Photo: Joseolgon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Museu de Arqueologia D. Diogo de Sousa

Archaeology museum in Braga, built over the remains of the ancient Bracara Augusta, with Roman milestones, mosaics in situ and collections from the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.

Opening hoursAdmission €5 Wheelchair accessible

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About the museum

The museum was created by decree in 1918 as a museum of archaeology and art, but for decades it operated irregularly. In 1980 it was reorganised as the Museu Regional de Arqueologia, with responsibility for the defence and safeguarding of the archaeological heritage of the north of the country. It opened to the public in its present purpose-built premises on 29 June 2007.

The building stands on an archaeological site known as Cavalariças (the Stables). There a Roman house of the 1st century was identified, with two large two-colour mosaic panels that can be visited, while other Roman structures remain preserved underground as an archaeological reserve. The premises also include conservation and restoration areas, a specialised library, a shop, a garden and an auditorium.

The exhibition route follows the occupation of the territory, from pre- and proto-history (Palaeolithic to Iron Age, with rock art) to the Roman period, with the urban space of Bracara Augusta, the road network, death and religion, and then the Middle Ages. The collection includes 21 Roman milestones, classified as a National Monument, displayed in the museum and in the Jardim dos Miliários, and a room dedicated to the Bühler-Brockhaus donation.

Highlights

Roman mosaics in situ in a 1st-century house
21 Roman milestones classified as a National Monument
Jardim dos Miliários
Route from prehistory to the Middle Ages
Room of the Bühler-Brockhaus donation
Bracara Augusta: urban space, roads, death and religion

Permanent exhibitions

Pré e Proto-História – Route from the Palaeolithic to the Iron Age, with rock art, showing human occupation of the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.
Época Romana – Bracara Augusta, its urban space, road network, death and religion, with the Roman milestones and the mosaics in situ.
Idade Média – Section dedicated to the Braga territory in the Middle Ages.

Founded: 1918
Operated by: Museus e Monumentos de Portugal

Admission & discounts

Adults	€5
Reduced	€2.50Visitors aged 65 or over, young people aged 13 to 24, families with at least one adult and one child, and holders of the Passaporte Braga.
Children & teens	freefree up to age 11 · Children under 12, accompanied by an adult, enter free.
Seniors	€2.50From age 65.
Visitors with disabilities	freecompanion free · Visitors with a disability and one companion enter free.
Students & apprentices	–Teachers and students on a documented school visit enter free.
Groups	–Guided visits and organised groups may have specific conditions; it is recommended to contact the museum before booking.
Families	€2.50Families with at least one adult and one child benefit from the reduced ticket.

Free admission: Residents of Portugal have free admission on 52 days a year, on a day of the visitor's choice, on presentation of proof.

Free admission for several groups, including unemployed residents of the European Union, researchers and museum and heritage professionals on duty, and volunteer firefighters, on presentation of proof.