Idanha-a-Velha Historic Village in Central Portugal
The site of first Visigothic cathedral built on the Iberian peninsula, Idanha-a-Velha is now a small village in Central Portugal, with less than 100 inhabitants. This humble village sits on top of what was once the city of Egitania, previously home to thousands. The Romans settled here from as early as 16 AD. King Wamba and Pope Damasus were both born here and King Roderick was buried here. The Romans left their mark on Idanha a Velha (Old Idanha) and one of the main reasons to visit is to marvel at fantastically well preserved wall around the village, the best example of it’s kind in the Iberian Peninsula. The tiny village also holds the largest collection of carved Roman stones in Europe.
Chaos was excited to see if there were any Knights or Roman remains, Mayhem was just happy to explore. We marched along the walkway like legionnaires, over the village walls and marvelled at the magnificent views of the Portuguese campo surrounding the village. The boys were treated to some figs by a local, picking from the huge tree outside her house. A little further into the walled village we came across the cafe with a giant Mulberry tree outside. This village is an incredible step back in time, the Roman bridge over the river Ponsul alone is over 2000 years old. There is a map of the area and other local walk leaflets available at the village tourist information office and next to the office is a restored Olive mill housing a collection of contemporary art. Idanha a Velha is one of Portugals twelve official ‘Historic villages’ and a wonderful place to spend an hour or two exploring, admiring the work of the ever skilful Roman engineers and the magnificent countryside views.
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Fantastic bridge! I am a lover of Roman ruins and any time there are ruins to be seen, we stop!
Oh wow, those are some wonderful Romain remains. I can see why the village of such significance, eve if underpopulated these days. #MySundayphoto
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Doesn’t it blow your mind a little bit when you realise how old everything is? Looks like an amazing place to visit. #MySundayPhoto
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I love all the historic areas when we go off exploring, what a lovely find this is.
Looks like a fascinating place. lovely shots!
Thank you Karen!
Great collection of photos, I love the final one…so creative
Thank you for linking up
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Thank you for hosting and stopping by to comment!
Blimey the Romans just got absolutely everywhere didn’t they? And 16AD is so ancient!
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The Romans really did get everywhere, those guys really knew how to build stuff too!
I love old Roman places to explore like this – great pictures and it looks amazing! #PointShoot
Thanks Vicki it’s a great place to explore, the history is just amazing!
That looks like an amazing place to visit! So much history to take in! #pointshoot
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It really is so full of history it feels like you are breathing it in!
looks a fascinating place to explore, I do love finding the history of places X #pointshoot
Thank you, it’s a fascinating place!
Living history what an amazing place to visit! I want to go to Portugal now Thank you for linking up to #PointShoot 📸
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Thanks, it is a very beautiful country
Thanks for commenting and hosting! Portugal is a fabulous country, hope you get a chance to visit one day!
Sounds like a very interesting place to visit. Great photos xx #pointshoot
Thanks, we are interested to go back to the Visigoth church and have a look inside next time
Thank you Hayley!