Roman City of Ammaia

The Roman City of Ammaia, located in Portugal's Alentejo region near Marvão, is a significant but often overlooked archaeological site. It was a prosperous city in the province of Lusitania and provides a glimpse into ancient Roman civilization with its well-preserved ruins and history that dates back to the 1st century AD.

Exploring Ammaia, visitors see the foundations of a city that was once full of life. Excavations have uncovered structures like a forum, baths, a bridge, and parts of the city walls that offer a real connection to ancient daily life. Ammaia is thought to have been abandoned, which adds mystery to its ruins.

The Museum of Ammaia displays artifacts found at the site, including mosaics and coins, offering insight into the city’s past economies and designs. The museum is small but informative, ideal for understanding the site before seeing the ruins.

Local guides offer tours that explain the site's importance along trade routes and its place in regional politics. Visitors learn that Ammaia was a municipium, a self-governing city within the Roman Empire.

While Ammaia may not be as large as other European Roman ruins, it is notable for its quiet atmosphere and the details visible in what remains. Walking through the site, one might find well-preserved sections of a Roman road, part of an extensive network that covered the empire.

The best time to visit is in spring or fall when the weather is mild with temperatures between 15-20°C (59-68°F), which is more comfortable than the hot summer. Wear comfortable shoes as the ground is uneven and filled with history.