Museu de Lisboa - Teatro Romano

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The theater was rediscovered in 1798 after the Great Lisbon Earthquake destroyed the buildings that had been constructed on top of the ruins.

2. 2

   The seating capacity of the original Roman theater is estimated to have been approximately 4,000 spectators.

3. 3

   Archaeologists identified the site as a theater specifically due to the discovery of three bronze letters belonging to the building's inscription.

4. 4

   The museum site functions as both an indoor exhibition space and an outdoor archaeological park that remains exposed to the local climate.

5. 5

   Reused marble blocks from the theater were found incorporated into the foundations of neighboring houses during excavation.

Overview

The Museu de Lisboa - Teatro Romano preserves the archaeological remains of a Roman theater built during the reign of Augustus in the 1st century AD. Located in the Alfama district, the site showcases the tiered seating (cavea), orchestra, and stage structure of the original venue. The facility integrates an outdoor archaeological excavation with an indoor museum housing artifacts recovered from the site. Visitors can view original architectural elements including stone capitals and sculptures. The museum stands on the southern slope of St. George's Hill, overlooking the Tagus River. The theater was abandoned in the 4th century and later utilized as a quarry and foundation for post-earthquake construction. Modern museum galleries occupy recovered 18th-century buildings that incorporate ancient masonry into their walls.

Insider tips

• Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the uneven stone pathways and metal walkways within the ruins.

• Check for temporary outdoor access restrictions if you are visiting during heavy rain, as the ruins are sensitive to weather conditions.

• Utilize the museum’s guided tours to understand the complex layering of Roman and 18th-century architecture.