Conimbriga Ruins

Built by the Romans, the Conimbriga Ruins are a significant architectural discovery and represent one of the most important archeological finds in Europe. The ruins are well preserved and have been classified as a National Monument. They are one of the top must see sites when visiting the Coimbra area in Portugal.

History

The Conimbriga Ruins are just 8 miles from Coimbra on the road that runs from Coimbra to Tomar. The ruins were Celtic in origin, but later became occupied by the Romans in the first century. The Romans actually built up the ruins and created a very successful settlement in the area. The settlement was destroyed during the barbarian invasions around 468 AD. The ruins have been uncovered bit by bit. Finds have come in layers as each century brought new growth to the settlement and as archeologists uncover each layer it gives deeper insight into the life throughout the history of the ruins. It is an amazing find and one of the most treasured ruins in this part of Europe.

Awe Inspiring Sights

Within the Conimbriga Ruins there are plenty of very well preserved areas of architectural and historic excellence. One of the most intriguing things about the ruins is that it was built in layers. As mentioned, the settlements here were expanded and changed throughout history, so each layer of the ruins tells more about this areas past and the people who once lived here. The ruins showcase different parts of the history of the different civilizations that lived here. There are pieces remaining from each of the settlements. You really get a look into a variety of cultures and points throughout Portugal’s history with a visit to the ruins. As time goes on, more things are being discovered, so each visit here brings you something new and different to see and discover. You never know what treasures may be uncovered next.

The House of Cantaber is an adobe structure that is large and spacious. It is a third century home with the design of a middle open court with bedrooms surrounding it. The structure also has a complex heating system, a bathing compound, pools and gardens. It is a very regal sort of home that gives you a realistic image of what life was like in the ruins back when the Romans called it home. It also is a wonderful example of the baths that the Romans are so famous for.

The House of Fountains is another spot within the ruins that shows a glimpse into the Roman way of life. This structure showcases Roman architecture through its columns, fountains and mosaics.

The onsite museum is a very informative stopping point. It tells the story of daily life here and showcases the great finds from the area, like statues, monuments and mosaics. There is even a large carved head of Augustus Caesar that was once a focal point in the towns temple.

As mentioned, mosaics are viewable all around the ruins. These mosaics are very intricate in design and all tell stories of life in the days when the ruins was an active settlement. Most of the mosaics are in pristine condition. They are colorful and very interesting.

Visiting the Ruins

A visit to the Conimbriga Ruins will give you a nice chance to really take in the Roman history of this area. You will learn a lot about what the Roman way of life was like and how they influenced Portugal. You will find that every visit is a new experience since new discoveries are made all the time. Plan to spend at least a half a day here exploring. You want to see everything from the old baths to the wide collection of mosaics.

The best time to visit the Conimbriga Ruins is during the afternoon hours when the weather is a bit cooler, which makes exploring the ruins more comfortable. However, you can visit throughout the day as the ruins are open most days of the week. You can easily get tot he ruins by bus from both Coimbra and Batahla. Tourists will have the best experience by buying a guidebook at the site as some notes around the site are not in English and the guidebook will help to make understand and touring the ruins easier.