“Torques of Bagunte”, what secrets do these silver jewels hold? Here at Cividade de Bagunte, we stand amidst history. This ancient settlement whispers tales of a time long past.
Cividade de Bagunte, also known as Castro de Bagunte, is more than just ruins. It is a window into the lives of those who came before. This site is one of the largest settlements of the castreja culture in the northwest Iberian Peninsula. Imagine a bustling community thriving here centuries ago.
Located in Bagunte, Vila do Conde, this was a significant population center. Comparable to Citânia de Sanfins and Citânia de Briteiros. Cividade de Bagunte stands as one of Vila do Conde’s most important historical vestiges.
The Cividade de Bagunte has been a National Monument since 1910. Perched atop a prominent elevation, it served as a fortified village during the Iron Age. Later, it was romanized. It guarded the entrance to the Ave and Este river valleys. Smaller settlements nearby supported it.
Imagine this: eight hundred houses once stood here. Two to four thousand people called this place home. The area spanned 325 meters in length and 150 meters in width. Cividade de Bagunte had at least five lines of walls. Inside, homes were either circular or rectangular. They seemed grouped into blocks.
Archaeological excavations unearthed the “Torques of Bagunte”. These five silver jewels testify to the importance and artistic skill of this community. Jerónimo Contador de Argote mentioned the ruins of an ancient city on Cividade Mount in the 18th century. The site spans over 50 hectares.
The Cividade de Bagunte sits northeast of Vila do Conde. It is on Cividade Mount, reaching 206 meters in altitude. Water lines originate here, mostly draining into the River Este. This peak separates the basins of the River Este and River Ave.
Today, a project aims to boost the cultural significance of the archaeological site. It is called the archaeological field of Bagunte. Another project “Dar Vida à Cividade” focuses on conservation. It aims to recover biodiversity at Cividade de Bagunte.
As you explore Cividade de Bagunte, consider its long occupation. Ceramic analysis dates it from the 4th century BC to the 4th century AD. This was a vibrant pre-Roman settlement with an intricate wall system. Its story echoes through the ages. The stones beneath your feet have witnessed centuries of human activity.
The Cividade de Bagunte offers panoramic views. This place connects us to our ancestors. It reminds us of the enduring legacy of human civilization.