Ruins of São Miguel de Odrinhas

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Lisboa > Sintra > Odrinhas > São João das Lampas e Terrugem

Location

The Ruins of São Miguel de Odrinhas are located in the small village of Odrinhas, part of the parish of São João das Lampas and Terrugem, in the municipality of Sintra. This historical site is situated in a predominantly rural area, in the Várzea de Sintra, along a road connecting the town of Sintra to Ericeira. Its position offers a tranquil environment for the discovery of heritage.

Roman Legacy

The archaeological site of Odrinhas unveils one of the most important Roman presences in the Sintra region. The ruins largely correspond to the remains of an ancient Roman villa, founded in the second half of the 1st century BC. It is still possible to observe the foundations and compartments that belonged to this original property. Later, in the 4th century AD, a new villa was built over the previous structures, notable among which is a remarkable mosaic floor with geometric patterns, still visible near the Chapel of São Miguel. A peculiar apsidal structure, dated to the 2nd century AD, adds an element of mystery, with theories identifying it as a temple, a mausoleum, or a noble hall of the villa.

Medieval Memories

The history of Odrinhas is not limited to the Roman period; the site also holds a unique medieval memory. In the Late Middle Ages, the ruins were transformed into a cemetery, being the only medieval one excavated in Portugal. Arranged around the Chapel of São Miguel, built in the 12th century, are numerous graves, each marked by a discoid headstone. The chapel, with later Hispano-Moorish tilework, houses a 1st-century tombstone in its porch and a funerary stele inside. These elements together offer a continuous perspective of the occupation and funerary traditions over centuries in this same location.

A Center of Knowledge

The Ruins of São Miguel de Odrinhas are inseparable from the Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas, designed to collect and enhance the vast archaeological finds from the site and the surrounding region. The museum boasts a notable epigraphic collection, one of the most extensive in the Iberian Peninsula, which includes numerous Roman inscriptions. This collection, along with thousands of other pieces from various periods (from the Middle Paleolithic to the 18th century), offers a unique window into understanding the daily life and culture of the ancient communities that inhabited Sintra. A visit to the ruins and the museum provides a deep dive into local archaeology and history.

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