Museu Nacional de Conímbriga
National museum beside the ruins of the Roman city of Conímbriga, with about 1,500 objects and mosaics preserved on site.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museu Nacional de Conímbriga opened in 1962 as the Museu Monográfico de Conímbriga, under the direction of João Manuel Bairrão Oleiro, and was classified as a national museum in 2017. The idea arose in 1940, at the height of the excavations directed by Vergílio Correia, and the museum was intended to display the materials collected in the Roman city since the first trial trenches in 1899.
The ruins have been known since the 16th century. The Instituto de Coimbra began their study in 1873, systematic excavations started in 1929, and the State acquired most of the land in 1930. The site was classified as a National Monument in 1910. The museum space broadly corresponds to the area of the ancient city, which is only partly on display.
The permanent exhibition brings together about 1,500 objects and is inseparable from the visitable area of the ruins, about three hectares. It shows everyday objects, the monumental forum, the wealth of the grand houses, trade, religion and the Suevic-Visigothic presence. The mosaics preserved on site and the Casa dos Repuxos, with a garden peristyle, a pool and water games, stand out.
Highlights
- Ruins of the Roman city of Conímbriga, with about three hectares open to visitors
- Mosaics preserved on site
- Casa dos Repuxos, with a garden peristyle and water games
- Permanent exhibition with about 1,500 objects
- Model of the forum and objects of everyday Roman life
Permanent exhibitions
- Exposição permanente – About 1,500 objects on everyday life, the forum, the wealthy houses, trade and religion of the Roman city, and the Suevic-Visigothic presence.
- Ruínas romanas de Conímbriga – A route through about three hectares of the Roman city, with baths, grand houses and mosaics in situ, including the Casa dos Repuxos.
- Founded
- 1962
- Operated by
- Museus e Monumentos de Portugal, E.P.E.
- Director
- Vítor Dias
- Visitors per year
- approx. 132,004
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Groups | –School groups enter free, with advance booking and a declaration from the institution. |
Free admission for residents of Portugal under the Acesso 52 initiative.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum has no architectural barriers preventing access for people with reduced mobility, but the ruins are not yet suitable for such visits. There are accessible toilets next to the shop and the ticket office, and a wheelchair can be borrowed on request.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Buses from Coimbra to Conímbriga (SIT-RC); by train, the Linha do Norte to Coimbra-B and a bus or taxi connection via Condeixa-a-Nova.
By car, via the A1 and IC2 (exit at Condeixa-a-Nova, signposted for Conímbriga), via the IC3 and IC8 (with signposted access near Condeixa-a-Velha) or via the A13.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
Shop, restaurant, documentation centre and library, and auditorium.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Requests to hire spaces should be sent to info@museusemonumentos.pt.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The education service organises free guided visits for schools, to be booked at least two weeks in advance by email (se.mnconimbriga@conimbriga.pt), and guided visits for the general public. The audio guide works with QR codes posted in the rooms. |
