Conímbriga Travel Guide

Conímbriga is Portugal’s most impressive Roman site, just 16km southwest of Coimbra and about a kilometre south of the small market town of Condeixa-a-Nova. It’s an easy day trip from the city, though staying overnight in Condeixa gives you more time to explore without rushing.

What you see today is only a fraction of the Roman town that once thrived here. Conímbriga was at its peak from the end of the 1st century BC to around the 4th century AD. Much of it still lies buried beneath the nearby village of Condeixa-a-Velha. A vast amphitheatre is believed to be hidden under the fields there, undiscovered but not forgotten.

Where is Conímbriga?

Conímbriga sits in central Portugal, just outside the small town of Condeixa-a-Nova and about 16km southwest of Coimbra. It’s roughly a 1 hour and 40 minute drive from Lisbon and a little over an hour from Porto.

This is one of the most important Roman sites in the country and a rewarding stop on any central Portugal itinerary. After visiting the ruins, you can explore the university city of Coimbra, head into the hills of Serra do Sicó for quiet walking trails, or visit nearby Roman relics in Rabaçal and Tomar.

How to get around Conímbriga

Conímbriga is compact but packed with detail. You’ll cover the whole site on foot, from the city gates to the elaborate Roman villas, and it’s worth taking your time. There’s no public transport inside the site, and vehicles aren’t allowed past the entrance, but that’s part of what keeps the place feeling like a walk through time.

• Walking: This is the only way to explore Conímbriga, and it’s what the site is made for. The paths weave through ancient streets, across tiled courtyards, and around exposed foundations of shops, baths, and homes. Surfaces can be uneven, especially near the mosaics, so sturdy shoes are a must. Bring a hat and water if you’re visiting in summer, shade is limited, and the midday sun can be punishing. The House of the Fountains includes a working water feature, but don’t count on it to cool you off.
• Car: Driving is the most convenient way to get here, especially if you're coming from Coimbra or Lisbon. Free parking is available right outside the entrance. From there, it’s a short walk to the ticket office and museum. A car also gives you the freedom to explore nearby places that public transport barely touches, like the Roman villa ruins at Rabaçal, the hilltop castle in Penela, or the historic centre of Coimbra.
• Taxi: Taxis from Coimbra or Condeixa-a-Nova can drop you at the entrance, but options are limited, especially on weekends or outside normal hours. Always arrange your return in advance. Most taxi drivers know the site, but it's worth double-checking you’re going to "Ruínas de Conímbriga," not just Condeixa.
• Bike: The ride from Coimbra to Conímbriga is doable, but not for the faint-hearted. The route follows the IC3, which has traffic and a few bike lanes. Once you’re off the main road, the landscape flattens out, with olive groves and small farms lining the way. There’s bike parking near the museum entrance. E-bikes are a smart choice if you're planning to visit several nearby sites in one day.

How long to spend in Conímbriga?

If you’re wondering how much time to set aside for Conímbriga, a half-day is enough to explore the main site and museum at a relaxed pace. That gives you time to walk through the Roman villas, admire the mosaics in the House of the Fountains, and visit the well-curated Museu Monográfico with its collection of statues, tools, and household artifacts.

But if you’re into archaeology or Roman history, give it a full day. That way, you can slow down, explore the lesser-known parts of the ruins, like the defensive walls and the partially excavated forum, and take a break in the shaded picnic area near the entrance. Bring snacks or pick up something in nearby Condeixa-a-Nova, as food options at the site itself are minimal.

Where to stay in Conímbriga

Conímbriga itself doesn’t have much in the way of accommodation, but nearby Condeixa-a-Nova and Coimbra offer good options for every type of traveler. Here’s where to stay depending on your travel style.

