"Idanha-a-Velha Historical Village" Idanha-a-Velha by bambino36

Idanha-a-Velha Travel Guide: 7 reviews and 29 photos

Roman ruins, Idanha-a-Velha - Idanha-a-Velha

From the latin Igaeditanea, it changed to the medieval form, Egitânea; this evolved to Eidãia, which later took the current form Idanha.
The village was founded by the romans in the end of the 1st century BC. Located on the right bank of the Ponsul river, it's one of the most ancient villages in Portugal, it was a Civitas seat and an important crossing of the old road from Mérida to Braga.
During the barbarian invasions it was destroyed and later restored by the Visigods. The islam invasion again destroyed it and after the reconquest it was restored several times.
The final desertification occured when a terrible plague of ants, during 100 years, forced the population to leave the village, many of them established in Monsanto and Idanha-a-Nova.
Only the millenarian ruins, melted with the houses, persist to stand up.
Today, it's a small deserted village that keeps a remarkable cultural heritage.

Last visit to Idanha-a-Velha: Sep 2004
Intro Updated Dec 9, 2004
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Reviews (4)

Lagar das Varas, Idanha-a-Velha - Idanha-a-Velha

Lagar das Varas Things to Do (4)

An important building for the industrial archaeology. This press was used to do olive oil. more travel advice

Sé Catedral, Idanha-a-Velha - Idanha-a-Velha

Sé Catedral Things to Do (4)

The original cathedral dates from the first times of Cristianity. It was destroyed for five times and restored again for... more travel advice

Roman Bridge, Idanha-a-Velha - Idanha-a-Velha

The Roman Bridge Things to Do (4)

This bridge, of roman origin, over the Pônsul River, was a very important connection link for the old road between... more travel advice

Porta Norte, Idanha-a-Velha - Idanha-a-Velha

Porta Norte (Northern Entrance) Things to Do (4)

This was the entrance to the village... more travel advice

Comments (2)

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Bwana_Brown Sep 29, 2004 at 7:48 PM

Truly amazing that the old Roman bridge is still useable 2000 years later! I wish we could make things last that long!
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micas_pt Sep 26, 2004 at 4:21 AM

ahah, o jipe era um enviado dos deuses, de certeza!! Nunca visitei, ...