The museum contains a section of the ancient Roman aqueduct of Bracara Augusta within its site perimeter.
The collection features one of the most significant groups of Roman milestones found in Europe.
Artifacts on display include items from the Castro culture, representing the pre-Roman Iron Age inhabitants of the region.
The museum is named after D. Diogo de Sousa, the 16th-century Archbishop of Braga who significantly influenced the city's urban landscape.
The architectural design incorporates natural lighting to emphasize the texture and detail of ancient stone sculptures.
The Museu de Arqueologia D. Diogo de Sousa houses an extensive collection of archaeological finds from the Braga region, spanning from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages. It is recognized as one of the most important archaeological museums in Portugal, particularly for its Roman-era artifacts recovered from the former Bracara Augusta. The museum building was specifically designed to integrate a prominent section of a Roman aqueduct that once supplied the city. Permanent displays highlight the evolution of human occupation in the region through tools, ceramics, and sculpture. A highlight is the vast collection of Roman milestones, which are among the best-preserved in the Iberian Peninsula. The museum serves as a critical research center for local history and cultural heritage. It is located in the civil parish of São José de São Lázaro e São João do Souto. The institution frequently hosts temporary exhibitions alongside its primary archaeological circuit.
The elevated viewing platform overlooking the reconstructed Roman aqueduct section.
Prioritize viewing the outdoor section containing the Roman aqueduct segments.
Allocate time to read the placards in the Roman milestones gallery for insight into the ancient road networks.
Check the official website before visiting to see if any temporary exhibitions align with your specific historical interests.
Do not overlook the garden area, as it often contains smaller stone fragments and architectural elements that are easy to miss.
Closed on Mondays and certain public holidays.
