Villa di Sant'Imbenia, Roman villa at Porto Conte gulf, Alghero, Italy
Villa di Sant'Imbenia is a Roman residential complex located on the Porto Conte gulf near Alghero, consisting of around 50 rooms arranged around a central courtyard. The rooms featured mosaic floors and marble decorations that reflected the wealth and status of its inhabitants.
The complex was built in the 1st century AD as a residential villa for a wealthy family and remained inhabited throughout the Roman Imperial period. It was eventually abandoned and lay buried under sediment for centuries until excavations began in 1994 to uncover its remains.
The residential complex displays Mediterranean architectural elements and decorative patterns that match the standards of Roman patrician residences. Visitors can still see how these design principles shaped the layout of the rooms and the arrangement of spaces around the central courtyard.
The site lies directly on the coast at Porto Conte and is best reached by local transport or car since the nearest town of Alghero is several kilometers away. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear as the excavation areas have uneven ground and partially exposed foundations.
Excavations revealed specialized water basins and storage areas where copper ingots and bronze tools were discovered, suggesting the complex was involved in trade and craft work. These finds indicate the villa served not only as a residence but also as a center for economic activity.
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