• First-time visitors: Condeixa-a-Nova. This small town is just a kilometre from the ruins, making it the most convenient base. You can walk or take a quick taxi to the site. It’s quiet, local, and has a handful of small hotels and guesthouses. You won’t find nightlife, but it’s a solid choice if you want to beat the crowds to the ruins in the morning.
• For couples: Country stays outside Condeixa. A few rural guesthouses and boutique hotels dot the hills around Conímbriga. These spots offer a peaceful escape, with views over olive groves, home-cooked meals, and a slower pace. Ideal if you want to combine your Roman history with a glass of local wine and a quiet evening under the stars.
• For families: Coimbra suburbs or outskirts. Coimbra has more space, larger hotels, and easier access to supermarkets, restaurants, and services. Staying just outside the city gives you the comfort of modern amenities with the ability to reach Conímbriga in under 20 minutes by car. Great if you're traveling with kids and want room to spread out.
• For exploring the region: Coimbra city center. If Conímbriga is just one stop on your route, Coimbra makes a great base. You can visit the ruins in the morning, then dive into the city’s layered history. It also puts you within easy reach of nearby sites like Penela, Rabaçal, and the Schist Villages.

What to do in Conímbriga

Conímbriga may not be a large site, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in depth. With its intricate mosaics, layers of urban planning, and traces of daily Roman life, it’s the kind of place where the longer you linger, the more you notice. Here’s a list of things to do in Conímbriga, and why each one is worth slowing down for.

#1 Walk through the House of the Fountains

This is Conímbriga’s star attraction. Once home to a wealthy Roman family, the House of the Fountains is a sprawling complex of courtyards, columns, and tiled floors, some of which are still in remarkable condition. The name refers to the network of small fountains that once decorated the garden. Some still flow today thanks to a careful reconstruction.

Stand still and imagine life here two thousand years ago. The layout is so well preserved that you can trace the path from the main entrance to the dining rooms and private baths. Early morning or late afternoon light brings out the mosaic patterns best, and there's usually a breeze moving through the open courtyard.

#2 Explore the city walls and gates

Unlike many Roman sites, Conímbriga still has sections of its defensive walls intact. These rise several meters high and stretch around the visible remains of the city. They were built later in the town’s history, during the third-century invasions, when the population shrank and the need for protection grew urgent.

Walk along the perimeter path to understand the scale and desperation of that period. Look closely at the stonework and you’ll see hasty repairs made with broken tiles and reused materials. These are clues to the pressures the town faced during its final years.

#3 Visit the Museu Monográfico de Conímbriga

Right next to the ruins, this museum helps connect the dots. It’s compact but well presented, with sculptures, tools, coins, and everyday items recovered from the site. You’ll find marble busts, painted plaster fragments, and even Roman toys.

The museum tells the story of Conímbriga from its Iron Age roots to its Roman peak and eventual decline. Labels are in both English and Portuguese. Don’t miss the scale model of the city near the entrance. It gives helpful context before or after you walk the ruins.

#4 Step into the public bath complex

This is one of the clearest places to see Roman engineering in action. The baths are laid out just like those in Rome. There’s a changing room, a cold plunge, warm and hot rooms, and the remains of a furnace.

Look for the hypocaust system beneath the raised floors. These stacked brick columns once allowed hot air to circulate beneath the rooms. You can still see where fire was fed into the system from the outside. It’s a quiet reminder that comfort and design were as important in Roman Portugal as they were in the capital.

#5 Search for mosaic details

Mosaics are scattered across the site. Some show animals or mythological scenes, others stick to geometric designs. You can find them in the House of the Fountains, the House of Cantaber, and several smaller villas.

Highlights include Venus rising from the sea, a deer being hunted, and a repeating labyrinth pattern. You can get surprisingly close to many of these mosaics. Just watch your step and take your time. The best viewing light is early or late in the day when the shadows deepen the lines and patterns.

#6 Trace the Roman street grid

Conímbriga’s original street plan is still easy to follow. Broad paved roads cut through the ruins in straight lines. Side alleys connect residential quarters to public buildings like the baths and forum.

Some of the paving stones still bear grooves from cart wheels. Shopfronts line a few streets, with square layouts that suggest a busy commercial life. Walking these streets gives you a sense of the rhythm of the town.

