The site was inhabited primarily by the Castro culture, a group of pre-Roman peoples who built fortified settlements across northwestern Iberia.
Archaeological excavations revealed that the site was abandoned around the 3rd century AD, likely as the population moved toward the lower, more accessible coastal areas.
The circular stone houses feature stone hearths, a central element in the domestic life of the Iron Age inhabitants.
The hillfort was strategically located to control the bay, allowing the inhabitants to manage maritime resources and trade.
Excavations found evidence of Roman influence, including imported pottery and Roman coins, indicating trade contacts between the hillfort and the expanding Roman Empire.
Castro de Vigo is an archaeological site featuring a reconstructed Iron Age hillfort settlement that dates back to between the 2nd century BC and the 3rd century AD. The site showcases circular stone dwellings known as 'pallozas' with thatched roofs, demonstrating the typical architecture of the local Celtic-Roman culture. It is situated on the slopes of O Castro hill, overlooking the Vigo estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can walk among the reconstructed structures, which provide insight into the defensive and social organization of ancient Galician settlements. The site underwent significant excavation and reconstruction efforts to preserve the historical footprint of the Castro culture. It functions as an open-air interpretive space, blending archaeological findings with landscaped surroundings.
The highest reconstructed house platform offering a wide-angle view of the bay with the stone huts in the foreground.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, as the paths through the hillfort are uneven and involve some incline.
Bring water and protection from the elements, as the site is largely exposed to sun and wind.
Explore the surrounding parkland after the archaeological site, as it offers extensive panoramic views of the city.
Do not mistake the nearby 17th-century O Castro Fortress for the archaeological site; they are adjacent but distinct historical periods.
Do not climb on the stone walls or enter the restricted areas of the reconstructed dwellings.
