Alto River

The Alto River area in Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal, is home to notable archaeological remains, particularly the ruins of a Roman villa known as Villa Mendo. Situated near the mouth of the Alto River, the site features remnants of domestic structures that were part of a once-thriving settlement during the Late Classical Period. The villa was likely abandoned around the beginning of the early years of Portugal, around the 11th century CE. The area's archaeological significance is heightened by the discovery of Castro culture artifacts, including jewels, gold, and silver, found in the vicinity. These findings suggest the presence of a rich cultural history and interactions between different periods and cultures. The site is an important testament to the Roman influence in the Iberian Peninsula and the transitions into the Early Post-Classical Period.