Villa Romana de Cardilio is an archaeological site in Torres Novas, in Portugal’s Santarém district. The Roman villa was occupied from the 1st to the 4th centuries AD, and a surviving mosaic preserves the names of Cardílio and Avita.
- Location: E.M. de Santo António da Caveira, 2 km from Torres Novas.
- Site type: Roman villa archaeological site.
- Heritage status: National Monument.
- Opening hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday
The Roman site and its setting
Villa Romana de Cardilio stands outside Torres Novas, at E.M. de Santo António da Caveira. Portugal’s cultural heritage inventory identifies it as an archaeological site of the villa type and places it 2 km from the town.
The villa’s long period of occupation, from the 1st to the 4th centuries AD, places the site within the Roman history of the region. Its location makes it a distinct stop for exploring Roman remains near Torres Novas.
What remains at Cardilio
A surviving mosaic is among the site’s documented remains. It bears the effigies and names of two people identified as owners of the complex: Cardílio and Avita.
The site is classified as a Monumento Nacional, or National Monument. That classification was made under Decree No. 47 508, published in Portugal’s official gazette in 1967.
Planning access to the ruins
The heritage inventory gives the site’s address as E.M. de Santo António da Caveira, 2 km from Torres Novas. From Made Inn Entroncamento, the ruins are about a 15-minute drive.
Opening arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go. For a different kind of local heritage, Grutas de Lapas and its caves near Entroncamento offer another subject to explore.
Combining Cardilio with nearby history
Torres Novas offers another history stop in the Museu Municipal Carlos Reis guide. You can pair the museum with the Roman site when planning a visit around Torres Novas.
FAQs
Where is Villa Romana de Cardilio?
The archaeological site is at E.M. de Santo António da Caveira, 2 km from Torres Novas, in Portugal’s Santarém district.
How old is Villa Romana de Cardilio?
The villa was occupied between the 1st and 4th centuries AD.
What can you see at the Roman ruins?
A surviving mosaic bears the effigies and names of Cardílio and Avita, identified as owners of the complex.
Does Villa Romana de Cardilio have set opening hours?
Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday. Check the official site before you go for current opening arrangements.