Quinta da Relva or Lusitanian-Roman Cemetery

Category: Archaeology > Necropolis

District: Vila Real > Sabrosa > Provesende > Quinta do Carvalhal

Location

Situated in the municipality of Sabrosa, in the district of Vila Real, this archaeological site is located in Provesende, specifically in the area of Quinta do Carvalhal. The surroundings are the characteristic landscape of the Alto Douro Wine Region, a scenery of terraces carved into the hillside, where the vineyard dominates and shapes the horizon. From this location, it is possible to experience the rural tranquility and the unique beauty of this region, set in an environment that testifies to the deep connection of the land to the history and culture of wine.

Legacy of an Era

Quinta da Relva, or the Lusitanian-Roman Cemetery, represents an important vestige of the Roman presence in the Douro region. This site served, in remote times, as a burial area for the communities that lived here, revealing funerary practices and aspects of the daily life of Lusitanians and Romans. It is a site that allows us to scrutinize the past, offering a glimpse into how these civilizations established themselves and lived in this very particular territory.

Remains and Historical Context

As an ancient necropolis, Quinta da Relva houses evidence of tombs and other elements related to funerary rituals of the Lusitanian-Roman era. Although the remains may be subtle and require some observational capacity and imagination to be fully appreciated, their existence is a silent testament to the passage of different cultures and their legacy. Its relevance lies in the information these findings can provide for the study of Romanization and the populations that preceded the formation of Portuguese territory, enriching the understanding of local and national history.

Landscape Integration and Contemplation

The Lusitanian-Roman cemetery site is integrated into a landscape of great natural and scenic value, typical of the Douro. The quietness of Quinta do Carvalhal and the grandeur of the surrounding wine landscape provide an environment conducive to contemplation. A visit to this archaeological site is not only a dive into history but also an opportunity to appreciate the harmony between ancient human intervention and the nature that surrounds it, in one of Portugal's most emblematic settings.

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