Cava do Viriato Urban Regeneration by PROAP – Estudos e Projectos de Arquitectura Paisagista Lda

The project to rehabilitate the monument and the surrounding area of Cava do Viriato continued the actions foreseen by the Polis Programme, which defined the intervention in a territorial space of great diversity that can be divided into three essential areas: Cava do Viriato Monument, Feira Park and Weirs Park. Through these three interventions, the Polis Program aimed to rehabilitate degraded, marginal or disconnected areas from the urban fabric through the proposal of new functions capable of reactivating urban connections and life.

The most striking intervention involved the recovery of Cava do Viriato.

A national monument consisting of a fortress of Roman origin, the Cava do Viriato is one of the most impressive examples of a landscape that has stood for 2.000 years as a perfect hexagon with a side of about 200 metres: a size and scale that was difficult to perceive on the ground, where walking along the embankment, without any indication or reference, did not allow the geometry of the place to be read.

Thus, the intention of the project was to make this extraordinary aspect legible, recognizable and understandable, in one word: measurable. In fact, the key to achieving these goals was the introduction of a rhythmic pathway that, functioning as a metric scale, makes it possible to establish a unit of measurement of space, as well as serving as a unifying element and reading tool for geometric perfection.

During walks along the route, the path (made of regular rectangular stones) marks a constant rhythm that makes it possible to have a clear notion of the distance travelled and, by pointing changes of direction, aids in the perception of the geometry of the Monument.

The path, in its simplicity, facilitates the identification and recognition of a vast, complex and difficult place to relate to the city; it makes it possible to relate different spatial uses and situations, to define equipment that fosters the relationship of continuity between the city and rural spaces; it makes it possible to define new spaces for recreation and living; it allows the effective enhancement of the Cava do Viriato monument.

On a secondary level, the intervention also consisted in creating the means and infrastructure to comfortably visit the site, making the visit a powerful experience and, at the same time, providing a green park for the local population.

It is a project made from a strong but simple concept, clearly defining a space, restoring meaning to it and reconnecting it with its surroundings.
What holds up the project is the idea of the path, which can withstand mistreatment, lack of maintenance, and disinterest on the part of administrations, and this is confirmed by comparing ancient and more recent images: it is quite difficult to distinguish chronology, and all in all, the Monument -once again- has stood the test of time.

• All architecture offices involved in the design:
GB Arquitectos

• Other credits:
BETAR, Lda
Grade Ribeiro, Lda
JOULE, Lda
Sojefer, Lda

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