Category: Archaeology > Estrada romana
District: Viseu > Castro Daire > Almofala
In the heart of the Viseu region, within the municipality of Castro Daire and in proximity to the serene locality of Almofala, lies a preserved section of the Roman Road that once connected Lamego to Viseu. This historical route is set within a predominantly rural and tranquil natural landscape, inviting an immersion into the typical Beira interior scenery.
The surroundings offer the quietude of the countryside and the simple beauty of the landscape, where natural and historical heritage intertwine harmoniously. The location provides an atmosphere of introspection and a direct connection with the past, far from the hustle and bustle of large urban centers.
The Lamego-Viseu Roman Road represents a vital section of the ancient Roman road network on the Iberian Peninsula. Built millennia ago, this road served as a fundamental artery for the circulation of goods, legions, and ideas, connecting the important centers of Lamecum (modern-day Lamego) and Viseum (modern-day Viseu) during the Roman period. The stretch preserved in Almofala is a testament to the extraordinary engineering and imperial organization of the Romans, reflecting the ambition and constructive capacity of this civilization.
These paved roads were essential for the administration and territorial control of the empire, allowing for the efficient movement of troops and the transport of goods, crucial elements for the expansion and maintenance of Roman rule in the province of Lusitania.
The construction of a Roman road like this involved remarkable technical rigor, with a solid foundation and careful paving, often with stone slabs that have withstood the passage of centuries. The section visible in the Almofala area allows observation of the perseverance of these structures, where the ancient human hand shaped the landscape for its purposes. Traversing this fragment is to step on history, feeling the solidity of a path once trodden by legionaries, merchants, and travelers.
Although time and the elements have left their mark, the road still maintains its original alignment and a significant part of its structure, offering a unique window into understanding the magnitude and impact of the Roman presence in the Viseu region.
The Lamego-Viseu Roman Road, on its course through Almofala, is not just a monument; it is also an element that integrates into the landscape, telling a story that echoes through time. Its presence recalls the profound transformation the region underwent under Roman rule and the continuity of a path that, in some way, shaped the subsequent development of local communities.
It is an invitation to contemplation and reflection on the resilience of the past in the present. The surrounding environment, with its flora and fauna, complements the experience, allowing visitors to appreciate not only the historical legacy but also the natural beauty that envelops it, in a place where the serenity of the countryside meets the grandeur of an ancient civilization.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.949276933333, -7.7774296
Coordinates DMS: 40°56'57.4"N 07°46'38.7"W
On-duty Pharmacy Almofala
