City: Central Portugal
Top Things to do in Central Portugal
Top Hotels in Central Portugal
What to do and see in Central Portugal, Portugal: The Best Ancient Ruins
1. The LX Love Cage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
2. Sitio Arqueologico Castro do Zambujal
3. Museu Monografico de Conimbriga
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 558 reviews
Reviewed By GeoSKW - Santa Fe, United States
On our trip, we visited Roman ruins in four countries and this site is both unique and has an interesting history. The site is only 17% excavated according to the knowledgeable gentleman at the ticket desk. We were very impressed by the museum. In comparison with other museums we visited at Roman ruins, this museum stands out for its excellent exhibits and artifacts of daily life... tools, surgical instruments, glass, jewelry, etc. We highly recommend visiting this museum. There is also a very good restaurant at the site.
4. Castelo de Marialva
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By StaceyPurcell - Houston, United States
We hiked all over these castle ruins in the hills and loved every second we were there. There's even a surprising church that will take your breath away tucked in among the ruins. My only regret is that I wanted to spend more time here......next trip!!
5. Rua dos Correeiros Archaeological Nucleus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
This place is temporarily closed
6. Largo do Carmo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 322 reviews
Reviewed By RGSOUNDF - Mercerville, United States
Largo do Carmo is a very interesting place, mostly by its various nearby attractions, such as one of the must-to stops on your Lisbon itinerary, the Convento do Carmo, an imposing building that partially survived the 1775 earthquake, also housing Carmo Archaeological Museum, or the Elevador de Santa Justa, right around the corner, via the small passageway of Travessa Dom Pedro de Menezes, the best way to beat the crowds (of its downtown entrance), or the headquarters of the National Guard (GNR General Command), an iconic landmark in Portugal's Carnation Revolution, where on April 25, 1974 the last Portugal's dictator Caetano officially ceded power to the rebels. A National Guard Museum (Museu da Guarda Nacional Republicana) is located in the same building. The square itself, formed by a convergence of about 4 or 5 streets, with its calming greenery, an XVIIIth century fountain (Chafariz do Carmo), and a Quiosque Lisboa, a round-shaped kiosk offering hot beverages, wine, snacks and light meals, with sitting-down area complete with chairs, tables, and umbrellas against the elements, makes the location one of the coziest in the city.
7. Muralhas do Castelo Rodrigo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By shop4u18
Castelo Rodrigo is truly a step back in time. The steep cobblestone paths , ancient walls, and cultures of three religions all meld into this historical village. Walk into the shops. Hand crafted items ,from Local Portuguese craftsmen are offered... handmade toys, cork products, beautiful sweaters, scarves and baby cloths! Try the delicious almonds... and purchase an assortment! Also olive oils, hand made soaps and balms. Have a coffee. Enjoy the non touristy feel of this exceptional village. Be warned! The streets are ancient stones! Wear comfortable ,lug sole shoes. Have a sweater, or jacket as the top of the village gets windy! Walk through the ruins imaging the past inhabitants and their daily life!
8. Ruinas Romanas de Bobadela
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By GraceKent
Terrific experience. Very accessible history and museum and ruins. Active archeological site with digs and discoveries going on. Museum is excellent. The coliseum is breathtaking..... This is a special opportunity.
9. Roman Ruins and Museum of Conimbriga
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By suehQ3110XL - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
It's hard to believe that these ruins have been around for 2 centuries, been buried under soil, and yet still are so beautifully preserved. A visit to Conimbriga is worth it for sure. Catch the bus from the Joalta stop on the river near the bridge. Leave on the 09h30 bus and return on the 13h30 one. The bus route goes through the villages along the way.
10. Ponte Romana da Catribana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Rtremate - Portimao, Portugal
Unique Roman bridge and about 100 meters of well conserved Roman road. Integrated in an interesting tracking trip.
