Castro of Castelo Velho

The Castro of Castelo Velho (Portuguese: Castro de Castelo Velho) is a Chalcolithic settlement in the civil parish of Terena (São Pedro), municipality of Alandroal in the Alentejo Central area of the Portuguese Alentejo [1]. The first settlements date to the Chalcolithic [1]. By the late Bronze Age the location had become a centre of intense metallurgical activities [1]. During the 20th century (1990s), Manuel Calado held the first archeological excavations in the area to study the settlement [1]. The fortified settlement has an irregular plan, utilized and modified in different periods [1]. Around its perimeter is a slope with visible vestiges of low walls [1]. These defensive structures have distinct plans corresponding to different phases at the site [1].