Machado de Castro National Museum

The Machado de Castro National Museum is an art museum in Coimbra's historical district that holds religious artifacts, sculptures, paintings, precious metals, ceramics, and textiles from Portuguese heritage. The collection spreads across multiple floors and documents craftsmanship and artistic practices from different periods.

The building started as a Roman forum in the ancient city of Aeminium and was later transformed into a bishop's residence during the Middle Ages. In 1913 it took on its current role as a museum and has preserved this varied collection since then.

The collection shows Portuguese sculptures from the 12th to 18th centuries, with religious statues and altarpieces that came from churches across the region. These works reveal how artists shaped the country's spiritual art over the centuries.

The best time to visit is on weekdays when it is less crowded and you can view the works at a relaxed pace. The museum is located near other historical sites, so it fits well into a visit to the old town district.

Beneath the museum lies a Roman vaulted structure from the 1st century with original columns and structural elements that offer visitors a glimpse into the city's deep past. This underground layer shows the continuity between the ancient forum and the building today.

Location: Coimbra (Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina e São Bartolomeu)

GPS coordinates: 40.20907,-8.42581

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45