Aerial view of Milreu
The residence of a rich man, an important Roman personality whose name is a mystery. And yet a special white house.
There are over 30 rustic villages in the Algarve. None compare with Milreu.
It was in the late nineteenth century that, thanks to the archaeologist (and writer) Algarvio Estácio da Veiga, ruins of the times of Roman Empire – that are national monument Since 1910.
Milreu is a little north of Faro, just over 10 kilometers from the capital of the district. THE agriculture It was important not local, but fishing It was also essential.
The Center for Buildings was busy, Continuously, from the first century to the 11th century AD.
Archaeologists excavations discovered several findings Historicals, among marine -themed mosaics, painted stucco, sculptures and marbles.
In milreu there are funeral head slaves next to the dry river. The names of the families of their masters of that time are not known.
At home Branca
In Milreu there is also a very visible White House. The rural house, a rectangular plant building, was being changed several times in different stages.
It was a dwelling until the mid -twentieth century. An imposing, white rural house, still very arranged today – but the Original building is from the fifteenth century, based on Roman structures.
Has cylindrical towers with crack For residents to defend themselves from attacks in other times.
And the excavations revealed a Roman underground – For almost 500 years the house hid its roots.
Someone important
Milreu had its peak between the III and IV centuries. There they lived families of high social and political statusthat were not for normal rural life; They had comfort, probably until a playful day.
In the fourth century a sanctuary. A religious structure that later served as a place of cult of Christians and Islamists. The temple was the highest and most imposing building of the village, which today remains ruins.
A well -designed work with top artists, probably.
Thus it is assumed that Milreu was the home of a important Roman personality, that was linked to Management of the former city of Ossónoba (today, Faro). A very rich man – the name is not known.
João Pedro Bernardes, a professor at the University of Algarve, adds in: “It had great properties, where part of its performance was.
A fishing and the Fish Trade They were the most profitable activities on site.
O abandonment From Milreu began in the tenth century, after the fall of the vaults of such an imposing building – which, however, Muslims had turned into a cemetery.
Nuno Teixeira da Silva, Zap //
