Santiago Da Guarda: Roman Mosaics and Windmills

Santiago da Guarda brings Roman archaeology, historic buildings and scenic routes together in one destination. Key landmarks include the Paço dos Vasconcelos, the Roman villa, and the PR6 ANS – Rota do Vento and PR2 ANS – Rota Romana trails. Their routes differ: the PR6 starts beside the Complexo Monumental and leads to windmills and a viewpoint; the PR2 leads to Santiago da Guarda and the complex with the Roman villa.

Roman Heritage and Historic Buildings

The Paço dos Vasconcelos in Santiago da Guarda is classified as a National Monument. Archaeological work at the Paço uncovered 17 polychrome Roman mosaic floors dating from the 4th to 5th centuries. The Roman villa of Santiago da Guarda was discovered in 2002 and, together with the manor house, forms a monumental complex. The dates refer to different events: 2002 is the year the villa was discovered, while the 4th to 5th centuries refer to the mosaic floors.

The historic buildings also include the Solar dos Condes de Castelo Melhor. It dates from the 16th to 19th centuries and is one of the rare secular buildings associated with the support of the Way of St James routes. The former Paço dos Vasconcelos was fitted with vertical accessways and mezzanine floors so it could serve as a viewpoint over the landscape.

Routes Between Cultural Sites and Landscapes

The PR6 ANS – Rota do Vento starts beside the Complexo Monumental de Santiago da Guarda. It passes the Nossa Senhora da Orada Chapel and the Casa Museu dos Fósseis, as well as three windmills and a viewpoint overlooking one of the rare agricultural plains in the Concelho de Ansião.

The PR2 ANS – Rota Romana leads to Santiago da Guarda; on arrival, visitors reach the Complexo Monumental and the Roman villa. Its named highlights include climbing the tower and viewing Roman mosaic panels. The PR6 starts beside the Complexo Monumental and leads to three windmills and a viewpoint; the PR2 leads to Santiago da Guarda and lists climbing the tower and viewing Roman mosaic panels as highlights.

Fossils, Crafts and Regional Cuisine

The Sicó Fossil Museum is located in Granja, Santiago da Guarda. Its permanent exhibition on marine fossils from the Sicó area opened in 2006. Its subject is therefore distinct from that of the Roman mosaics: the museum represents the area's fossils, while the Paço and villa tell the story of its archaeological past.

The Moinhos do Outeiro in Santiago da Guarda are also part of the area's cultural history: they were among the windmills reconstructed as important heritage. Weaving and basketry are Santiago da Guarda's most representative crafts.

The cuisine of the Concelho de Ansião is part of the region's character and is associated with meat, wine, olive oil and typical cheeses. Queijaria Prado da Sicó has a sales outlet in Santiago da Guarda: Rua do Cemitério, No. 81, 3240-690 Ansião.

Discover more destinations: Alvorge, Ateanha, Avelar.

For the main travel overview: Ansião.