Category: Archaeology > Temple
District: Évora > Arraiolos > Santana do Campo
Situated in the tranquility of the locality of Santana do Campo, in the municipality of Arraiolos, district of Évora, this historic site is immersed in the characteristic landscape of the Alentejo. The surroundings are marked by the vastness of the fields, providing a serene environment conducive to contemplation. Its position in the region allows one to feel the expanse of the Alentejo plain, where time seems to unfold at its own pace.
The ruins of São João do Campo are a fascinating testament to the Roman presence in Portuguese territory. Known by different names, this site reveals the various layers of its long history. What can be seen today are the remnants of a monumental structure erected in times past, which was initially a Roman temple and later a Christian place of worship, with a church built upon its foundations. This site evokes the lives and beliefs of the communities that settled here many centuries ago, serving as a link to a distant and often forgotten past.
While exploring the site, it is possible to identify the foundations and fragments of elements that once formed a building of great importance. Stone, the predominant material, reveals the robustness and construction techniques of Roman engineering. Despite the wear of time, its foundations and the remains of walls offer a glimpse of the scale and grandeur of the original structure, which stood out in the landscape for its solemn architecture. These remains provide a window into understanding the techniques and grandeur of Roman-period buildings in the region.
The presence of these ruins in the heart of the Alentejo creates a uniquely beautiful setting, where history merges with nature. The site invites reflection on the resilience of civilizations and how their legacies endure through time and space. The surrounding environment, with its flora and fauna, complements the experience, offering an authentic glimpse of the Alentejo's rural character in which these ancient structures are set, providing a visit that is as much a historical journey as it is an immersion in the landscape.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.76733441117465,-8.03354277493414
Coordinates DMS: 38°46'2.4"N 08°02'0.8"W