Category: Civil Architecture > Factory
District: Lisboa > Almada > Cacilhas
The Roman fish-salting factory of Cacilhas is located in Cacilhas, right on the south bank of the River Tagus. It is situated in Largo Alfredo Diniz, an area where the pavement merges with a glass structure that protects the archaeological remains at street level.
This urban area is characterized by its proximity to the estuary, offering direct views of the river's current and the landscape of the north bank. The contrast between the historic houses and the riverside environment creates a setting where the Roman past is revealed amidst contemporary daily life.
Probably erected in the 1st century AD, this industrial unit was dedicated to the production of fish preparations, namely garum, a highly prized condiment in ancient Rome. The complex remained in operation until the 4th or 5th centuries, part of a vast production network along the Tagus estuary.
After the abandonment of the site, several subsequent occupation levels were identified: traces of a fireplace and painted pottery of Muslim influence point to activity in the 13th century; fragments of common pottery, hairpins, and some coins reveal continued presence until the modern era.
The original complex included at least fifteen rectangular tanks, known as cetaria, organized around a central courtyard covered with mortar and gravel, which served as a work area. The cetaria were open-air, protected only by a sloped ceramic roof that allowed for natural ventilation.
Today, contemporary intervention preserves these tanks under a glass cover at pavement level, integrating multimedia panels that contextualize the factory's operation. The balance between the modern protective structure and the ancient Roman floor gives the site a unique atmosphere, inviting contemplation and discovery.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cetária
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.52355524951457,-8.890229253867004
Coordinates DMS: 38°31'24.8"N 08°53'24.8"W
Weather Cacilhas
On-duty Pharmacy Cacilhas
