term occupation.
- •A medieval chapel dedicated to Saint Lucy once stood at the site but was demolished in 1926 to build a new church nearby.
Histoire
The Citânia de Santa Luzia dates back to the Iron Age, with occupation starting around the 8th century BCE.
It was first excavated in 1876 by Joaquim Possidónio Narciso da Silva.
The site shows evidence of Roman occupation and continued habitation until at least the 5th century CE.
Over the centuries, parts of the settlement were lost due to construction of a hotel, a church, and roads in the early 20th century.
It was classified as a National Monument in 1926, reflecting its cultural and historical importance in northern Portugal.
Guide du lieu
Main Defensive Walls and TowersIron Age
Three lines of stone walls with towers and two moats encircle the settlement, highlighting its strategic defensive design overlooking the Lima River delta.
Residential QuartersIron Age to Roman period
Ruins of approximately 74 houses, mostly circular or elliptical in shape, arranged in small walled neighborhoods separated by paved circulation areas.
Site Location on Santa Luzia Hill
The hilltop location offers commanding views of the Lima River estuary and the Atlantic coast, underscoring the settlement's strategic importance.
Contact
Téléphone: 258 825 917
