Currently, access to the settlement is via a modern path that crosses the defensive system on its southern side, which can be seen from this point. It comprises a sequence of two ditches in a possible “V” section and an imposing parapet wall made of earth.

These elements are documented in almost all Iron Age settlements in the north-west of the peninsula, becoming more complex after the 4^th century BCE, when it would appear Castrolandín was built.

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The intensive human occupation of the site can be seen here. There are three circular structures and a rectangular one, which belong to different phases of the hillfort’s occupation.

The first of these is not visible, as it was a circular structure made of perishable material lying underneath the other circular structures visible today, built in the 2^nd and 1^st centuries BCE.

The final phase is represented by a rectangular structure dated to the 1^st century. Unlike the circular structures, it is divided by a central partition wall, and is the only existing dwelling that corresponds to this phase built fully in accordance with the Roman style.

On a slightly raised part of the croa lies a more complex structure comprising circular buildings clustered around a patio. Its functional nature can be deduced from the archaeological remains documented there, and so we can safely say that these structures consisted of a dwelling defined by the existence of a hearth, or lareira, a central wooden post and a storage shed.

This “dwelling unit”, defined as such by archaeologists, helps us to understand the social differences that existed within the settlement, as not only did it have a different floor plan to the rest of the site, but it was also situated on the part most visible from the valley laid out at its feet.

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The settlement had a stepped, monumental entrance located on its western side and defended by two towers, later modified in various phases.

Not only is the entrance stepped, but also winding, making access to the settlement’s interior difficult, preventing the entry of wagons, while in turn reinforcing the defensive system. This both protected the hillfort’s inhabitants and was a demonstration of the socio-economic complexity the Gallaecian world was experiencing after the 4^th century BCE.

The most recent archaeological excavations carried out document a large, circular hut. It is known to have been a dwelling on account of its central hearth, defined by a clay base encircled by a series of sunken stones. The other archaeological objects recovered here only serve to reinforce this interpretation.

This aspect is especially important not only with regard to the structure itself, which is very similar to those that were present on the croa, or acropolis, but because of where this dwelling was situated, that is, outside the settlement’s walls. This would indicate that Castrolandín was indeed larger than was first thought, maybe even twice as large.

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