Museu de Lisboa - Teatro Romano — Attraction in Lisbon

Museu de Lisboa - Teatro Romano: Where Romans Once Roared and Bluegrass Now Echoes

There’s something magical about watching live music in a Roman theatre, especially when it’s tucked into the winding streets of São Mamede and surrounded by the bones of Felicitas Iulia Olisipo, Lisbon’s ancient Roman self.

We arrived on a Thursday evening, just in time for the monthly performance held every last Thursday at 18H00 and were lucky enough to catch Stonebones and Bad Spaghetti, Portugal’s only bluegrass band. Yes, bluegrass. In a Roman ruin. And it worked.

The excavation site itself is awe-inspiring. You sit among the stones, imagining togas and sandals, while banjos and fiddles fill the air. The crowd was a mix of locals and curious wanderers, all drawn in by the music and the magic of the setting. After the show, we joined the happy throng for a glass of wine overlooking the river, because of course there’s wine. It’s Lisbon.

Then we wandered into the museum, where we met the charming Carlota, a bubbly art historian with a passion for living history and history in the making. She walked us through the scale of the original theatre, which could seat 4,000 patrons in the 1st century AD a fact made even more impressive when you see how modest the current excavation is.

The pottery displays are beautifully curated, and the guides know how to spin a story, turning shards and stones into tales of empire, entertainment, and everyday life.

Verdict: The Museu de Lisboa - Teatro Romano is a hidden gem where ancient history meets modern creativity, and where you can sip wine, hear bluegrass, and learn about Roman engineering all in one evening. Highly recommended for history buffs, music lovers, and anyone who enjoys a good story...

The Museu de Lisboa - Teatro Romano is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in history or archaeology. Located in the heart of Lisbon, this museum is built on the site of a 1st-century Roman theatre, which was discovered during a renovation project in the 1960s.

The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past of Lisbon, with a wealth of exhibits and interactive displays. The museum is divided into two sections: the archaeological site, which contains the remains of the Roman theatre, and the museum itself, which houses a collection of artefacts from the site.

The archaeological site is the highlight of the museum, and visitors can walk through the remains of the theatre, which was once capable of seating up to 5,000 people. The ruins have been well-preserved and are complemented by informative signage, which explains the history and function of the different parts of the theatre.

The museum's collection of artefacts is also impressive, with displays of Roman pottery, coins, and other objects found on the site. There are also interactive exhibits, including a virtual reality experience that allows visitors to explore the theatre as it would have looked in ancient times.

The museum is well-designed and easy to navigate, with clear signage and helpful staff on hand to answer questions. The admission fee is also very reasonable, making this an affordable attraction for families or solo travellers.

Overall, the Museu de Lisboa - Teatro Romano is a fascinating and informative museum that provides a unique window into Lisbon's ancient past. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in history, archaeology, or just looking for a unique cultural experience while...

I had a wonderful time at the Roman Theatre Museum — the highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the guided tour with Diogo. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and brought the ruins to life with clarity and charm. An absolute gem of a guide who clearly cares deeply about the history he’s sharing. I left the theatre feeling both informed and inspired.

Unfortunately, my visit ended on a rather different note at the front desk. The receptionist, ever so curious, decided to round off my cultural experience by asking whether China is “a liberal place to live.” A bold choice of topic for someone who’d known me for all of thirty seconds. How refreshing — to travel thousands of miles only to be quizzed about one’s government by a man whose idea of diplomacy seems to be drawn from pub banter.

It was a fascinating encounter — equal parts microaggression and amateur anthropology. I suppose I should be flattered he thought I could provide the definitive account of 1.4 billion people’s lived experiences, all while handing back my ticket stub. But alas, it felt less like cultural curiosity and more like an attempt to have his preconceptions neatly confirmed by a passing Chinese face.

What struck me most was the selective nature of this curiosity — I didn’t notice any Korean or Japanese visitors being pulled aside for a quick pop quiz on their countries’ politics. It seems “Chinese” remains the go-to lightning rod for casual stereotypes and misplaced debates dressed up as conversation.

Still, it’s good to know the Roman ruins aren’t the only relics on display — some of the attitudes are...