The Roman Theater Museum and the archeological site which keeps the ruins of the edifice are two of the major proofs of Lisbon’s importance in the age of the Roman Antiquity, nationwide and at continental scale alike. The museum proper was set up in view of preserving and disseminating the essential information on the Roman patrimony by means of state-of-the-art technologies and devices (touch screen devices, multimedia and videos).

Most theories concur the theater is highly likely to have been built under Augustus (1st century BC) and then renovated in the time of Nero (the mid 1st century AD), such as to accommodate some 5,000 spectators. The venue must have been put out of use in the 4th century AD, and the 1755 earthquake threw it into complete oblivion, covering it with rubble. It was no sooner than the 1960s that the archeological excavations brought back to light the ruins of this important historical landmark of Lisbon.

The site proper still contains most of the remains, but the most important traces are kept within the museum: columns, inscriptions, statues. Obviously, the Roman Theater Museum is an ideal sight for tourists who want to get a deeper insight into the early roots of the city of Lisbon and understand its subsequent historical trajectory.

Admission to this museum is free.

Name:
Roman Theater Museum (Museu Teatro Romano)
Address:
Patio de Aljube, Lisbon, Portugal
Telephone:
00351 218 820320
Email:
museudacidade@cm-lisboa.pt
Website:
www.museuteatroromano.pt
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm
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