#7 Visit the amphitheatre site in Condeixa-a-Velha

Conímbriga’s amphitheatre hasn’t been excavated, but archaeologists believe it lies beneath the nearby village of Condeixa-a-Velha. From the site, it’s a short drive or walk to where this massive structure likely once stood.

There’s no formal signage or remains to explore, but standing in the open field where crowds once gathered adds a layer of imagination to your visit. It also gives you a sense of how much remains hidden under modern villages nearby.

#8 Have a picnic under the olive trees

Near the entrance, there’s a shaded picnic area with wooden benches and a few tables. This is a good spot to take a break, especially if you’re visiting with kids or arriving during the warmer months.

There’s no café or restaurant inside the site, so bring snacks or grab food in Condeixa-a-Nova before you arrive. The olive trees offer shade, and the quiet surroundings let you reset before or after exploring the ruins.

#9 Visit the Roman villa at Rabaçal

Just 20 minutes by car from Conímbriga, the villa at Rabaçal offers another layer to the Roman story in Portugal. It’s smaller and less visited but features beautiful mosaics and a more rural view of Roman life.

There’s also a small museum with finds from the site. You can see different building styles here, some blending Roman techniques with local Lusitanian traditions. It’s less polished than Conímbriga but rewarding in its own way.

#10 Pair your visit with Coimbra

A day at Conímbriga fits perfectly with an afternoon or overnight stay in Coimbra. You can explore the Roman cryptoporticus under the Machado de Castro Museum, see parts of the ancient aqueduct, and relax along the river.

Coimbra is only about 20 minutes from Conímbriga by car. You’ll have access to restaurants, fado music, and university history to round out the trip. If you only have one day in central Portugal, this is a combination that delivers both ruins and living culture.

Weather in Conímbriga

Conímbriga has a Mediterranean climate with inland influence, which means warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters compared to the coast. Its location in central Portugal, about 150 meters above sea level, keeps temperatures moderate, though you’ll still notice bigger swings between day and night than in places like Lisbon or Porto. Average temperatures range from 46°F (8°C) in January to 86°F (30°C) in August. Summers can be hot, but not extreme, and winters tend to be chilly rather than cold. For current conditions, check IPMA (Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere).

• Spring (March to May): Spring is one of the best times to visit Conímbriga. March averages 64°F (18°C) by day, warming to 75°F (24°C) in May. Rain decreases, the countryside turns green, and the ruins look especially vivid against a clear sky. The cooler air makes walking through the site comfortable, and the crowds are thinner than in high season. Nearby hotels range from €60 to €90 a night, and it's a great time to combine a visit to the ruins with a stroll around Coimbra or the Roman villa at Rabaçal.
• Summer (June to August): Expect hot days, with July and August averaging highs of around 86°F (30°C). There’s little shade at the site, so bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Mornings and late afternoons are more comfortable than midday, especially if you plan to walk the full site and museum. Summer is peak season for both domestic and international visitors, and nearby accommodation rates can climb to €90-€130. Local festivals in Condeixa and Coimbra often run during this period, adding energy and events to the area.
• Autumn (September to November): Early autumn often feels like summer's encore. September averages around 80°F (27°C), with temperatures staying pleasant through October. The ruins are quieter, walking conditions are ideal, and the nearby countryside is golden with dry grass and olive trees. November cools down, with days in the 60s and more frequent rain. Prices drop to around €55-€80 a night, and you'll have more space to explore without the summer crowds. It’s a good season for photography, with softer light and dramatic skies.
• Winter (December to February): Winters in Conímbriga are mild but damp. January highs average around 54°F (12°C), with lows dipping to 41°F (5°C). Rain is most frequent in December and January, so pack a waterproof layer and shoes with grip. That said, the site is open year-round, and the low season means quiet paths, moody light, and a more reflective visit. Rates for nearby stays often drop to €45-€65. Just don’t expect cafés or restaurants near the site to keep extended hours. Bring snacks and plan ahead.

