Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro, Coimbra
The Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro in Coimbra is set within the former bishop's palace in a 12th century building constructed over the extensive Roman foundations of the Cryptoporticus.
Located close to the University of Coimbra and across the street from the Sé Nova, the Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro is a must-see for people interested in classical Portuguese art and outstanding Roman relics.
History
The Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro is named after the sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro (1731-1822), who was born in Coimbra. Machado de Castro was well-known in his home country and the rest of Europe during his lifetime for his comprehensive writings on architecture. His most famous pieces in Portugal are the equestrian statue of Dom José I in Praça do Comércio and his work at the Basilica de Estrela and São Vicente de Fora in Lisbon.
Dating from 1913, the Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro was extensively renovated and restored from 2004-2012, winning architectural prizes in the process.
The museum stands on the site where the Roman forum of Aeminium was once located. This important Roman city was founded by Augustus around two thousand years ago in the first century. Its Cryptoporticus, a podium supported on the hillside by two vaulted galleries, overcame the difficulties of the steep slope on which it is built.
This structure is the largest Roman building in Portugal and can be seen in the basement floors of the museum. Among the exhibits of Roman art within the museum are also artifacts from the nearby Roman city of Conimbriga.
Exhibits
The museum's main collection includes sculpture (the largest such collection of all the national museums of Portugal), applied arts, azulejos tile work, carpets, ceramics, furniture, jewelry, religious painting from the 16th-18th centuries and medieval tapestry.
The Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro also has pieces on display from Portugal's "Age of the Discoveries" period including some 18th century snuff containers and fine carpets from Isfahan in Iran.
The museum is also built over what was once the 16th century Church of the Convent of San Domingos. The church, which was then in a ruined state, was dismantled in the 1960's and parts of it restored. This restoration of the church is now part of the museum.
The museum also includes a shop and a recommended restaurant/cafe with fine views out over Coimbra.
Nearby
Within walking distance of the Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro are the Sé Velha, Sé Nova, the Museu da Ciência and the Jardim Botânico. The Igreja de Santa Cruz is at the bottom of the hill near the Câmara Municipal (Town Hall).
Access & Hours
Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro (museumachadocastro.pt)
Largo Dr. José Rodrigues
3000-236 Coimbra
Tel: 239 853 070
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10 am-6 pm; Tuesday 2 pm-6 pm; closed Monday. Consult the official website (above) for other closing days.
Admission: Fee.
