Basílica Do Rossio Do Carmo

DESCRIPTION AND FORMAL ANALYSIS

In the late 19th century, archaeologist Estácio da Veiga had revealed the archaeological importance of Rossio do Carmo. In the 1980s, an on-site excavation uncovered the structures of an old funerary basilica, which was occupied between the 5th and the 8th centuries, as well as dozens of graves from the same period and from the Islamic period (late 8th century-1st half of the 13th century).

The works to preserve the site included the construction of a building to integrate the structures of the old basilica and several graves, some of which are still sealed, and to display an important collection of tombstones and other items such as a buckle, earrings, lamps, and other ceramic objects.

The ancient Basilica was located outside the town walls, besides the old road that connected the town to Beja. It had 3 naves with 7 bays separated by columns and 2 semicircular opposing apses, emphasised in relation with the body of the building. The building was used for burials inside and on the surroundings. The graves were made in pits excavated into the rock, covered in mortar and, in some cases, marked with a tombstone. The study of these tombstones enable us to date the occupation of the site between the years 462 and 729.

VIRGILIO LOPES