Category: Nature > Park
District: Guarda > Vila Nova de Foz Côa > Freixo de Numão > Murça
Located in the parish of Freixo de Numão, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, the Prazo Archaeological Site is set in a rural and isolated environment. The site is situated in a valley known as Vale de São João, close to a junction of ancient paths, at the place called Pedra Escrita. The surrounding landscape is remarkable, with an abundance of rocks, wild shrubs, and extensive olive, almond, and vineyard plantations, elements characteristic of the Upper Douro region.
The Prazo Archaeological Site offers a unique perspective on continuous human presence over millennia. The discovered remains reveal an occupation dating back to the Early Neolithic period and extending to the Middle Ages. This archaeological site is a testament to how different communities settled, lived, and shaped the landscape, leaving a legacy of distinct cultures and ways of life in each historical period.
Upon exploring the site, it is possible to observe the ruins of an ancient Roman villa, which once served as a grand seigneurial residence, including a thermal area. This structure highlights the sophistication of Roman life from the 1st to the 4th centuries AD. Over time, the villa was adapted for more rural use, with areas dedicated to cereal storage and milling, kitchens, and metal smelting furnaces.
Upon the foundations of the Roman villa, a paleo-Christian temple was erected in the 5th century, which had a long lifespan and was later expanded, enduring until the 13th century. Within this sacred space and its surroundings, approximately 22 burials from different periods have been uncovered. Additionally, the site holds prehistoric remains of great significance, such as a probable anthropomorphic stele and an imposing menhir, which transport us to an even more remote era and to the profound symbolism this place held for its earliest inhabitants.
To enrich the visitor experience and aid in understanding the archaeological complexity of Prazo, former adjacent agricultural buildings have been adapted. These spaces now serve as support and an interpretation center, facilitating the reading of the various historical layers present in the ruins. Following the natural slope of the terrain, an open-air amphitheater has also been integrated, designed to host various cultural activities that complement the exploration of this significant historical-cultural landmark.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.068611279167, -7.2428820833333
Coordinates DMS: 41°04'7.0"N 07°14'34.4"W
On-duty Pharmacy Freixo de Numão
