Villa of Torre de Palma, Roman archaeological site in Vaiamonte, Portugal
Torre de Palma is an extensive Roman residential complex in Vaiamonte featuring living quarters, thermal baths, and an early Christian basilica. The overall layout reveals the structure of a wealthy household with rich mosaic decorations throughout.
The site was discovered in 1947 by a farmer and served as home to a Roman family called Basilios between the 2nd and 4th centuries. The location documents the shift from Roman to early Christian use in this region.
The uncovered mosaics display detailed scenes from Greco-Roman mythology, especially the renowned Horses Mosaic with names of racing steeds from that time. The artworks offer a glimpse into the preferences and daily life of the wealthy family who lived here.
The site is reachable by car, though you will need to drive on an unpaved road to the entrance and should wear proper footwear. It helps to allow time for walking around the grounds, and take care during rainy periods when the terrain can become slippery.
The basilica contains a baptistery shaped like a Lorraine cross with two opposing staircases of four steps each. This design appears only in a few other places such as Palestine and North Africa.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
