Castle of Freixo de Numão

A trail along the outer wall of the castle structures

Overlooking the Viega valley from the outer wall

One of the individual "huts" and semi-circular structures

The first time the hilltop was occupied occurred sometime in the 3rd millennium, from the early Chalcolithic to the late Bronze Age.[1] The oldest structures on the hill date from this period, which was followed by a stage of important construction sometime in the middle period. This period was responsible for the group of edifices and courtyards, platforms, slopes and ramps.[1]

Sometime between 1300 and 1200 B.C., the monument was reduced to stone, either intentionally or ritualized, and left abandoned, in particular the outer zones.[1]

In 1987, A.N. Sá Coixão planted eucalyptus in the locality, following several surveys and field studies. But, two years later, Susana Oliveira Jorge initiated excavations in the locality.[1]

The castle was transferred to the management of the IPPAR, by CELBI (STORA) in the 1990s.[1] This move lead to the 28 September 1998 dispatch to begin a process of classification of the site, supported by Susana Oliveira Jorge.[1]

In 2004, further archaeological excavations and consolidation of the structures began in 2004, with construction of reception/interpretative centre built to allow visitors to visit the site. The site was open to the public in 2007.[1] Meanwhile, on 19 March 2010, the monument reached the classification of Monumento de interesse público (MIP), following dispatch 219/2010 (published in the Diário da República, Série 2, 55). It was rectified on 15 April, under article 734/2010 (published in the Diário da República, Série 2, 73) and classified as a Sítio de interesse público (SIP).[1]

The castle is implanted strategically on a hilltop oriented to the east, over the Veiga valley, and extends to the south, along the geological fault of Vilariça.[1] The old castle dominates the landscape on Monte de São Gabriel and, in the background the Meseta and Serra da Marofa.[1] In most directions, except the north and northwest, the hilltop has natural defense conditions.[1]

At the limit is a courtyard constructed in masonry schist, consolidated mortar, with various openings and small random, semi-circular structures.[1] In the interior, there is a circular platform consisting of various, small stone structures. Outside the enclosure are small walls and ramps in clay and shale that take advantage of rocky outcrops.[1]