The medieval castle with a Lusitanian past: Castle of Oleiros

The Castle of Oleiros, situated near Urrós, Portugal, is an archaeological site with a rich history dating back to the ninth century.Originally a Lusitanian Hillfort, it was reused in the medieval period as a Reconquista castle, boasting a strategic location on a high bank of the Douro river and at the meeting point of several valleys.

The inhabitants abandoned the fortified town in the 13th century to found the current Urrós (Mogadouro), and the castle was left in ruins. The baronial title of the Castle of Oleiros was bestowed by Mendo I Gonçalves in the 10th century, demonstrating its importance.

During the 16th century, the castle was ceded for free exploration as villain-inheritors, but it was dependent on the Lordship of Algoso. However, by the 17th century, the castle’s remains had been destroyed by the Spaniards during the Seven Years' War. The castle was rebuilt for conservation purposes in 2023 and now stands as a replica of the original castle, serving as a testament to the history of the region.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons