The old castle is situated in an isolated, rural area delimited by the Rio Lucefecit and smaller affluent, overlooking the territory of high hilltops and eastern flanks.[1][2] Access to the site is only possible from the western edge. Implanted near a settlement is another settlement designated "Castelo Velho 2", with common characteristics, while 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) from the site is the Santuário de Endovélico em São Miguel da Mota.[1][2]
The fortified settlement has an irregular plan, utilized and modified in different periods.[1][2] Around its perimeter is a slope with visible vestiges of low walls.[1][2] These defensive structures have distinct plans corresponding to different phases at the site.[1] The vestiges of structures constructed in the irregular perimeter walls, with the larger structures located near the east and south.[2] Along the northern flank, is a small, irregular gallery related to the probable mining or possible ritual space.[1] The gallery is known as the Casa da Moura (House of the Female Moor), which could have a parallel with the ethnographic sanctuaries that existed in the region, such as in Pego da Moura or Pego da Rocha da Moura (properly attributed to similar enchanted Moors).[1][3]
The defensibility of the settlement was secured by its location in an elevated position, protected by the river and its inclined eastern and western margins.[1][2] In the west, is a narrow road that permits the unique access to the site.[1][2] Close to this is the principal entrance to the settlement is a schist platform, where there are visible ceramics, foundry slag and remnants of structures that could correspond to an area of marginal habitation related to metallurgical activities.[1][2]
