Castle of San Xoán de Bara, Vilar de Barrio

The castle of San Xoán de Bara is an archaeological site in the municipality of Vilar de Barrio. The tourist network 25 Motivos describes it as one of the most promising sites in inland Galicia: research in recent years points to the existence of an ancient city occupied over several periods, of an extent unusual in Galician archaeology ^[1].

An enclosure of up to 16 hectares

According to the source, the enclosure could reach between fifteen and sixteen hectares, which has led some researchers to speak of an ancient city rather than a simple hill-fort. The hill rises above the plain of A Limia and commands a wide stretch of territory ^[1].

What has been found

Remains of walls, dwelling structures and complexly organised enclosures ^[1].
In the upper part, elements of Castro culture: circular huts and Iron Age defensive systems ^[1].
Monumental enclosures bounded by walls in lower areas, suggesting a more complex organisation than usual at this kind of site ^[1].
Materials that, according to the source, indicate the settlement took part in Roman-period trade networks ^[1].

The occupation, according to the evidence cited, runs from the Bronze and Iron Ages to Roman times and includes medieval periods ^[1].

O Burato dos Ouros

Within the site is the place known as Burato dos Ouros, with cavities and building remains whose chronology and function are still under study and whose name has fed local legends ^[1].

An open investigation

The source insists that research remains active: unlike other fully excavated and interpreted sites, each campaign brings data that partly change the understanding of the place. From the top, the plain of A Limia stretches out at the foot of the hill, which helps explain why different communities chose it for its visibility, its defensibility and its closeness to the resources of the valley ^[1].