Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila

Category: Archaeology > Villa

District: Faro > Loulé > Quarteira > Vilamoura

Background and Roman Period

- The area where the ruins are located has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

- During the Roman period, the region was an important colonization zone.

- Cerro da Vila was a farm for agricultural and fishing production, as well as a country house for the Roman elites.

Evolution of the Roman Complex

- The ruins of Cerro da Vila show the population evolution in the region throughout various phases, from the Roman civilization to the Islamic medieval period.

Middle Ages

- After the fall of the Roman Empire, Cerro da Vila continued to be occupied.

- During the Visigothic period, there were modifications in the funerary area and reconstruction of the villa buildings.

- During Late Antiquity and the Islamic period, the settlement had a period of consistent occupation.

Rediscovery and Preservation of the Ruins

- The ruins were rediscovered in 1963 during agricultural work.

- Systematic excavations were carried out from 1964 to 1968 and continued in the following decades.

- The ruins were opened to the public in 1988 and classified as Property of Public Interest in 1977.

- The Monographic Museum of Cerro da Vila was built nearby.

Recent Research

- Studies and research have been conducted since the beginning of the 21st century, including architectural investigations, study of mosaics, geophysical prospecting, and structural surveys.

- Prehistoric and Roman vestiges have been found under more recent layers.

Cultural Program and Acquisition of the Ruins

- The ruins of Cerro da Vila will be part of a cultural program in the municipality of Loulé.

- The municipality of Loulé is negotiating the acquisition of the ruins with the company Vilamoura World.

Visitation and Museum

- The ruins can be visited by tourists.

- The Monographic Museum of Cerro da Vila offers additional information about the archaeological site.

- The visit allows to discover Roman architecture, mosaics, and other preserved structures.

Characteristics of the Archaeological Site

- Located in Vilamoura, Algarve region, Portugal.

- Ruins of an ancient Roman settlement, including a rural house, agricultural and fishing production center, necropolis, and port structures.

- Highlight for the imposing Roman villa, with several rooms around a peristyle and a spacious thermal complex.

- Presence of a quay, porticus, and other facilities, indicating the navigability of the ancient lagoon that provided access to the sea.

- Production area with tanks for the manufacture of fish derivatives and dyes, such as purple, used in the textile industry.

- Columbarium with ceremonial and ritual vestiges, including mausoleums and tombs from different periods.

- Construction of a dam and aqueduct to supply water to the settlement.

- Museum with pieces found on site, covering different historical periods, such as the Bronze Age, Roman and Islamic periods.

- Fragments of Roman pottery, including oil lamps, amphorae, and table objects.

- Visigothic and Islamic materials, such as ceramics and monetary treasure.

- Highlight for the polychrome mosaics with geometric and vegetal themes, possibly made by famous itinerant artists.

- Fresco paintings on the walls, male statues and divinities found in the Roman villa.

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

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