Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Aveiro > Arouca > Várzea > Malafaia
The Roman 'Casal' of Malafaia is located in the Malafaia urbanisation, in the locality of Várzea, which belongs to the municipality of Arouca. This archaeological site is situated in an area that offers a perspective on the connection between ancient populations and the surroundings of the Arda River valley, a natural landscape that shaped local life over the centuries.
This remarkable archaeological site transports visitors to the times of Ancient Rome, revealing the contours of a small Roman agricultural estate. The "casal" included both the residential area and spaces dedicated to productive activities. Its occupation dates back to the second half of the 1st century AD and lasted for approximately five hundred years, spanning the end of the Roman Empire, the Visigothic period, and perhaps the beginnings of the Arab presence in the region.
At the Roman 'Casal' of Malafaia, it is possible to observe the remains of the property's original structure. The ruins, discovered in 1987, clearly show the use of stone blocks and Roman-style roof tiles, characteristic of constructions from that period. A walkway allows visitors to traverse the excavation area, providing a closer and more detailed view of the organisation of the living and working spaces, and their integration into the Arda valley landscape.
The Roman 'Casal' of Malafaia is considered one of the most relevant archaeological finds in Arouca Geopark. Its conservation and study offer an essential contribution to the knowledge of Roman occupation in the municipality of Arouca. By exploring this site, one gains a deeper understanding of daily life, agricultural practices, and social dynamics of that historical period, illuminating a significant part of the region's history.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.9290823,-8.3018526
Coordinates DMS: 40°55'44.7"N 08°18'6.7"W
Weather Várzea
On-duty Pharmacy Várzea
