The dig started back in 2008 and it barely concluded this summer, when the ruin was unearthed alongside a plethora of Roman artifacts.

At the current time the site is covered with plastic sheets meant to protect the walls of what is the ground floor of the ruin. These walls have survived for more than two millennia and measure almost 2.5 metres in height, so it would truly be a shame if modern times would do them in.

The team of archaeologists also had an Alcoutim council member in its midst, Alexandra Gradim, who worked alongside researchers from Innsbruck University, Austria. According to the preliminary analysis this building would have had more than three floors, which means another two floors would’ve been supported by the 2.35 meters high ground floor walls. The building would have looked simply colossal to whoever came across the river, at its probable height of tem meters and width of 13.5 meters.

The building was located on top of a hill, which made it difficult to reach even by modern standards, so the building would’ve been very imposing on the landscape and a clear sign of the economic power of its owner. Considering the size and location of the building it is easy to correlate with Alcoutim and the commercial relationship that arrived via the Guadiana River. The link to the commercial aspect can be inferred from the fact that no remnants of a possible military past were found. What they did find were pieces of pottery and outline of pitchers that came from other places in the Mediterranean, such as Italy and the bay of Cadiz.

The site won’t be available for public visiting any time soon, due to the difficult to reach location as well as the high cost of preserving it for show purposes.

This was the fifth excavation that took place on the side and it helped to shed new light on the monument which covers a whopping 600 square meters. The campaign was made in partnership with the Innsbruck Institute and it relied on help from volunteers from both the University of the Algarve as well as the Algarve Archaeologists Association.

According to a press release, the artifacts found have confirmed the timeline previously established in regards to the site. The castle was occupied for four generations for a period of about 100 years, and parts of the outer walls were destroyed when the region’s municipal road was built.

This fifth excavation surfaced more object than the previous ones, one particular find which deserves special mention is the top half of a Punic amphora made in the Cadiz region of Spain, which was later reused in the castle. Further tests will be conducted to see what its function was.

The Punics were a group of western Semitic-speaking people who are thought to have descended from Phoenician settlers and North African Berbers.

The data that was retrieved as a result of the excavation will be thoroughly analyzed in the months to come and it is expected to offer archaeologists a deeper understanding of this important and ancient monument. The overarching aim of the research is to make it possible to publicly present the Roman building, which dates back to the first or second century BC.

The municipal authority also hope that this research will help put the Castelinho dos Mouros on the region’s cultural map so as to attract more visitors.

Those who want to get  there can easily reach the place with Algarve car hire services.

This is the location of the well-known ‘Pink Palace’ or Estoi Palace as it is officially known, as well as for its nearby Roman ruins.

The ruins used to be an agricultural settlement during the 1^st and 2^nd centuries AD, but then were transformed into a luxurious house with a large bathing complex in the 3^rd century, to then serve as a sanctuary up until de 6^th century.

Visiting the centre of Estoi you’ll see an impressive church built in a mixture of styles: Corinthian columns on the main door entrance, Roman influences on the façade and a Moorish style bell tower. The bottom of the stone steps feature a running spring that comes out of three stone pipes into a solid stone trough with a tiled information plaque.

Off the small square you’ll find a bunch of bars and restaurants which lead to a cobbled street which goes on to rather impressive arched gateway that is part of the Palace.

Estoi features many fine merchant houses with carved stone adorning their doorways and window surrounds. Many have fancy cast iron Juliet balconies which you can see from other small squares where Moorish influences can still be seen.

The town is also host to many huge events just off a side road from the main church. During the months of May and August there are large equestrian shows that can go on well into the night but the town can also take on a medieval feel during these fairs.

The Estoi Palace was built at the end of the 18^th century and is a great example of Neo-Classical architecture featuring a French and Italian feel coupled with furniture from the Louis XVI style.

One of the best ways of visiting the place is by employing some Algarve car hire services.

Tavira Castle

The current castle was built in the 13^th century after the Christina re-conquest of the region, it used to be a Moorish stronghold before that moment, and you can easily understand why once you get there. The stunning panoramic views that it offers of the surrounding countryside means that the defenders in the fortress could see enemy troop movements from afar, nowadays however the place features a wonderful garden inside with shaded benches, how the times have changed.

Roman Ruins in Vilamoura

Vilamoura is the location of a very well-preserved Roman Site with a dedicated Museum meant to privde a great insight into the area’s Roman past. Vilamoura actually started as a Roman fishing town and you can still see the ruins of the baths in which the mariners would bathe.

Roman Ruins in Faro

Staying in the Roman era, Faro is one of the central destinations for Roman-related ruins and history to be found in the Algarve. The old part of the city is actually still surrounded by the Roman walls which date to sometime around the 9^th century, however by that time the town would’ve already been occupied by the Moors so that’s a bit odd and interesting at the same time.

Actually most of the Roman ruins in the region aren’t exactly in Faro, but in Estoi, which is a smaller town located at eleven kilometers from Faro. This is where you can find Roman ruins dating from the first and second centuries AD with thermal baths, columns, mosaics, and a very well-preserved villa.

Keep some Algarve car rental services in mind when visiting the Algarve.

Estoi

This small town is located at only about ten kilometers from Faro, so easily reachable on any day of your holiday, and it is filled with many examples of traditional Algarvean country architecture.

This is a great place for those who are interested in historical sites and Estoi will not disappoint in this regard. You’ll find an old palace with an amazing façade which also features some very picturesque old-style gardens.

Nearby you will find some Roman ruins dating from the first century, a very interesting place however make sure you don’t go there on a public holiday because it will be closed.

Sao Bras de Alportel

This is the definition of a market town, very well to do, located at about ten kilometers from Estoi, set in a wonderful almond growing area. In order to enjoy the area to its maximum you should try to visit from December to early March because that’s when the trees blossom.

The town has a very quaint 15^th century parish Church, featuring a wonderful façade and a great bell tower – featuring some great carving on their inside. The panoramic view from the terrace is quite stunning indeed. The building near the church used to be the bishops’ palace and it features a domed pavilion and a rather elaborate fountain.

Loule

Yet another market town – you’ll find quite a few of these while exploring the Algarve – this is a quite busy place, especially on Saturday mornings. However don’t be mislead by the town’s outskirts, which are very modern, you need to head into the centre to see the old town.

One of the main points of interest should be the picturesque cobbled street of Rua 9 de Abril where you will find crafts workshops where traditional artisans make all sorts of useful things.

You should also check out the Rua Garcia de Horta and if you’re visiting on a hot day, the Jardim dos Amuados.

These are just three of the several lesser known Algarve destinations which you can reach with something as simple as our Algarve car rental services.