SensiMARDiscovering Monte Mozinho Castro
Classified as a Public Interesting Building since 1948, I had driven to Penafiel to visit Monte Mozinho Castro. On the Northern region of the Country, this Monte Mozinho Hill Fort, also known as Cidade Morta de Penfield (“dead town of Penafiel”), is one of the great archaeological treasures in Portugal.
Located on a low hillock, overlooking the charming Camba creek, this is a strategic point for defence and observation of the surrounding territory.
The Settlement
This Roman Castro, despite not totally explored, is given as the bigger Castro from Iberic Peninsula.
Established in the 1st century A.D., had a large occupancy chronology, probably until the 5th century. The urban architecture shows the course of the time and its inhabitants, becoming possible to observe from simple round courtyard housing, to the complex Roman square houses.
The Wall
On the top of the hill, a fortified wall from the 1st century rises, where two Galicio warriors statutes used to garnish entrance. Inside this wall, no habitation houses were found - it is believed that diverse activities used to take place, such as games, assemblies and markets.
My experience
The entrance is free, but there is a reception if you want to know more related information. After a short walk, climbing up the mount, led me to the Castro which is very pleasant to explore.
I met very kind people visiting this Castro. Among them, a bride and a groom who were taking advantage of this beautiful archaeological site to take some pictures. After a short talk, the bride told me that she lives nearby and, for being so proud about this place, she decided to have this scenario in the photos for their wedding day.
A total of 20 visitors from Monte Mozinho Castro kindly participated in my study and contributed for a better understanding related to acceptance and intention to use augmented reality in archaeological sites.
