ITINERARY 1
A FRESCO FROM THE ROMAN OCCUPATION TO THE SOUTH
A significant set of remains, dispersed throughout the territory, prove the passage and settlement of the Romans in Torrão. The importance of this town in the Roman period comes mainly from its strategic location; connecting important Roman urban centers [Olisipo (Lisbon) - Salacia (Álcácer do Sal) - Ebora (Évora); Ebora - Pax Julia (Beja)], being naturally part of the main trade routes to the south.
In this itinerary through the “Torrão Romano”, the visitor is taken to discover the origins of this Alentejo village, understanding how the material vestiges of that time are associated with the main economic activities of Torrão, even today. Let yourself be surprised by the most recent archaeological discoveries in Torrão, on this trip back in time.
See below the description of the points to visit and know more about the additional experiences.
Useful information
Duration: 1/2 day
Total distance: 8 km
Recommended transportation: by car
Recommended age: All ages
Level of Difficulty: Easy
1. Archaeological Station of Fonte Santa
Start by visiting the Fonte Santa Archaeological Station, right in the center of the village. During the archaeological excavations carried out with the construction of the new School Center in Vila do Torrão, between 2009 and 2010, a set of rectangular and quadrangular tanks with variable dimensions, as well as part of an ancient Roman mosaic, were uncovered. Only partially visible, this mosaic features a black and white geometric profile band, which can be integrated into a chronology from the 1st century AD.
It is worth mentioning the discovery at the site of three burials inside one of the tanks, a very common practice of reusing these spaces when they are disable. The interpretative hypothesis put forward points to the existence in Vila do Torrão of a thermal complex, associated with a Roman villa with an occupation between the 1st and 5th centuries AD.
To schedule a visit, contact: 265 669 203
2. Ethnographic Museum of Torrão
Visit the Ethnographic Museum of Torrão, created with the aim of raising awareness and promoting the cultural heritage of Torrão, especially associated with its traditions and main economic and cultural activities. This museum space, integrated in an old oil mill, whose exhibition space addresses the Bread Cycle, also keeps some of the main material remains of the Roman passage through the village, discovered over several centuries.
Opening hours: From Tuesday to Friday and on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month: 9:00-13:00 / 14:00-17:00
3. Roman sidewalk
Make a stop at Calçadinha Romana, located about 1km north of Vila do Torrão. It corresponds to the section of an old Roman road. Well preserved, this stretch of Roman pavement, about 400 meters long, was built using local stone.
It is oriented N/S, forming part of the road that connected Pax Iulia (Beja) to Ebora (Évora). This road was opened on a level base, on beaten earth covered by a layer of carved stone and has the particularity of a lateral slope for water flow. Its route is almost straight, being delimited by large pebbles placed in parallel along the sidewalk.
4. Roman Bridge
Continue to Ponte Romana, built over the Xarrama River, known in Vila do Torrão as Ponte da Calçadinha Romana. Today much transformed, this bridge was build in the Roman period, and according to André de Resende, it was built in the 5th century AD, with the aim of facilitating access to the city of Pax Iulia (Beja).
5. Chapel of São João dos Azinhais
Finally, drive to the Ermida de São João dos Azinhais, a treasure in ruins, about 7 km from the town centre. According to André de Resende, this chapel was built on the foundations of an ancient Roman Temple dedicated to Jupiter. It is thought that this temple was destroyed by the population itself, angry at the loss of two brothers, Justo and Pastor, children killed by Roman troops. Precisely on this spot, a Church was built, completed in the 8th century AD.
According to the oral memories of the inhabitants, it was next to this chapel that D. Afonso Henriques camped with his army, before reconquering Beja in 1159.
In an advanced state of ruins, along the banks of the Vale do Gaio Dam, this temple also has beautiful wall paintings and deserves a visit, and perhaps a picnic with regional products while enjoying the surrounding landscape.
