Creiro Archaeological Station

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Creiro

Location

Situated in the locality of Creiro, in the municipality of Setúbal, the Archaeological Station is immersed in the natural beauty of the Arrábida Natural Park. Positioned at the foot of the southern slope of the Serra da Arrábida, it enjoys remarkable proximity to the Atlantic, offering views of the surrounding coastal and mountainous landscape.

A Roman Legacy from the Sea

This site reveals the remains of a Roman industrial complex dedicated to fish salting and curing, an activity of great economic importance in Antiquity. Built in the 1st century AD, it witnessed the transformation of fish, such as sardines and mackerel, into preserved products through salt, intended for consumption in vast areas of the empire. Creiro was, in fact, a fundamental part of the Roman fish production network in the Setúbal region, then known as Cetóbriga, and one of the largest salting centers in the Western Roman Empire.

The Buildings and Daily Life

Upon exploring the site, it is possible to observe the ruins of the salting factories, where fish was processed in large tanks. In addition to the production area, the complex also included warehouses for storing products and a bathhouse, which demonstrates the sophistication of Roman engineering. The latter, essential for the hygiene and well-being of the workers, possessed an ingenious system for heating the floor and water, known as a hypocaust, with pillars supporting the pavement, allowing hot air to circulate. Tanks for cold baths (frigidarium) were also part of this remarkable complex.

Traces of Various Eras

The Archaeological Station of Creiro tells a story of successive occupations and transformations. Its initial construction in the 1st century AD was followed by remodelling that adapted and expanded the facilities. Centuries later, during the Late Empire, the site underwent a new phase of use, marked by repairs and adaptations of the existing structures. There is also evidence of a later presence, of Muslim origin, which underlines the continued relevance of this point throughout different historical periods.

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