Castro de Castromaior, Portomarín, Spain

Castro de Castromaior in Portomarin is one of the most popular archaeological sites in the northwest of the peninsula. In this castro, developed in the Iron Age, it was inhabited between the fourth centuries BC and first century AD until three different populations, until its abandonment with the first Roman approaches. Of him they emphasize his big dimensions, since it counts on an area of approximately 5 hectares, and his good state of conservation.

Between 2006 and 2010 it was the center of archaeological works in order to discover its entire structure, thereby achieving that in 2010 it obtained the title of Cultural Interest. Thanks to this title and being located a few meters from the route that connects the French Way with Santiago de Compostela, it has become one of the most popular locations on the Camino de Santiago.

Like other popular castros, the Castro de Castromaior is located on an elevation since its inhabitants had great visibility to be prepared for enemy attacks. It is distributed by a main enclosure, where homes were concentrated, and different walled platforms located outside. According to experts, the usual houses that formed in castro, were initially made with vegetables, but a fire calcined them and were rebuilt with stone walls. Currently, in the castro the ditches and holes where the posts were located are preserved.

References:

vivecamino.com

Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Spain

User Reviews

Claudia Brezovan (2 years ago)
This is something pretty to see. If you are a pilgrim, go see it, it will not make the path longer and it will give you a nice view.

Graciela Porraz (2 years ago)
A little detour from the main El Camino road. We walked to the archeological site and it was surprisingly well kept and interesting to visit. Nice views from that place to the valley.

Sitabai Betts (2 years ago)
Totally incredible from 400bce, I wish more people realized it was there rather than walking right on by, it's steps off the Camino.

KB Raif MD (2 years ago)
Beautiful place , very scenic , quiet and peaceful. You can feel the history at this 2000 year old Gaul site surrounded by concentric defensive earthworks like a labyrinth intended to confuse the attacking Romans, with the Gauls on the high ground on top of the last defensive earthworks throwing Spears , rocks and arrows. Well worth the side trips and just a few minutes off the main trail , was surprised how few people knew it and visited it.

John Boone (2 years ago)
If you are doing the Camino definitely take the slight detour on the way to Melide it adds no time or difficulty to the trek and is a great spot to have a small break and enjoy the 2000 year old ruins. Also we had the spot all to ourselves and got took look on at all the people who skipped it and scoff at their misfortune.

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