Alto da Fonte do Milho Archaeological Station

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Vila Real > Peso da Régua > Poiares > Alto da Fonte do Milho

Location

The Alto da Fonte do Milho Archaeological Station is located in the locality of Poiares, in the municipality of Peso da Régua. This historical site is situated on a natural spur, offering a view over the Douro River valley. The surrounding landscape is marked by extensive vineyards, reflecting the strong connection of this region to wine production.

Its isolated and rural position, yet overlooking the Douro, gives it a particular scenic setting, allowing visitors a tranquil immersion in heritage and nature.

Remains of a Roman Villa

This archaeological site, classified as a National Monument, reveals an ancient Roman presence, with remains dating back to the period between the 1st century AD and the 4th/5th centuries AD. What can be observed here are the remnants of a fortified Roman villa, a complex that integrated both residential and agricultural production areas.

As one walks through the site, it is possible to imagine what life was like almost two thousand years ago, at a time when this region already demonstrated notable social, cultural, and economic activity and organization.

Structure and Defense

The Alto da Fonte do Milho Archaeological Station stands out for its robust defensive system. This was composed of two imposing lines of walls, built with schist, a material abundant in the region. An access gate was identified in the inner wall, on its southwestern flank.

This defensive feature, which gave the site the designation of castellum or fortified villa, suggests the strategic importance of the settlement within the context of the Douro landscape of the time.

Agricultural and Daily Legacy

Archaeological excavations carried out at this site have brought to light important discoveries about the lives of its former inhabitants. They revealed the existence of dependencies intended for agricultural activity, including a press (torcularium) that was used for both wine and olive oil production. This finding underscores the importance of viticulture and wine production in this area since the early centuries of our era, a tradition that continues to this day in the Douro.

In the area that would have been the residential part of the villa, several multicolored mosaics were discovered, decorated with representations of fish, which lined a bathtub about one meter deep. These decorative elements offer a glimpse into the refinement and daily habits of the Romans who lived here.

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