Situated in close vicinity to Urrós, Portugal, Castle Oleiros stands out as a historical site boasting a past tracing back to the 9th century. Initially, it was a Lusitanian Hillfort, later doubling as a Reconquista castle, and strategically perched on a high bank of the Douro river where the indentation of the river made it difficult for people and livestock to pass through.
Following the Treaty of Alcañices in 1297, the inhabitants abandoned the fortified town to found the current Urrós (Mogadouro). The lands were ceded for their free exploration as villain-inheritors, although they remained dependent on the Lordship of Algoso. By 1527, the village of the castle was already uninhabited.
Mendo I Gonçalves conferred a baronial title on the castle in the 10th century, highlighting its importance. While the castle was mentioned in 1684 as being in ruins, its remains were practically destroyed by the Spaniards during the Seven Years' War in the 18th century.
In 2020, conservation work began on the Castle of Oleiros. This project was inaugurated in 2023 by the City Council of Mogadouro, ensuring the preservation of this archaeological site which is classified as a Property of Public Interest.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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