Roman Villa of Parreitas / Archaeological Site of Parreitas

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Leiria > Alcobaça > Bárrio > Cabeço do Louco

Location

The Roman Villa of Parreitas, also known as the Archaeological Station of Parreitas, is serenely nestled within the landscape of the Leiria district, more precisely in the municipality of Alcobaça. Situated in the locality of Bárrio, in the heart of Cabeço do Louco, this site offers a typically rural setting. Its position, often on elevated ground as is the case with a "cabeço" (hilltop), is characteristic of Roman choices for their villas, seeking not only fertile land for agriculture but also a strategic view of the surroundings, which here is marked by the tranquility of the countryside.

Discovery and Roman Past

This archaeological site is a valuable testament to the Roman presence in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in the central region of Portugal. The Roman Villa of Parreitas was, in essence, a large rural complex, the center of an agricultural estate that flourished during the Roman era. Through the remains found, it is possible to glimpse the daily lives of its inhabitants, their economy based on agricultural production, and the social organization that characterized these important productive and residential units.

Archaeological work has revealed the foundations of a sophisticated residential structure, which demonstrated the level of comfort and spatial organization typical of elite Roman villas of the time. This site offers a dive into the past, revealing how life unfolded almost two millennia ago, adapting to the resources and innovations of the empire.

Architectural Remains and Details of the Era

As one explores the Archaeological Station of Parreitas, it is possible to observe the outlines and bases of the various divisions that made up the villa. The remains of the residential part, the pars urbana, can be identified, where areas for dwelling and social representation are glimpsed. Research has revealed evidence of heating systems, such as hypocausts, used in bathing areas, and structures that attest to the existence of spaces dedicated to agricultural work and the processing of land produce, the pars rustica.

Although time has taken its toll, the organization of the site allows for an understanding of the complexity and functionality of this Roman rural dwelling. The careful exposition of the remains on the ground facilitates the imagination of the walls that once stood and the floors that hosted the daily life of the Romans who lived here.

Archaeological Legacy

The objects found during the excavations at Parreitas are fundamental to the interpretation and understanding of life in the villa. Fragments of pottery, coins, various utensils, and decorative elements are examples of the artifacts that help to paint a more complete picture of the occupants and their economic and social activities.

These findings not only inform about consumption habits and trade routes of the era but also underscore the strategic importance of the Alcobaça region in the context of Roman Lusitania. The Roman Villa of Parreitas is, therefore, a site of exceptional value for those interested in the archaeology and ancient history of Portugal.

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