Alcoutim’s riverside Roman Villa of Montinho das Laranjeiras, some 8km away from the town, has been given the status of ‘monument of public interest’ for its architectural and historic contribution to the area.
The ruins were discovered after the “great flood of the Guadiana” in 1876. Following government orders, archaeologist Estácio da Veiga began excavation work at the site in 1877, but it was only in 1990 that archaeological studies were carried out.
Due to its riverside location, communities were attracted to the Villa in Roman times – with sections of the site dating back to the first century – and were crucial to the development of the local economy.
Official publication of the site’s new status took place on December 11 by the Secretariat of State for Culture, under Portaria nº883/2013. The site is open to the public all year round and entry is free of charge.
