Conimbriga - 2 pages |
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The ancient city of Conimbriga is
the largest Roman settlement in Portugal and is
well worth visiting on any tour of the country's central and northern regions.
It is classified as a National Monument. |
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Like many archaeological sites, Conimbriga was built in layers. Some of the earliest layers date back to the first Iron Age in the 9th Century B.C. The Romans arrived in the 2nd Century A.D., conquering the Celtic inhabitants and establishing a city that grew, flourished, and then fell victim to barbarian invasions until Conimbriga's residents fled to nearby Coimbra in 468. Although Conimbriga wasn't the biggest Roman city in Portugal, it's the best preserved. The city walls are largely intact, and the mosaic floors and foundations of many houses and public buildings remain. In the baths, you can view the network of stone heating ducts beneath the now-missing floors. Archaeologists estimate that only 10 percent of the city has been excavated, so you're likely to see new discoveries if you return to Conimbriga after a previous visit. The site also has a museum that displays objects found by archaeologists during their excavations. A restaurant/café is in the museum, which also has a gift shop. |
