Cities
Portugal Coimbra Central Museum

Museu Nacional Machado de Castro

About

The Museu Nacional Machado de Castro is one of Portugal’s most important art museums, housed in a former episcopal palace overlooking Coimbra. Named after the renowned sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro, the museum offers a rich journey through centuries of Portuguese art, from medieval sculpture to Renaissance masterpieces and decorative arts. Its most remarkable feature is the Roman Cryptoporticus, an extensive underground gallery from the 1st century that once supported the ancient forum of Aeminium. Above ground, bright exhibition spaces display intricate ivory carvings, religious statuary, paintings, and fine metalwork, revealing the depth of the region’s artistic heritage. The museum’s blend of archaeology, architecture, and visual arts creates a layered experience that connects visitors to Coimbra’s long cultural history. It stands as a landmark of national identity and artistic excellence.

Coimbra Portugal
Museu Nacional Machado de Castro
Location

Museu Nacional Machado de Castro is located at Largo Dr. José Rodrigues in the historic centre of Coimbra, Portugal, within the parish of Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina e São Bartolomeu, occupying the former Paço Episcopal built atop a 1st-century Roman cryptoporticus. Nestled on the hill below the University of Coimbra, it sits adjacent to the Sé Nova (New Cathedral) and near the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), with the Arco de Almedina gate and medieval walls just steps away. A short walk leads to the Machado de Castro National Museum's Roman forum remnants underground, the University’s Joanina Library uphill, Santa Cruz Monastery, and lively cafés along Rua Fernandes Tomás, blending art, history, and university vibrancy in this UNESCO-listed city.

Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra Museum UC Exploratório - Centro de Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra UC Exploratório - Centro de Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra Museum Academic Museum of the University of Coimbra Academic Museum of the University of Coimbra Museum Edifício Chiado - Museu da Cidade de Coimbra Edifício Chiado - Museu da Cidade de Coimbra Museum Casa‑Museu Miguel Torga Casa‑Museu Miguel Torga Museum Museu da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Coimbra Museu da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Coimbra Museum Sister Lúcia's Memorial Sister Lúcia's Memorial Museum Erotic Art Museum of Coimbra Erotic Art Museum of Coimbra Museum Museu Botânico Museu Botânico Museum Cabinet of Curiosities Cabinet of Curiosities Museum Museu do Instituto de Anatomia Patológica Museu do Instituto de Anatomia Patológica Museum Teatro Académico de Gil Vicente Teatro Académico de Gil Vicente Theatre Teatrão – Oficina Municipal do Teatro Teatrão – Oficina Municipal do Teatro Theatre Centro de Arte Contemporânea de Coimbra Centro de Arte Contemporânea de Coimbra Gallery Paço das Escolas Paço das Escolas Palace Old Cathedral of Saint Mary of Coimbra Old Cathedral of Saint Mary of Coimbra Cathedral New Cathedral of Coimbra New Cathedral of Coimbra Cathedral Mosteiro de Santa Cruz Mosteiro de Santa Cruz Church Igreja de Santiago Igreja de Santiago Church Igreja de São Bartolomeu Igreja de São Bartolomeu Church Igreja de Santo António dos Olivais Igreja de Santo António dos Olivais Church Aqueduto de São Sebastião / Arcos do Jardim Aqueduto de São Sebastião / Arcos do Jardim Historical Landmark Porta e Torre de Almedina Porta e Torre de Almedina Historical Landmark Torre de Anto Torre de Anto Historical Landmark Pedro e Inês Footbridge Pedro e Inês Footbridge Bridge Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra Botanical Garden Parque de Santa Cruz Parque de Santa Cruz Park Parque Verde do Mondego Parque Verde do Mondego Park Parque Dr. Manuel Braga Parque Dr. Manuel Braga Park Portugal dos Pequenitos Portugal dos Pequenitos Tourist attractions Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra Observatory