Teatro Romano, Lisbon
The Teatro Romano (Roman Theatre) in the Alfama district of Lisbon, is now part of the Museu de Lisboa, which also includes the Palácio Pimenta, Santo António, Casa dos Bicos and the Torreão Poente.
The Teatro Romano has been completely modernized and renovated and reopened in 2015. It is located close to Lisbon Cathedral and stands on a hill with lovely views of the River Tagus below.
History
The Teatro Romano in the Roman city of Olisipo (present-day Lisbon) was built in the early 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Augustus and renovated in 57 AD by Caius Heius Primus during the time of the Emperor Nero. It is thought the theatre had a seating capacity of around 4,000 and was a symbol of the power of Roman rule.
Theatres in ancient Rome were open to all, rich and poor, freemen and slaves and were important institutions in establishing the dominance of Roman culture in conquered provinces of the empire.
Part of the orchestra, the proscaenium (stage) wall and the seating sections are still visible from the street outside the main museum building. A painted backdrop shows what the theatre would have looked like in its pomp.
The Teatro Romano was buried until building work in 1798 after the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake when the remains of the structure were unearthed during Lisbon's reconstruction following the disaster.
The modern interior of the museum recreates Roman Lisbon with archaeological finds including stone columns, steles and statues, ceramics and glassware.
Wall panels, diagrams and illustrations also introduce Roman culture including a section on ancient games popular at the time.
From the gallery near the entrance there are wonderful views on a clear day over the River Tagus.
Access
Teatro Romano
Rua de São Mamede, 3,
1100-532 Lisbon
Tel: 215 818 530
The nearest Lisbon metro station to the Teatro Romano is Terreiro do Paço; Alternatively take any of Lisbon buses: #711, #714, #732, #735, #737, #736, #759, #760, #781, #782, and the AeroBus to Terreiro do Paço. (*Note AeroBus services are presently suspended)
Hours: From Tuesday to Sunday 10 am - 6 pm (Last entry 5.30 pm)
Admission: €3.00. Reductions apply for holders of the Lisboa Card, Cartão Jovem, students and visitors over 65.
Nearby
The Teatro Romano is close to the Praça do Comércio, Arco da Rua Augusta, Lisbon Cathedral, the Igreja de Santo António, the Museu do Aljube and the Fundação José Saramago in the Casa dos Bicos building.
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