Moinho do Castelinho

“These stones have seen centuries,” whispered the wind, rustling through the tall grass of Moinho do Castelinho. Moinho do Castelinho is more than just a landmark. It’s a time capsule, preserving echoes of lives lived long ago. Although the windmill itself is a more recent addition, beneath our feet lies a secret. Since the 1960s, whispers of an ancient necropolis swirled around Moinho do Castelinho. It wasn’t until 2011, thanks to the landowners and the Municipal Museum of Archaeology, that excavations began. What they unearthed was a journey through time. Imagine, during the Roman period, around the 2nd century AD, this area served as a burial ground. The unearthed necropolis, potentially linked to a nearby Roman villa, paints a vivid picture of life and death in ancient times. But the story doesn’t end there. Moinho do Castelinho reveals layers of history, like chapters in a captivating novel. Evidence suggests it was a bustling settlement during the Iron Age. The site even reveals traces of daily life from the early Roman occupation, as early as the 2nd century BC. Fragments of pottery, remnants of grand containers, and everyday utensils whisper tales of the people who once called this place home. Imagine their mules, laden with grain, traversing the ancient path leading to the Castelinho windmill. Two oil lamps, still bearing the marks of use, offer a poignant glimpse into their world. Three bone hairpins and nearly a hundred iron tacks, likely from sandals, further enrich the tapestry of their existence. Moinho do Castelinho is a testament to the enduring power of the past. As you stand here, feel the weight of centuries and let the whispers of history wash over you.