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The International Day of Monuments and Sites is set for 18^th April 2024. This year, it presents numerous opportunities for visitors to enjoy various offerings by museums and sites in the country. These include concerts, theatre and dance shows, guided tours among others. This year, one of the highlights includes the reopening of the Roman Galleries on Rua da Prata in Lisbon. Visitors will have access to this exclusive treat from 18^th to 21^st April.

The curious gem on Rua da Prata

 Located in downtown Lisbon, the popular Roman galleries have continued to pique the interest of many. These underground Roman structures were discovered in 1771, following the earthquake of 1755. They are believed to be from the time when Augustus ruled Rome.

Also discovered was an inscription dedicated to Aesculapius, the god of Medicine. It had been carved onto a limestone block and dated 1^st century AD. The inscription is now housed in the Portuguese National Museum of Archaeology.

An architectural feat

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Romans are known to have achieved numerous architectural feats, and this is one of them. The galleries are a structure known as a ‘cryptoporticus’, which was a solution that created horizontal support platforms in areas with unstable slopes. The design enabled construction of grand buildings in such areas.

 Why limited access?

The reason behind their limited access is the varying levels of humidity and water inside. When closed, the underground structure holds water as the water table is usually more than a meter deep. This water comes from an aquifer running beneath the city. In order to allow visitors in, the water must be pumped out.

Therefore, to preserve them and keep them stable, the Museum of Lisbon opens the galleries only twice a year for four days (in April and September). For now, visits to this popular attraction have already sold out, however, with tickets for all the days selling out in ‘about two hours.’

This makes them one of the most exclusive experiences visitors can have in Lisbon. Booking long in advance to access them during the limited times is necessary. Find more information on the Museum of Lisbon’s