Conímbriga, the best preserved Roman settlement in Portugal.
Just an hour’s drive from Bed and Breakfast Casa Traca.
Conímbriga
The ancient Roman city of Conímbriga is one of the richest archaeological finds in Portugal. Conímbriga has its origins at the end of the Iron Age. It was occupied by the Romans from 139 B.C. and the population was completely Romanized. Under Emperor Augustus in the 2nd century AD, the city experienced its greatest splendor.
There are public baths and a forum. With the decline of the empire at the end of the 4th century, a monumental defensive wall was built. Due to wars and battles, Conímbriga fell into decline around 468 AD. The town emptied and the inhabitants moved toward Condeixa-a-Velha, further north.
Conímbriga roman excavations
The Roman excavations of Conímbriga show the complete life the Roman era. Many buildings are no more than ruins but in a lot of foundations and parts you can see with a little imagination the life of the time.
Beautiful mosaics have been preserved. Also the amphitheater, thermal baths, aqueduct and the house with the fountains are still in relatively good condition and beautiful to see. By the way, you have to love walking because if you want to see the whole complex you will be on your way for a while. It is very quiet and there are numerous places where you can sit on the stones. Take in the surroundings in silence and go back in time.
There is so much to tell but the museum has a comprehensive website where you can find all the information and maps.
Museu Monográfico de Conimbriga – Museu Nacional
The monographic Museum of Conimbriga – National Museum, is more than just the Roman excavations. You will also find an indoor area with the most beautiful preserved mosaics of the fountains. There is a restaurant and a natural area, outdoor area of Conímbriga which all belongs to the complex.
There is also a museum where numerous excavations are displayed. You get a good impression of how people made tools, pottery dishes and agricultural implements.
What are the opening hours of Museu Monográfico de Conimbriga?
Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, July 24 and December 25.
Do I need to book in advance to visit Museu Monográfico de Conimbriga?
No it is not necessary but you must buy a ticket to visit the ruins and the museum. You can buy a ticket up to 45 minutes before closing time.
Start your Portugal round trip in Central Portugal and you’ll never want to leave! In a one-hour drive around Bed and Breakfast Casa Traca you will find so much beauty to see. From Conímbriga to the Atlantic Ocean at Figueira da Foz to the Serra da Estrela, the waterfalls of Fraga da Pena and the xisto village of Piódão.
