Lisbon Roman Theatre Museum

The Lisbon Roman Theatre Museum (Museu do Teatro Romano) in Portugal encloses the remains of the ancient theatre of Lisbon as well as exhibits and finds from the excavations of city’s 1st century AD Roman Theatre.

Lisbon Roman Theatre Museum history

Built on the castle hill as a mark of Rome’s occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, Lisbon’s Roman Theatre is thought to have been constructed during the time of Augustus. It is believed the theatre would have been rebuilt or renovated under Nero in around 57 AD, in accordance with an inscription found there in the eighteenth century. At its peak it was probably able to hold around 5,000 spectators.

Abandoned in the 4th century AD and covered by the rubble of the 1755 earthquake, it was not until the 1960’s that proper excavations of the Roman Theatre of Lisbon began.

Lisbon Roman Theatre Museum today

Whilst not very large, the Lisbon Roman Theatre Museum is modern and bright and free to visit. The main attractions are the remains of the theatre itself as well as the columns and sculptures uncovered at the archaeological site. What you see of the theatre are the identifiable stage, orchestra and most of the seating, transporting you back through time to the ancient streets of Alfama.

Getting to Lisbon Roman Theatre Museum

Situated in the Avenidas Novas district, the Lisbon Roman Theatre Museum is across the road from the Campo Grande metro station on the green and yellow lines. Tram 28 and bus 737 also pass by the museum.