Roman Theatre of Alto da Cividade

Category: Archaeology > Roman Theatre

District: Braga > Braga > Braga > Cividade

Location

The Roman Theatre of Alto da Cividade is located in the urban area of Cividade, in the city of Braga. This area, which rises slightly from the ground, corresponds to a site of great historical relevance, where important vestiges of ancient Bracara Augusta remain. Its position offers a perspective of the surroundings, being harmoniously integrated into Braga's current urban landscape.

A Significant Discovery

The discovery of the Roman Theatre of Cividade occurred in 1999, during a series of archaeological investigations on the Cividade hill. This revelation represented a significant moment for the study of the Roman past in the region, as it is the only open-air Roman theatre known to date in the Northwest Iberian Peninsula. Its identification offers valuable data on the civic and cultural life of the then prosperous city of Bracara Augusta, demonstrating the existence of a space built specifically for public performances.

The Roman Vestiges

Archaeological work has uncovered some of the structural components of this ancient theatre. Among the visible elements is a remarkable arched structure, reinforced by buttresses, extending for approximately fifteen meters. This perimeter wall followed the natural slope of the terrain and was flanked, on one of its sides, by an ancient Roman street, with its south side delimited by a wall that supported a Roman sports practice area. These findings contribute to understanding the architectural complexity and engineering involved in the construction of a building of this scale, as well as its integration into the urban planning of the era.

A Promising Future

The area of the Roman Theatre of Alto da Cividade remains a dynamic centre for archaeological research and work, with the continuous participation of archaeologists and university students. This joint effort aims to deepen knowledge about the site and ensure the preservation of this valuable heritage. There is a clear intention to musealize this space, making it fully accessible to the public. The goal is to allow visitors to contemplate the vestiges of Roman architecture and, in the future, for the theatre to once again become a stage for cultural events, in line with its original ancient vocation.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt