Villa Romana da Horta da Torre

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Portalegre > Fronteira > Cabeço de Vide > Sulfurea

Location

The Roman Villa of Horta da Torre is located in Cabeço de Vide, in the municipality of Fronteira, right in the heart of Alentejo. Although it is part of the Sulfurea area, the archaeological site benefits from a distinctly rural and tranquil environment.

Its location allows for immersion in the Alentejo landscape, characterized by the vastness and serenity of the fields, offering a natural setting that once complemented this imposing Roman residence.

An Exceptional Roman Legacy

This remarkable archaeological site has been the subject of intense research campaigns since 2012. What at first glance appeared to be a severely damaged structural complex, revealed itself to be a surprisingly well-preserved site, with architectural and decorative solutions that make it unique in Portugal, with no known parallels to date.

The Roman Villa of Horta da Torre stands out as one of the most monumental Roman finds in the municipality of Fronteira and in the vast Alto Alentejo region, bearing witness to the high status and refinement of its former owner.

Sumptuousness and Ingenuity

One of the central points of the villa is its grand reception hall, which features a rare double apse, an architectural characteristic of particular distinction in the Portuguese context. In this hall, the guests of the "dominus" (the lord of the villa) were welcomed for banquets, relaxing on a stibadium, an elegant semicircular sofa.

The opulent atmosphere was enhanced by ingenious aquatic solutions, such as a reservoir and a waterfall that snaked through the almost 90-square-meter hall, creating a fresh and natural ambiance. The exquisite decoration included panels of multicolored mosaics, unusually arranged at half-height on the walls, in addition to the pavements. This collection of elements demonstrates that the villa functioned as a true center of luxury and well-being, a kind of "resort" of the Roman era, with over two hectares of built area, designed for the comfort and delight of its occupants.

A Site in Continuous Discovery

The Roman Villa of Horta da Torre is a dynamic space where history continues to be unveiled. Archaeological campaigns continue annually, with the participation of archaeologists and university students, who dedicate themselves to understanding the complexity of the site in depth.

This continuous work allows visitors to observe research techniques and new finds up close, providing an enriching experience and an opportunity to witness the relevance of this heritage for the understanding of Roman civilization in the Iberian Peninsula.

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