 The ruins were discovered in 1877 by Portuguese archaeologist Estácio da Veiga.The late-19th-century excavations by da Veiga made it possible to unravel mosaic works that were buried beneath the dwelling, as well as wine-processing facilities.On June the 1st, 1992, the property was placed under the protection of the "Instituto Português do Património Arquitetónico" ("Portuguese Institute for Architectural Patrimony").