
At the end of last year (2024), between December 2 and 12, the team responsible for Lisbon’s Roman Theatre, led by archaeologist and coordinator of the Lisbon Museum, Lídia Fernandes, lifted another bit of the veil from one of the central areas of this important historical find in Lisbon, through excavations in a nearby building.
The excavation revealed the continuation of the wall separating the stage from the area reserved for spectators, visible through new structures, in perfect condition, in a small area on the ground floor of number 6 Rua de São Mamede, in a building adjacent to one of the city’s best-known archaeological sites.
According to the investigation, taking into account the usual structure of theaters from Roman times, it is certain that the monument would have extended to this location, but knowing that this building was built in 1958, it is believed that more archaeological remains have been removed or even damaged.
The excavation was, however, very fruitful, as all the opus signinum mortar (building material used in ancient Rome) was found in excellent condition. “The mortar doesn’t have a pinch in it,” says the person responsible for the work at the site.
Despite the discovery, it was decided not to continue with the excavations, since in order for them to be visited by the public, it is necessary to understand the future of the building in which they are located.
Lisbon’s Roman Theatre is the only Roman-era museum in the country. With a well thought-out and attractive project, it could be a center of attraction for the public, both national and foreign, helping to divert pressure from other areas of the city , and taking advantage of its location on one of the access routes to São Jorge Castle,” argues Lídia Fernandes, who has been coordinating the Museum of Lisbon – Roman Theatre since 2010.
At the Museum of Lisbon’s Open House events , it is possible to visit some of these sites, such as the one we recorded during one of these visits.