The resort of Vilamoura, has evolved considerably in the 50+ years since breaking ground. Since the 1960’s, golf courses have been designed, a marina constructed and mix of hotels and residences. Yet, at the same time Vilamoura was raising from the soil, excavation was taking place to unearth a centuries-old settlement. Today, the Cerro da Villa Roman Ruins sits side-by-side with modern Vilamoura. Let’s look at how the archaeological site was discovered and excavated.
In the 1st to 5th centuries, the Algarve coast was a busy shipping route for goods moving between Rome and Lusitania (as Portugal was known at the time). On land that is now Vilamoura, Romans were supervising the production of agriculture products, from grains to processed fish. Cerro da Vila was at the heart of this activity as evidenced by a complex including a noble family villa, fish processing facility, public baths, support houses and a small port, built on a river inlet next to the property.
Over the course of time, the settlement was abandoned. Eventually, silt from the Quarteira River flowed into the land, covering much of the remaining structures. Cerro da Vila was largely forgotten until…
1860
The earliest known mention of Cerro da Villa is found in a publication called “As Cidades e Vilas da Monarchia Portugueza” by historian Inácio da Vilenha Barbosa. The reference, listed under “A Villa of Loulé” is translated to say “This villa is one of the oldest settlements in the kingdom of the Algarve.“
1877
Just a few years later, archaeologist and writer Estácio da Veiga begins a process of mapping archaeological sites across Portugal. While surveying the Algarve, he discovers Cerro da Vila and deems it to be of Roman origin. His findings are included in his Carta Arqueológica do Algarve, published at the time.
Fast forward to….
1963
While tilling the fields with a tractor, a farmer unearths stones and bricks from the site. He reports the objects to local authorities. This is the catalyst needed to set archaeological excavation into action.
1964 – 1969
The Portuguese government assigns Engineer José Farrajota to begin uncovering the site, with the assistance of Army Lieutenant Colonel Afonso do Paço and Doctor Fernando de Almeida. Lusort, the new owners of the land and developers of the soon-to-be Vilamoura, offer their encouragement and support.
All work together for six years to uncover the villa. During this process, the hexagonal tower / room attached to the villa and private baths, with underfloor water heating kilns were discovered.
1971 – 1991
Jose Luis de Matos, archaeologist and student of Dr. Almeida, begins a new era of excavation. It is during this period that much of what is visible on the site today is unearthed. Through laborious efforts, Matos and his team discover the separate structures of public baths, a fish processing facility, mausoleum and small support houses adjacent to the villa.
1999 – 2004, 2007 – 2008
German archaeologist and Romanization expert Felix Teichner arrives on the scene. He performs a diagnostic survey of the site to clarify specific details of Roman architecture and determine the absolute chronology of the site. His work leads to the discovery of port facilities and a very large fish processing factory, as well as many extensions of previously discovered structures.
While excavation of the site is currently paused, investigation and and research carry on. Thousands of objects found on the site are being restored, catalogued, and studied inside the museum.
The on-going efforts at Cerro da Vila will, no doubt, continue to provide insight into the history of the Algarve..
To learn more, visit the Cerro da Vila website.
Cerro da Vila Museum and Archaeological Site
(Between the Vilamoura Post office & The Lake Resort)
Avenida Cerro da Vila
Vilamoura
Phone: + 351 289 312 153
E-mail: cerrodavila@vilamouraworld.com
Entrance:
Adults – € 4.00
Seniors & Students – €2.00
Children under 13 Years – Free
Hours:
Monday to Friday – 9:30 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 18:00
Saturday and Sunday – Closed
Editor’s note: Many thanks to Cerro da Vila archaeologists Ana Pratas and Filipe Henriques for their assistance with historical information and materials.