Roman Villa of Cardilio

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Santarém > Torres Novas > Caveira

Location

The Roman Villa of Cardilio is located in the village of Caveira, in the municipality of Torres Novas. This archaeological site is set within a landscape characterized by the convergence of the Serra de Aire, with its limestone formations, and the vast fertile plain of the River Tagus. Its strategic position, once close to important Roman road axes, underlines its historical relevance in the Middle Tagus region.

A Window into Antiquity

The Villa of Cardilio offers a perspective on rural life and the social structures of Roman Lusitania. Founded in the 1st century, the villa that can be explored today primarily results from a reconstruction and expansion dating from the 3rd and 4th centuries. Since 1967, this site has been classified as a National Monument, a recognition of its archaeological and patrimonial value. It is a testament to the sophistication achieved in large Roman agricultural estates.

Roman Architecture and Comfort

When visiting the ruins of Cardilio, it is possible to observe the organization of a rich Roman residence. One of the central spaces is the peristyle, an inner courtyard that would have been lined with columns and probably housed a garden, functioning as the heart of the house. Traces of the triclinium, the dining room, and heating systems can also be identified, such as the brick arches that formed the hypocaust, an ingenious method that allowed the floor and walls to be heated. The presence of a private thermal area in the villa demonstrates the level of comfort and luxury available to its inhabitants.

The Mosaics of Cardilio

One of the most impressive elements of the Roman Villa of Cardilio are its mosaics. These decorated pavements, which adorned various rooms, such as the atrium and noble halls, reveal the artistic mastery of the era. The mosaics display a variety of complex geometric patterns, captivating with their symmetry and detail. A particular panel stands out for featuring what are believed to be the busts of Cardilio and Avita, the probable owners of the villa, and their names, lending a personal connection to this ancestral site.

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