Ancient Roman theatre

The Ancient Roman theatre in Lisbon displays the remains of seating areas, the orchestra, and the stage arranged across multiple levels. The ruins are located near the Alfama district and show how a typical Roman theatre was structured.

The theatre was founded in the first century under Emperor Augustus and later expanded around 57 AD. It was eventually abandoned and buried beneath the city, only to be uncovered after the 1755 earthquake.

The theatre displays architectural fragments and sculptures that reveal how Roman audiences enjoyed public entertainment in this space. Walking through it helps you picture the crowds who once gathered here for performances.

The museum is located on Rua de São Mamede and is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the multi-level ruins requires some walking over uneven ground.

Excavations revealed inscriptions showing the theatre was built with imperial funding, revealing its importance as a public monument for Roman administration. Such findings help modern scholars understand how Rome invested in major urban projects.

Location: Santa Maria Maior

Part of: Museu de Lisboa

GPS coordinates: 38.71059,-9.13241

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:05