Estação Arqueológica do Sabugal Velho

Estação Arqueológica do Sabugal Velho is an archaeological site in the village of Aldeia Velha, in the municipality of Sabugal, in east-central Portugal. It occupies a small hill that stands clearly above the surrounding plateau, reaching about 1,019 metres above sea level. Traces of the old settlement lie near the chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres, and the local municipality recommends the site to visitors as one of the area's attractions.

What is this place?

Sabugal Velho preserves the remains of a settlement that was inhabited in two widely separated eras. Excavations carried out between 1998 and 2002 confirmed buildings and materials from two periods. The first phase of occupation dates to the 1st century BC, the second to the 12th and 13th centuries. These campaigns form the basis of the current interpretation of the site, although the place had been noted in written sources since the 18th century.

Why did people settle here?

Studies link the settlement to the mineral wealth of the region. Deposits of iron and tin are known in the surrounding area, and access to such raw materials helps explain the interest in this hill at a time when metals carried great economic weight. The setting adds to the appeal: from the raised hilltop there are wide views across the plateau towards Guarda and Sabugal.

Why does the site matter?

Researchers regard Sabugal Velho as one of the key sites for understanding the protohistory of the Beira region. It is also important for the study of the Leonese presence in the Riba-Côa lands, the frontier territory contested by neighbouring kingdoms in the Middle Ages. In one place, two different chapters of history can be followed: the pre-Roman and Roman era, and the medieval period.

Legal protection

The site is legally protected. A Portuguese ministerial order (Portaria No. 412/2013) classifies it as a heritage asset of historical significance, citing the criteria of Law 107/2001 on cultural heritage and recognising it as a notable testimony to past events. According to the order, the place is to remain a witness to earlier ways of life and part of collective memory, which is why restrictions were set for it.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Estação Arqueológica do Sabugal Velho? In Aldeia Velha, in the municipality of Sabugal, on a hill near the chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres.

What periods do the finds come from? The 1st century BC and the 12th to 13th centuries. Excavations in 1998-2002 confirmed both.

Why was a settlement built on this hill? Most likely because of the region's mineral resources, including iron and tin deposits, and the good visibility over the surrounding land.

Is the site protected? Yes. It was classified by Portaria No. 412/2013, which sets restrictions meant to preserve the place as a reminder of history.

Is it worth a visit? If you are interested in archaeology, Iberian protohistory or the medieval frontier, this hilltop with wide views over the plateau is a natural stop on a tour of the Sabugal area.