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Archaeological site · Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo
Citânia de Santa Luzia
Ruins of a fortified Iron Age settlement on the hilltop of Santa Luzia, with three lines of walls and round stone houses; classified as a National Monument since 1926.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Citânia de Santa Luzia
The citânia de Santa Luzia, also called cidade velha de Santa Luzia, is an Iron Age fortified settlement on the top of the hill, just behind the santuário. The site was chosen for its position: it commands the estuary of the rio Lima and the whole coast, which made defense and territorial control easier.
Archaeological finds indicate the settlement was occupied from around the 8th century BC, grew during the Roman period and remained inhabited until at least the 5th century AD. The existence of the ruins has been known since 1722, and the first excavations took place in 1876.
The site has three lines of walls, with reinforcing towers, and remains of houses with different plans, mainly circular, typical of the castreja culture of the northwest Iberian Peninsula, organized in family units. Part of the original area was covered by 20th-century buildings, but the excavated sector clearly shows the layout of the streets and houses.
The citânia has been a Monumento Nacional since 1926.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
Early afternoon is usually quieter; check opening times before you go. Combine it with a visit to the santuário.
How to get there
It's located behind the santuário de Santa Luzia, a few minutes' walk from the funicular and the temple car park.
Tip
Do the citânia right after the santuário: the two are side by side and this avoids a second climb up the hill.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Citânia de Santa Luzia
From what period is the citânia of Santa Luzia?
From the Iron Age, occupied from around the 8th century BC, through the Roman period and until at least the 5th century.
What can you see at the citânia?
Three lines of defensive walls with towers and remains of houses, mostly circular, belonging to the castro culture.
Where is the citânia?
On the summit of Monte de Santa Luzia, behind the sanctuary.