Where to eat in Conímbriga

Conímbriga itself doesn’t have much in the way of dining options inside the archaeological site. But just a short drive or walk away in Condeixa-a-Nova, you’ll find a handful of low-key restaurants and cafés serving classic central Portuguese dishes. These spots are mostly family-run, affordable, and focused on traditional flavors. Expect grilled meats, slow-cooked stews, and plenty of bread, olive oil, and wine from the surrounding region.

Must-try dishes

• Leitão à Bairrada: Roast suckling pig, cooked until the skin is crispy and the meat falls apart. Often served with orange slices and spicy sauce. A local classic.
• Chanfana: Goat or lamb stewed in red wine and garlic. Traditionally cooked in clay pots for hours until the meat is meltingly tender.
• Migas: A side dish made from day-old bread, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes greens or sausage. Rustic and filling.
• Sopa à lavrador: A chunky vegetable soup, sometimes with beans or pasta. Basic but comforting, especially in cooler months.
• Arroz doce: Creamy rice pudding dusted with cinnamon. Served chilled as a simple but satisfying dessert.

Top restaurants and cafés

• O Regional do Cabrito: A popular spot in Condeixa known for generous portions of chanfana and roast goat. The décor is no-frills, but the food hits the mark. Reservations are a good idea on weekends.
• Restaurante Manjar do Marquês (Pombal, for detours): If you’re driving between Lisbon and Conímbriga and want a proper meal along the way, this long-time roadside favorite is known for Portuguese comfort food and quick service. It’s a 25-minute detour, but worth it if you’re hungry and on the move.
• Non Solo Pane (Condeixa-a-Nova): Don’t be fooled by the name; this place is far more than bread. Non Solo Pane is a standout Italian-run spot serving handmade pizzas, stuffed calzones, and fresh pasta dishes that regularly surprise visitors expecting only traditional Portuguese fare.
• .COME (Condeixa-a-Nova): A relaxed, family-friendly restaurant offering Mediterranean and European staples in a clean, modern space. The fixed-price menu is a great value and includes soup, bread, a main, dessert, and a drink.

Trips and tours to Conímbriga

Here are some unique experiences we can arrange for your tailor-made Conímbriga visit. All are private, flexible, and designed by our local travel experts to help you see more than just the ruins.

• Conímbriga ruins and museum tour. Get the full story behind Portugal’s best-preserved Roman site with a local archaeologist or history guide. Explore the mosaics of the House of the Fountains, walk the stone streets, and understand how the city grew, fell, and partially disappeared underground. Includes access to the on-site museum and time to ask questions along the way. Ideal for history lovers and first-time visitors.
• Roman Portugal day trip from Coimbra. Start your day in Coimbra with a visit to the city’s Roman cryptoporticus and aqueduct before heading to Conímbriga for a guided tour of the ruins. Includes lunch in Condeixa-a-Nova and optional add-ons like the Roman villa of Rabaçal or the medieval castle at Penela. A great way to link key sites across central Portugal in a single day.
• Food and ruins: Conímbriga with local lunch. Pair your history with flavor. Begin with a morning tour of the ruins, followed by a visit to a nearby family-run restaurant or winery for a traditional meal. Expect dishes like chanfana, local cheeses, and Beira Litoral wines. Slow travel at its best, perfect for couples or small groups.
• Family-friendly Roman explorer tour. Designed for kids aged 6 and up, this hands-on visit turns the ruins into a living puzzle. Includes a scavenger hunt, storytelling stops at key ruins, and a creative workshop where kids can make their own Roman mosaic using safe, kid-friendly materials. Ends with ice cream or a picnic under the olive trees.
• Hiking and heritage in Serra do Sicó. Combine your Conímbriga visit with a half-day hike through the nearby Serra do Sicó hills. This limestone region is dotted with caves, dry-stone walls, and quiet villages. Includes a guided walk with panoramic views and a stop at Rabaçal for more Roman ruins and a taste of the region’s olive oil and goat cheese.