Vilamoura, the coastal community in the central Algarve, is acclaimed for its numerous golf courses, long stretches of pristine beaches and award winning marina. It is the epitome of enjoyable and relaxed lifestyle. Here, the sun shines almost daily, just as it has for thousands of years. Yet, life today looks quite different than it did on this same spot a thousand years ago. How do we know? Interestingly, we can observe life between the 1st and 5th century AD Vilamoura by visiting the Cerro da Vila Roman Ruins & Museum, just a few short steps from the marina. The archeological site and exhibition offer insight into what life was like on the coast two millenniums ago. .
In 1st century AD, Lusitania (Portugal) was annexed by the Roman Empire, with the Algarve divided into three main states: Balsa (Luz de Tavira); Ossonoba (Faro); and Lacobriga (Lagos).
At the time, the Vilamoura marina did not exist, of course. The coastline was further inland than it is today. A port at Cerroda Vila (in the Quarteira rivulet) was one stop along Portugal’s coast for Roman Empire trade and supply ships. No doubt, occupants of the estate benefitted from such imports as Italian wines and Baetica olive oil, and perhaps sold agriculture product into this maritime commerce as well.
We don’t know much about the noble family living in the Cerro da Vila between the 1st and 5th century AD but, fortunately, through the ruins and found items we can construct what day-to-day life might have looked like.
The villa was quite grand, dressed with luxurious amenities for its time. The façade featured a colonnade; this row of tall carved columns is an architectural element typically reserved for important Roman structures. Inside, walls were richly painted with frescos of geometric and floral motifs. Intricately designed tile mosaics adorned the floors. And, water was a prominent theme, flowing from fountains and statues, and running into a reflecting pool in the middle of the atrium.
This large rectangular atrium was the centerpoint of the villa, providing sunlight and fresh air to the inner spaces of the home. A peristylum (columned walkway) encircled the atrium, providing shade to residents as they moved from room-to-room. By today’s standards, the cubicula (bedrooms) were small, but ideal for resting quietly. Common areas, such as the reception room, kitchen, service areas and cryptoporticum (cellar) provided more space for socializing and function.
The oecus triclinium (summer dining room) was located on the far side of the atrium—a beautiful room with windowed views to an outside water feature running to the garden just beyond. In lieu of tables and chairs, diners reclined on three long sofas arranged in a u-shape. From these comfortable positions, they would be offered trays with multiple dishes of food by the house attendants.
Baths were a very important part of daily Roman life, and this villa contains three, each in individual rooms, ornately decorated with tiles and mosaics. Bathers started in the caldarium (hot bath). A hot water heating system (still visible on the site) is a level below. Servants stoked fires in kilns heating the water that flowed into the baths. The next room housed the tepidarium (warm water bath). This was followed by the frigidarium (cold water bath).
Next to the villa was a natatio (public baths) and sudatorium (sauna) where the local population could visit for hygiene, personal wellness, exercise, but mostly for meeting to discuss business or socialize with friends.
A facility for processing fish is also on the grounds and played an integral role in the estate. Here, a warehouse holding supplies and finished product sits beside several in-ground salting tanks. The tanks were where various types of fish sauces and pastes would be prepared. Garum, a favorite at the time, was made from the blood, roe and livers of tuna and mackerel.
Further afield from the house was the family’s mausoleum. This structure was built to resemble a small religious temple. Here the cremated remains of beloved family members would be interred below ground in a crypt. Columbarium (niches created to hold urns) were built into the walls of the crypt and are still visible today.
Inside the Cerro da Vila Museum, artifacts found at the site provide an even more intimate peak into the life of the noble family. Practical objects such as pottery bowls and earthenware oil lamps are on display, as well as personal items like hair clasps, mirrors, glass and jewellery.
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