Category: Civil Architecture > Farm
District: Faro > Olhão > Quelfes > Pinheiros de Marim
Situated on a serene peninsula, Quinta de Marim 1 is nestled on the banks of the Ribeira de Marim, already within the limits of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Its strategic position, facing the Barra da Armona, reveals its intrinsic connection to the sea and the aquatic life that has shaped the region over the centuries. This site offers a unique perspective on the historical relationship between human activity and the coastal environment.
What can be observed today at Quinta de Marim 1 are the remarkable remains of a Roman industrial complex, dating from the late 2nd and first half of the 3rd century AD. This archaeological site was dedicated to the crucial activity of fish processing and salting, an industry of great importance to the economy of the Roman Empire. Its structure and location underscore the relevance of exploiting marine resources in ancient Algarve.
This complex is composed of several rectangular divisions, six of which have been identified as cetariae, that is, specialized fish-salting tanks. These structures were organized into two distinct rows, separated by a central corridor, reflecting an efficient production layout. Alongside the cetariae, the site also included spaces that served as warehouses, essential for the operation of the Roman industrial unit.
Excavations carried out at Quinta de Marim 1 have revealed a variety of finds that offer a glimpse into the life and commerce of the period. Inside the cetariae and in their vicinity, fragments of amphorae were discovered, these being ceramic containers used to transport products such as salted fish. Traces of terra sigillata were also found, a fine tableware pottery of different provenances, indicating the trade connections and the circulation of goods in the Algarve region during the Roman period.
The existence of Quinta de Marim 1 attests to the importance of the Ria Formosa as an economic center during the Roman period. Its proximity to the Ribeira de Marim estuary and the Atlantic Ocean facilitated not only access to raw materials but also the distribution of processed products to other regions. This site is a testament to the Romans' capacity for innovation and organization in exploiting natural resources and establishing trade networks that extended across vast areas of the empire.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.033475672, -7.812217792
Coordinates DMS: 37°02'0.5"N 07°48'44.0"W