Ruínas de Conímbriga

Historic Site in Coimbra

Conímbriga, once a Celtic castro of the Conii tribe during the late Iron Age, is now recognized as one of the most significant archaeological sites in Portugal. Following the Roman occupation in 139 BC, the town became entirely Romanized, achieving its peak under Emperor Augustus during the 2nd century AD with the construction of a forum and public baths – both of which are reimagined in the museum.

As the Roman Empire began to decline in the late 4th century, Conímbriga built a monumental defensive wall which was ultimately unsuccessful in preventing an attack by the Swabians in 468 AD. Subsequently, the town was abandoned, and its inhabitants relocated further north to Condeixa-a-Velha.

Notable 20th-century excavations unearthed an intricate collection of structures, including a network of baths, a 3,400-meter aqueduct, and the remains of a Christian basilica believed to date back to the 6th century.

Visitors are sure to be impressed by the elegant homes, which feature remarkably preserved multicolored mosaic floors. Among them, the House of Cantaber, a typical 3rd-century residence, is one of the largest of its kind in the western Roman world. Additionally, the Casa dos Repuxos (House of Fountains), with its 569 square meters of mosaic floor, is adorned with depictions of mythological scenes and everyday life. Its unique central peristyle is decorated with ornamental flower beds and water jets.

The Ruínas de Conímbriga appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Coimbra!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!