Castro de São Miguel-o-Anjo

Hidden within the dense vegetation of Castro de São Miguel-o-Anjo lies a story waiting to be unearthed. Castro de São Miguel-o-Anjo stands as a testament to centuries of human occupation. Its fortified walls whisper tales of ancient settlements and medieval fortifications. The original inhabitants, dating back to the Proto-history period, constructed a robust wall that encircled the upper platform. This wall, complemented by two additional walls to the east, provided a strong defense. Sadly, dense vegetation and damage from stone extraction obscure the remains of any dwellings within the walls. We know a medieval castle once graced this very spot. Ceramic artifacts from that era have been discovered, although the castle’s physical structure remains elusive. Castro de São Miguel-o-Anjo’s history continued through Antiquity and the Middle Ages, marked by ongoing human activity. More recently, between February and December 2021, archaeological excavations, supported by the Vila Nova de Famalicão Municipal Council Archaeology Office, shed more light on this fascinating site. Volunteers from the Municipal Volunteer Bank contributed to the effort, focused on the highest part of the settlement. Their work revealed various medieval structures, including tombs and sections of walls, potentially belonging to the fortified building. Further discoveries included circular Iron Age structures and ceramic and stone materials from the Bronze Age. As you explore Castro de São Miguel-o-Anjo, imagine the echoes of those who lived here centuries ago. Their legacy lingers in the stones and soil. Castro de São Miguel-o-Anjo’s walls, built with dry-laid granite blocks, speak to the ingenuity of its early inhabitants. While some original roofing materials, like tegula and imbrex, have been found, much of the settlement’s original form remains hidden, a mystery yet to be fully unveiled. This site is believed to be the same as “Mons Costoias” referenced in 11th and 12th-century documents. A votive altar dedicated to the indigenous deity Bandua Bricus was found near the settlement, adding another layer to the story. Sadly, urbanization at the base of the hill fort encroaches upon the site, and stone extraction continues to take its toll. Yet, despite these challenges, Castro de São Miguel-o-Anjo stubbornly holds onto its secrets, inviting us to delve deeper into its rich and layered past.