Chao de Samartín Hillfort Museum
- Grandas de Salime Western Asturias
- Address: ■ 33730 - Castro
- Phone: 985 627 143 / 697 187 091
- Email: chaosamartin@grandasdesalime.es
- Documents: Chao de Samartín Hillfort Museum
Info
The origin of Chao Samartín as a human settlement dates back to the Bronze Age when, around 800 BC (4th century), a first fortified enclosure was established on its upper esplanade.
During the Iron Age its defences were renewed on several occasions and in Roman times it became a prosperous administrative capital, until an earthquake destroyed the settlement in the 2nd century AD.
Archaeological excavations began in 1990 and continued regularly until 2009 as part of the Archaeological Plan for the Navia Basin. The Chao de Samartín Hillfort has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest of the Principality of Asturias.
The Interpretation Centre was built in 2007, and is located in Castro, next to the ruins of the archaeological site, on a hillside, providing a panoramic view of the archaeological site and its surroundings.
Here we can find a permanent exhibition that brings together pieces mostly from the Chao Samartín, but also from other sites in the region such as Os Castros de Taramundi or "Monte Castrelo" de Pelóu, also in Grandas de Salime.