Roman Ruins of Milreu

The Roman Ruins of Milreu, classified as a National Monument, are the most prominent evidence of Roman presence in the Algarve, located in Estoi near Faro. Built in the 1st century AD, the luxurious villa rustica features elaborate maritime-themed mosaics, a temple dedicated to a water deity (later converted to a Christian church), thermae, a peristyle courtyard with garden, and wine and oil processing facilities. Discovered in 1877 by archaeologist Estacio da Veiga, the site shows continuous occupation through the 10th century, including use as a cemetery during the Muslim period.