The National Museum Machado de Castro, dedicated to Joaquim Machado de Castro, a prominent 18th-century Portuguese sculpture, was inaugurated to the public in 1913.
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Located in the historic Episcopal Palace of Coimbra, which was constructed atop the ruins of the Roman city Aeminium and has a rich history spanning the Middle Ages and beyond, lies the museum. Among the many remarkable features that have survived to the present day is the cryptoporticus, a magnificent underground building.
Architect Gonçalo Byrne oversaw a total renovation of the museum from 2000 to 2012; in 2014, his outstanding contributions were recognized with the prestigious Rome Prize.
Architect Gonçalo Byrne oversaw a total renovation of the museum from 2000 to 2012; in 2014, his outstanding contributions were recognized with the prestigious Rome Prize.
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Architecture
An enthralling synthesis of historical and contemporary architecture, the Machado de Castro National Museum is a must-see. The original structure dates back to the 12th century, when it served as a palace for the Episcopal church. An major repair was place between 2000 and 2012, giving the old building a fresh lease on life.
Contemporary materials like glass and steel blend seamlessly with older masonry. Natural light pours in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and visitors may see the ancient wonders below on glass pathways. The subterranean Roman cryptoporticus has also been expertly incorporated into the museum's overall design.
If you're looking for the best view of Coimbra, you have to go to the rooftop patio!
An enthralling synthesis of historical and contemporary architecture, the Machado de Castro National Museum is a must-see. The original structure dates back to the 12th century, when it served as a palace for the Episcopal church. An major repair was place between 2000 and 2012, giving the old building a fresh lease on life.
Contemporary materials like glass and steel blend seamlessly with older masonry. Natural light pours in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and visitors may see the ancient wonders below on glass pathways. The subterranean Roman cryptoporticus has also been expertly incorporated into the museum's overall design.
If you're looking for the best view of Coimbra, you have to go to the rooftop patio!
The Roman Cryptoporticus
One of the most striking artifacts on display at the Machado de Castro National Museum is the Roman cryptoporticus. Indeed, it is one of Portugal's most well-preserved historical artifacts.
A cryptoporticus, though, is what? Underpinning buildings built on difficult terrain with a basement or underground gallery is a hallmark of Roman architecture. The ancient Roman city of Aeminium, upon which modern-day Coimbra was built, included a cryptoporticus
One of the most striking artifacts on display at the Machado de Castro National Museum is the Roman cryptoporticus. Indeed, it is one of Portugal's most well-preserved historical artifacts.
A cryptoporticus, though, is what? Underpinning buildings built on difficult terrain with a basement or underground gallery is a hallmark of Roman architecture. The ancient Roman city of Aeminium, upon which modern-day Coimbra was built, included a cryptoporticus
Subterranean galleries supported by strong columns and arches make up this cryptoporticus. It was built during the time when the Romans ruled the area, which was in the first half of the first century AD.
The cryptoporticus had several uses throughout the years, but it is most famous for its role as the medieval Episcopal palace's foundation in Coimbra. As a result of recent renovations, guests of the museum can now stroll through these halls of history, stepping back in time.
The cryptoporticus had several uses throughout the years, but it is most famous for its role as the medieval Episcopal palace's foundation in Coimbra. As a result of recent renovations, guests of the museum can now stroll through these halls of history, stepping back in time.
The extensive and varied holdings of the National Museum Machado de Castro reveal a beautiful mosaic of art and relics from all over the world and all time periods.
In addition to the cryptoporticus, the museum houses a wealth of Roman relics. The Roman collection is incredibly vast, encompassing sculptures, inscriptions, and everyday things. A fascinating assortment of Roman boat anchors and an enthralling sculpture of Apollo are among the highlights.
Romanesque and Gothic sculptures abound in the museum's collection of mediaeval art. The artistic and religious shifts that Portugal experienced in the Middle Ages are illuminated by these works.
Ceramics, textiles, jewelry, illuminated manuscripts, and more treasures can be found in the museum's offerings outside these collections. All the pieces together show the rich artistic and cultural history of Portugal.
The museum showcases a plethora of sculptures by Joaquim Machado de Castro as a tribute to its namesake.
The Last Supper sculptures are among the highlights of the museum.
Sacred Artifacts: The museum also has a wealth of religious art, including various reliquaries, crosses, altars, devotional figures, and liturgical artifacts. The area's monasteries and churches have been the primary sources for the majority of these.
Modern and Contemporary Works: The museum's collection of modern and contemporary art features pieces by a wide variety of artists from Portugal and around the world.
Practical Information
Location
Nestled in the bustling heart of Coimbra, and just a short stroll from the University of Coimbra, Machado de Castro National Museum is conveniently accessible by foot, car, or public transportation.
Operating Hours
You can explore the museum from Tuesday to Sunday, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Please note, the museum remains closed on Mondays and on certain public holidays.
Entry Prices
At the time of this writing, General Admission is €6. They also offer discounted rates for students, seniors, and groups. Plus, the first Sunday of every month sees free entry for all visitors. Be sure to check their website for updated information.
Location
Nestled in the bustling heart of Coimbra, and just a short stroll from the University of Coimbra, Machado de Castro National Museum is conveniently accessible by foot, car, or public transportation.
Operating Hours
You can explore the museum from Tuesday to Sunday, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Please note, the museum remains closed on Mondays and on certain public holidays.
Entry Prices
At the time of this writing, General Admission is €6. They also offer discounted rates for students, seniors, and groups. Plus, the first Sunday of every month sees free entry for all visitors. Be sure to check their website for updated information.
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