Roman Villa of Miroiços

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Lisboa > Cascais > Alcabideche > Alto do Barril

Location

The Roman Villa of Miroiços is located in the town of Alcabideche, within the municipality of Cascais. It is situated on the southern slope of Alto do Barril, within the urbanized area of Abano. This elevated position offers a perspective over the surroundings, giving the site an atmosphere of tranquility, despite being part of a more recent residential context.

A Long History on the Land

This archaeological site, classified as a Property of Public Interest, preserves vestiges of continuous human presence dating back to prehistoric times, with findings pointing to the Neolithic period. However, it is during the Roman period and Late Antiquity that the area gains particular relevance. The Roman Villa of Miroiços was initially described in the late 19th century, but it was through more recent excavations, carried out in the late 20th century, that the true dimension and importance of the site were revealed, confirming its identity as a Roman rural property linked to agricultural activity.

Visible Roman Structures

Archaeological work allowed for the identification of the ruins of a thermal complex, which would have been an integral part of the ancient villa. It is possible to observe the remains of the walls of four compartments, three of which are rectangular in plan and one in apse. These include elements of the underground heating system, known as a hypocaust, with its supporting pillars (suspensurae), and a tank that would have served as a natatio, or a swimming pool. The original construction would have been of stone and earth masonry, and the remains of the pavements, made of irregular granite blocks or rammed earth, are still visible, along with vestiges of the thick barrel tiles that would have covered the structures.

Fragments of Ancient Daily Life

The investigation at the site brought to light a vast collection of objects that illustrate the daily life and activities carried out in this villa over the centuries. Among the most common finds are various ceramic fragments, including fine terra sigillata, amphorae for transport and storage, and loom weights, suggesting domestic and productive activities. Construction materials such as tiles (tegulae and imbrices) and vestiges of mortars like opus signinum were also found. The presence of metal artifacts, such as nails and bronze pieces, along with prehistoric lithic tools like flint flakes and polished stone axes, reinforce the idea of a diverse and long-lasting occupation at the site.

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