Roman Villa of Quinta da Bolacha

Category: Archaeology > Roman Villa

District: Lisboa > Amadora > Falagueira-Venda Nova > Quinta do Puíme

Location

The Roman Villa of Quinta da Bolacha is located in Amadora, within the Falagueira-Venda Nova area, specifically in Quinta do Puíme. The site is situated southwest of the fork between Estrada da Serra da Mira and Estrada da Brandoa, preceding the São Brás area. This area, although urban today, preserves traces of traditional constructions that mark one of the oldest and most significant population centers in the region, the ancient Falagueira Village, which keeps alive the memory of the rural past of the municipality of Amadora.

An Archaeological Discovery

The existence of this Roman villa was revealed in 1979, during prospecting work related to the Roman aqueduct that crossed the municipality of Amadora. Successive archaeological campaigns have uncovered remarkably preserved Roman structures, some reaching up to one meter in height. It is estimated that the original occupation area extended over approximately 31,200 square meters, a testament to the importance of this site in antiquity. The uniqueness of this villa is even greater as it is the only known Roman example in Amadora, which gives it particular historical and archaeological value, recognized by its classification as a Property of Public Interest since 2012.

The Roman Compartments

Among the most striking discoveries is a large living room dating back to the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. Its walls were adorned with painted stucco and a central pillar, also decorated with a red band, punctuated the space, accompanied by a drain near the wall. Later, between the 4th and 5th centuries, this room underwent significant renovations: a dividing wall was built, the central pillar was demolished, and three new drains were added that ran throughout the room. Next to the newly built wall, a large fireplace was erected, with its imposing dimensions (80x100 cm) and a limestone ashlar support. The collection of materials such as fragments of amphorae, common pottery, and containers in African terra sigillata suggests that this section of the villa, in its last phase of occupation, served as a kitchen.

Long-Lasting Vestiges

The Roman Villa of Quinta da Bolacha is situated in one of the areas of Amadora with the longest continuous occupation, Falagueira. In addition to the Roman structures, archaeological work at the site has uncovered traces from even earlier periods, including the Bronze Age, as well as evidence of early Roman occupation (1st/2nd centuries) and the Islamic period. This diversity of findings underscores the lasting relevance of this site as a cultural and historical landmark. The villa was likely intended for agricultural and pastoral activities, and its necropolis, where almost thirty graves were identified, was located at Moinho do Castelinho.

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