Ancient Roman theatre

The Ancient Roman Theatre of Lisbon (Teatro Romano de Lisboa) is one of the oldest traces of the city's antique past, when it was known as Olisipo. The ruins lie in the Alfama district, close to the Sé cathedral, on a hill overlooking the Tagus. Today they form part of the Museu de Lisboa and can be visited together with a small museum.

When was the Roman theatre in Lisbon built?

The theatre was built in the early 1st century AD, under Emperor Augustus. In 57 AD, during the reign of Nero, it was renovated. Caius Heius Primus is credited with sponsoring the work, and the emperor is named on a surviving inscription. At full capacity the theatre could probably hold around 5,000 spectators, which shows the standing of Olisipo in Roman Lusitania.

What happened to the theatre?

The building fell out of use in the 4th century AD. Over time it was built over and buried, and the rubble from the 1755 earthquake covered it further. The theatre lay hidden beneath successive layers of the city. Systematic excavations began in the 1960s and gradually revealed the layout of the seating and stage.

What can you see today?

After a complete refurbishment of the displays, with better access and comfort for visitors, the Museu de Lisboa – Roman Theatre opened to the public on 30 September 2015. Inside you will find a sculpture of Silenus and an inscription dedicating the theatre to Nero, along with other archaeological finds from the Roman period. On site you can see remains of the seating and parts of the structure that help you picture the original shape of the theatre.

What is a visit like?

The museum is small, so a visit does not take long. It pairs well with a walk through Alfama and a stop at the cathedral, since the two are a short distance apart. The area is hilly, so expect steep streets. Check current opening hours and ticket prices on the Museu de Lisboa website before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the only Roman theatre in Lisbon? It is the best-known surviving Roman theatre in the city and a key stop for anyone interested in Olisipo.

When was the theatre built? In the early 1st century AD under Augustus; it was renovated in 57 AD under Nero.

How many spectators did it hold? Roughly 5,000, according to estimates.

When did excavations start? In the 1960s, after centuries when the site was built over and buried.

When did the museum open? On 30 September 2015, after a full renewal of the displays.

Where exactly is it? In Alfama, near the Sé cathedral, on a hill above the Tagus. The coordinates are about 38.7106 N, 9.1324 W.

Why visit?

Lisbon is usually associated with trams, fado and the Age of Discovery. The Roman theatre is a reminder that the city has a far longer history reaching back to imperial times. For travellers who enjoy archaeology it is a calm stop that adds context to the rest of an Alfama walk. Having ruins, inscriptions and sculpture in one place gives a picture of cultural life in a Roman provincial town. The view over the river makes the visit pleasant even for those who are not interested in archaeological detail.

It is a good short break between other sights in the district, especially when you want a rest from the crowds at the city's most famous spots. Bring comfortable shoes, because the neighbourhood is hilly and the paving is uneven in places. For families with children it is also a simple way to talk about ancient Rome using real, tangible remains. Plan your visit for the morning or late afternoon, when Alfama is quieter and the temperature is milder.