Archaeology

Built and expanded from the 1st century AD to the 3rd / 4th century, it was built on the banks of the river Maior, resulting in the nucleus from which the locality of Rio Maior was structured.

Only part of the Pars Urbana of the Villa, 772 square metres, the area where the owner lived with his family -- four corridors, six rooms and two apses -- is uncovered. In the future, it is hoped to be able to reveal other areas and still locate the temple as well as the baths.

The remains collected to date are mainly composed of pieces indicating the great luxury and wealth of the Villa. Fragments of at least five statues have also been recovered, as well as an almost intact piece - the Ninfa Fontenária (Fountain Nymph) of Rio Maior.

Discovered in 1983 by the Museums, Historical, Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Sector of the City Council of Rio Maior, between 1992 and 1993, a trial trench covering the entire grounds of the Villa was opened to evaluate archaeological remains. In 1995, excavations began, in a first phase that lasted until 1999.