Roman station of Quinta da Abicada

Category: Archaeology > Villa

District: Faro > Portimão > Figueira > Quinta da Abicada

Location

The Roman Station of Quinta da Abicada is located in Mexilhoeira Grande, in Portimão, in the Algarve region of Portugal.

History

The Mexilhoeira Grande region has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, with traces of pre-Roman settlements. During Roman rule, several villas were built in the region, including the Roman Villa of Abicada.

Roman Villa

The Roman Villa of Abicada was a Roman mansion occupied mainly between the 1st and 4th centuries AD. It is one of the main archaeological vestiges of Roman civilization in Mexilhoeira Grande.

Composition

The visible area of the ruins is about 80 by 30 meters and is divided into three parts: a productive zone, the residential building, and several outbuildings. The house itself is a typical Roman villa, with several rooms and patios.

Mosaics

The villa's floors are covered with mosaics, considered among the most significant in the country. The mosaics feature geometric motifs and colorful designs, being one of the largest collections in the Algarve region.

State of conservation

Despite having passed more than 2000 years since its construction, there are still many vestiges of the villa's walls and floors. However, the mosaics have been transferred to museums in Portimão and Lagos for preservation.

Strategic location

The choice of location for the villa's construction was strategic, being close to the Ria de Alvor and a main road, which facilitated land and sea access. Furthermore, it offered a good view.

Artifacts found

During excavations, artifacts such as fragments of ceramics, glass, and Roman coins were found, indicating the prosperity and wealth of the ancient inhabitants of the villa.

Historical significance

The Roman Station of Quinta da Abicada has been considered a National Monument since 1946, being an important testimony of the Roman presence in the Algarve region.

Visitation

Tourists can visit the ruins of the Roman Station of Quinta da Abicada, explore the different parts of the villa, and appreciate the mosaics preserved in the museums of Portimão and Lagos. It is an opportunity to learn more about the history and Roman culture in the region.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estação_Romana_da_Quinta_da_Abicada

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt