Archaeological Site of Alto da Vigia: Difference between revisions
Little is known about the intervening years, although a Moorish settlement occupied the lands sometime in the 12th century. The group eventually disappeared, and the area was abandoned. Much of the stonework was used by locals to build their own residences or used in public construction.
Little is known about the intervening years, although a Moorish settlement occupied the lands sometime in the 12th century. The group eventually disappeared, and the area was abandoned. Much of the stonework was used by locals to build their own residences or used in public construction.
The re-discovery of these ruins date back to Valentim Fernandes in 1505; and [[Francisco de Holanda]], around 1541, with the latter including designs and observations of the structures, which he observed were a Roman sanctuary.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lisboaromana.pt/imovel/santuario-alto-da-vigia|title=Santuário (Alto da Vigia)|website=www.lisboaromana.pt}} The identification of these ruins, corresponded to the first archeological discovery in Portugal. Its importance was largely recognized by the number of local, national and international visitors during the Renaissance. Among the illustrious visitors were members of the Portuguese Royal Family, namely King D. [[Manuel I of Portugal|Manuel]], and later, the Infante D. Luís, brother of King D. [[João III of Portugal|John III]].
The re-discovery of these ruins date back to Valentim Fernandes in 1505; and [[Francisco de Holanda]], around 1541, with the latter including designs and observations of the structures, which he observed were a Roman sanctuary.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lisboaromana.pt/imovel/santuario-alto-da-vigia|title=Santuário (Alto da Vigia)|website=www.lisboaromana.pt}} The identification of these ruins, corresponded to the first archeological discovery in Portugal. Its importance was largely recognized by the number of local, national and international visitors during the Renaissance. Among the illustrious visitors were members of the Portuguese , namely King D. [[Manuel I of Portugal|Manuel]], and later, the Infante D. Luís, brother of King D. [[João III of Portugal|John III]].
These descriptions suggest that the site was visitable during the 16th century, at a time when the structures were largely submerged in the sand. Yet, local memory helped the stories to continue, and the existence of a Roman sanctuary along the Sintra coast remained in the minds of locals, even as its specific location could not be identified. Various studies and scientific work finally identified its presence on a small hilltop escarpment overlooking the Praia das Maçãs, known locally as the ”Alto da Vigia” and ”Alconchel”. A team from the [[Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas]] began excavations in 2008, alongside a tower structure, unearthing a monumental Roman sanctuary.{{Cite web|url=https://cm-sintra.pt/atualidade/cultura/visita-ao-sitio-arqueologico-do-alto-da-vigia|title=Visita ao sítio arqueológico do Alto da Vigia|website=cm-sintra.pt}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.uniarq.net/alexandregoncalves.html|title=Alexandre Gonçalves|website=uniarq}}
These descriptions suggest that the site was visitable during the 16th century, at a time when the structures were largely submerged in the sand. Yet, local memory helped the stories to continue, and the existence of a Roman sanctuary along the Sintra coast remained in the minds of locals, even as its specific location could not be identified. Various studies and scientific work finally identified its presence on a small hilltop escarpment overlooking the Praia das Maçãs, known locally as the ”Alto da Vigia” and ”Alconchel”. A team from the [[Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas]] began excavations in 2008, alongside a tower structure, unearthing a monumental Roman sanctuary.{{Cite web|url=https://cm-sintra.pt/atualidade/cultura/visita-ao-sitio-arqueologico-do-alto-da-vigia|title=Visita ao sítio arqueológico do Alto da Vigia|website=cm-sintra.pt}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.uniarq.net/alexandregoncalves.html|title=Alexandre Gonçalves|website=uniarq}}
==Architecture==
==Architecture==
The site is situated above cliffs overlooking the beach of Praia das Maçãs, on barren lands. The complex includes a Roman sanctuary and a tower dating from the 16th century. In addition, there were also identified vestiges from the Islamic epoch, totally unknown until their discovery, although the toponymy ”Alconchel” (”al-concilium”) may have alluded to its presence.
The site is situated above cliffs overlooking the beach of Praia das Maçãs, on barren lands. The complex includes a Roman sanctuary and a tower dating from the 16th century. In addition, there were also identified vestiges from the Islamic epoch, totally unknown until…
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