Roman villa of Ammaia

Ammaia is an ancient Roman city in Portugal, whose remains lie in the civil parish of São Salvador da Aramenha, in the municipality of Marvão, Portalegre district. The ruins sit inside the Serra de São Mamede Nature Park, a mountainous and forested region right next to the Spanish border. It is one of the most important Roman sites in the northern Alentejo.

What was Ammaia?

In the 1st century AD Ammaia was a thriving town that drew its wealth from the farmland around it, above all olive oil, wine and cereals. Around 44–45 AD, under Emperor Claudius, the settlement received the status of civitas, an officially recognised urban community. The city covered up to about 25 hectares, and its population may have been larger than that of modern Marvão, with estimates of 5,000 to 6,000 people.

What can you see on site?

Most of the city still lies underground. Even so, several parts of the ancient town have been uncovered: the southern town entrance, a house, the forum and the baths. Near the forum, archaeologists found a small public bath complex. Finds include everyday Roman objects such as coins, pottery and glass.

The museum at Quinta do Deão

The most interesting discoveries from Ammaia are displayed in the museum at Quinta do Deão. It is a good place to start a visit, because the exhibits help you picture a city that is mostly invisible at ground level. Ticket income supports continuing archaeological and conservation work.

History of the excavations

Traces of the ancient city were noted as early as the 19th century, but systematic digging only began in 1994. Since then the site has been uncovered step by step, and knowledge of the town keeps growing.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Ammaia? In São Salvador da Aramenha, municipality of Marvão, Portalegre district, Portugal. The site lies between Castelo de Vide and Marvão.

Will I see the whole city? No. Most buildings remain underground, but the exposed areas, including the forum and baths, give a good sense of a Roman town's layout.

When was the city founded? It flourished in the 1st century AD and gained civitas status under Claudius, around 44–45 AD.

Is there a museum? Yes, at Quinta do Deão, showing the best finds from the excavations.

Who is it for? Anyone interested in Roman history on the Iberian Peninsula, and travellers exploring the Serra de São Mamede who want to combine nature with archaeology.