Category: Archaeology > City
District: Coimbra > Condeixa-a-Nova > Condeixa-a-Nova
Situated in the heart of Portugal, the Ruins of Conímbriga are found in a serene, rural setting, very close to the town of Condeixa-a-Nova. The surrounding landscape, peaceful and rustic in character, harmoniously frames the remains of this ancient city, allowing for immersion in its historical atmosphere. The site offers a unique perspective on what was once a flourishing city, with its ruins emerging from a gentle slope, inviting exploration and contemplation.
Conímbriga represents one of the most significant and well-preserved testaments to Roman civilization on Portuguese soil. Its history dates back to a pre-Roman settlement, but it was under Roman rule that the city reached its peak, becoming a vibrant and sophisticated urban centre. Progressive excavation and careful conservation reveal the life and dynamics of a community that spanned several centuries, from its foundations to its eventual decline, marked by the barbarian invasions in the 5th century.
The ruins of Conímbriga are a mirror of advanced Roman architecture and engineering. Visitors can walk along the original street layouts, observe the remains of imposing public structures such as the thermal baths, essential to Roman social life, and the forum, which was the civic, political, and economic heart of the city. Particularly impressive is the defensive wall, a powerful structure that still defines much of the urban perimeter today and was built to protect the city from external attacks. The aqueducts, though fragmented, demonstrate the complexity of the water supply systems of the era.
What most distinguishes Conímbriga is the exceptional preservation of its mosaics, true works of art that adorned the floors of the wealthiest residences. With their complex geometric designs, representations of mythological figures, and scenes of daily life, these mosaics offer a unique glimpse into the aesthetic taste and customs of the city's inhabitants. The House of Fountains is a paradigmatic example, with its impressive system of channels and decorations, recreating the magnificence of Roman private gardens. The various residential areas, with their houses (domus) and insulae, allow for an understanding of the social organization and daily life of those who inhabited this Roman city.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conímbriga
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.09904701440821,-8.493342371261384
Coordinates DMS: 40°05'56.6"N 08°29'36.0"W
Weather Condeixa-a-Nova
On-duty Pharmacy Condeixa-a-Nova
