The Historical Village of Idanha-a-Velha

Territories in times occupied by peoples as distinct as the Romans, Muslims or Visigoths, the Historical Villages of Portugal still have traces of these epochs. Visiting them is, therefore, like entering a time machine. Idanha-a-Velha, one of the 12 Historical Villages of Portugal, is one of the villages with the greatest historical heritage. In fact, the set of ruins between walls in Idanha-a-Velha is so rich that this village occupies a place of emphasis in the context of the archaeological stations of Portugal and even of Europe.

The Historical Village of Idanha-a-Velha emerged from a city of Roman foundation, which later became episcopal seat under Suevi and Visigoth rule. It was occupied by Muslims in the XIII century and reconquered by Christians in the XII century. In the XIII century, it was donated to the Order of the Temple.

It is not surprising, therefore, the remarkable collection of ruins and vestiges of various eras and peoples found in this Historical Village.

In Idanha-a-Velha, there is for example, one of the largest and most representative Roman epigraphic collections of Portugal , collected at various stages of archaeological exploration. The Epigraphic Archive, located in the backyard of the old olive oil mill in the village, includes 86 pieces, a total of 210 collected in the village, through an interactive course where technology explains and contextualises the exposed pieces.

It is therefore worth discovering this village full of mysticism, where so many people lived and fell in lovewith it- from which we also left, in love with the beauty of a place ... that is unique!