National Museum Machado de Castro
About This Museum
People don't just come to the National Museum Machado de Castro for the art; they come to walk through history itself, quite literally beneath their feet. The museum's stunning foundation is a labyrinth of ancient Roman cryptoporticus tunnels, a silent, cool world that has supported the structure for nearly two millennia. Upstairs, the mood shifts from the subterranean to the divine, with rooms filled with poignant Gothic sculptures and radiant religious paintings that speak to Portugal's deep spiritual heritage. The experience culminates in the serene 11th-century cloister, where soft light and aged stone create a perfect moment of reflection.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the intricate 14th-century limestone 'Lamentation over the Dead Christ' or the hauntingly beautiful wooden sculpture of 'Santa Clara'. The collection of Renaissance paintings and goldsmithery is equally breathtaking.
Visitor Information
You'll find it right in the heart of Coimbra's university district—it's easy to spend a full afternoon here getting lost in its layered past.
Architecture & Building
A masterful blend of Roman engineering, medieval religious architecture (including a Romanesque cathedral and cloister), and later Renaissance and Mannerist additions.
Contact & Location
Address: Largo Doutor José Rodrigues, Sé Nova, Alta, Coimbra (Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina e São Bartolomeu), Coimbra, 3000-372, Portugal
Phone: +351 239 853 070
Website: Visit Website
