Ruinas Romanas de Milreu, Algarve

Explore the Roman site of Milreu while in Faro, Algarve.

Milreu Roman Site
© Câmara Municipal de Faro

If you want to travel back in time to Roman times, don’t miss the Milreu Roman Site: an imposing Roman villa from the IAD, and just 9 kilometers from Faro!

Mosaicos
© Câmara Municipal de Faro

This villa is characterized by the uniquely-shaped peristilo surrounded by a columned patio. Several mosaics with fish and geometric motifs were found in the surrounding rooms.

There is a complex network of rooms used as Roman baths: the apodyterium, changing rooms with domed alcoves and massage tables; the frigidarium, with a marble pool; and a pool with a precious fish mosaic. The luxurious nature of the villa is evidenced by the existence of an underground heating system and marble sculptures, although these have been moved to Faro and Lagos, where they can be seen today.

Nearby the entrance, don’t miss the “Sanctuary to the Water:” a temple devoted to the worship of water. It’s interior is decorated with polychrome marble slabs, and the exterior, with fish mosaics. Towards the late 4th century, around the time of the collapse of the Roman empire, the temple was transformed into a church and featured a baptismal font and small mausoleum. Afterwards, in the 8th century, it was turned into a mosque. Then, in the 10th century, earthquakes caused its sinking and, finally, in the 15th century, the contemporary house was built.

Three imperial busts were also found in this location: Agrippina from the I AD, Hadrian from the II AD, and Gallienus in the III AD.

More information:

Location:

Estoi, Faro.

Ticket Price:

Children under 12: Free admission

General admission: €2

Disabled visitors, students, youth card holders, and seniors: €1

Family ticket (4 or more related individuals or 2 adults with children): €1

Free admission on Sundays and holidays before 14:00

Opening Hours:

May through September: From 10:00 to 18:00

October through April: From 9:00 to 17:00

Closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 7 September, and 25 December

Telephone:

(+351) 289 997 823.

Recommended Excursions:

Mapa Interactivo:

Other worth-visiting nearby towns and cities:

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Portugal Travel is an organization of Portuguese agencies whose objectives are:

✓ To make Portugal, its culture and its heritage known.
✓ To promote sustainable tourism.

In collaboration with:

Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril

Turismo de Portugal