Alto da Vigia Archaeological Site

Category: Archaeology > Sítio Arqueológico

District: Lisboa > Sintra > Rodízio > Vigia de Colares

Location

The Alto da Vigia Archaeological Site is located in the Rodízio area, within the Vigia de Colares zone, belonging to the municipality of Sintra. This notable site stands on a rocky elevation, a promontory approximately 40 meters high, which dominates the coastal landscape near the mouth of the Ribeira de Colares and Praia das Maçãs. Its position offers a broad and unobstructed perspective of the Atlantic Ocean, situated in a natural environment of unique beauty, characteristic of the Sintra coast. Access is provided by a wooden walkway that starts from Praia das Maçãs, offering a smooth transition between the beach and this isolated historical site.

A Roman Legacy by the Sea

The heart of the Alto da Vigia Archaeological Site is a Roman sanctuary, likely built between the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. This open-air place of worship, known as a temenos, was dedicated to the Sun, the Moon, and imperial worship, reflecting the importance of Lusitania within the Roman Empire. Votive inscriptions found at the site, expressing wishes for the Emperor's health and long life for the Empire, indicate that it was frequented by high imperial figures, such as governors and legates, through the Senate of Olisipo (modern-day Lisbon). One of the discovered inscriptions attests to the reverence for the Sun and the Ocean, underscoring the connection of this site to the vast sea stretching before it.

Remnants of Other Eras

In addition to the Roman presence, Alto da Vigia also holds remnants of a Moorish occupation dating back to the 12th century. The discovery of a ribat, a type of Islamic convent, with several rooms and a mihrab, the prayer wall oriented towards Mecca, stands out. It is remarkable how these medieval constructions reused Roman architectural elements, including inscribed stones, creating a fusion of distinct eras in the same space. 12th-century ceramics and other findings suggest a connection between coastal inhabitants and fishing activities, enriching the historical narrative of the site.

A Point of Historical Discovery

The relevance of this archaeological site was recognized early on. As early as the beginning of the 16th century, figures like Valentim Fernandes and Francisco de Holanda referred to these ruins, with the latter describing and drawing them as a Roman sanctuary. The identification of these remains was a milestone in Portuguese archaeology, attracting the curiosity of distinguished visitors, including members of royalty such as King Manuel I. Although the structures were, at the time, largely submerged by sand, local memory kept alive the existence of this sanctuary. More recent archaeological work, initiated in 2008, has revealed the true dimension of this monumental site, which continues to be the subject of study and valorization, aiming for a better understanding and public enjoyment of its rich history.

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