This place is a gem, everyone inside assiting the visitors takes care of you since the very beggining advising the best way to start your trips around the museum in order to have the best experience, if you love art, history or both this place is a must, beware that its deceptively big, make sure you have a good couple of hours in order to see everything, it is quite a big museum. Definitely an essential place to visit in Coimbra.

I have visited hundreds of museums throughout Europe, from Norway to Greece, from Scotland to Russia. And, except for the two or three cases of "universal museums" like the Louvre and the British Museum, I can't remember of one more complete than this one. The number of items on exhibition is enormous and the scope covers 2,000 years or more. You'll find pottery, metal crafts, painting (not the forte of this museum) and an amazing collection of sculpture, including some Visigothic rare examples. The highlight is maybe the extensive underground Roman ruins, remarkably preserved, which are part of the ancient city of Aeminium.

Wonderful experience especially the cryptoporticus. The staff are very helpful, this is a must see if you are in Coimbra for more than 1 day.

A must visit museum if you are in Coimbra. They have some of the best and well displaced pieces in the exhibit. Sadly, when we went, two of the exhibits were closed due to water logging issues. But what we appreciated was that they mentioned this right at the beginning and give us reduced price tickets. The staff was super nice and polite. They also have a good cafeteria in the museum. The vie if the city from the museum is pretty awesome too.

I have visited this museum countless times before and was very excited to show it to my eldest daughter, who is now doing the subject of the Roman Empire for History at school. Kids pay more attention to things they have contact with and can recognize in their books. She loved it, and we had loads of fun. Drag your children to museums at every opportunity. Even if they go kicking and screaming, they'll thank you later. 😊

The Machado de Castro Museum is composed of a group of buildings that, by themselves, already deserve the attention of visitors. Its structure dates to an architecture with 2000 years of history. The oldest is the 1st century Roman Cryptoporticus, followed by the cloister of the old church of the 11th century, the remodelling of Dom Afonso de Castelo Branco from the 16th century, which introduced the balconies, and finally annexed to the museum, the new Church of St. John of the 17th century, found just next to the main entrance. In addition to the architecture and collections it exhibits, the museum also hosts educational activities and projects open to the general public, such as allowing visitors to experience what it is like to be a curator, living the backstage life of the museum. If you're curious about what's in the region, take a look at the free audio guide at this link: https://izi.travel/en/c125-coimbra/en I hope you enjoy your time in Coimbra!

(Translated by Google) The Museum owes its name to Machado de Castro, the most notable representative of Portuguese sculpture from the 18th century and a royal sculptor in the reigns of D. José, D. Maria I and D. João VI. Inaugurated on October 11, 1913, it received the status of National Museum in 1960 due to the quality and diversity of its works. It is installed in the buildings that served as an episcopal residence from the 12th to the 18th centuries. These constructions were being built in the place where there was a Roman forum, on a platform based on the extraordinary cryptoportico of the first century, the largest Roman construction in Portugal and one of the most representative in Europe. As for the Museum's collection, the following collections stand out: sculpture, 16th - 18th centuries; Portuguese ceramics, 17th - 19th centuries; architectural drawings and Pombaline tiles; jewelery, 12th - 18th centuries (pieces such as the D. Gueda Mendes chalice, a masterpiece of 12th century Portuguese jewelery, or the Treasure of Queen Santa Isabel); vestments, 14th - 18th centuries; painting, 15th - 16th centuries. The museum was the target of a requalification project by the architect Gonçalo Byrne, internationally awarded, reopening to the public in 2012. (Original) O Museu deve o seu nome ao conimbricense Machado de Castro, o mais notável representante da escultura portuguesa do século XVIII e escultor régio nos reinados de D. José, D. Maria I e D. João VI. Inaugurado a 11 de Outubro de 1913, recebeu o estatuto de Museu Nacional em 1960 em virtude da qualidade e diversidade das suas obras. Encontra-se instalado nos edifícios que serviram de residência episcopal do século XII ao século XVIII. Essas construções foram sendo edificadas no local onde existia um fórum romano, numa plataforma assente sobre o extraordinário criptopórtico do século I, a maior construção romana existente em Portugal e uma das mais bem representativas da Europa. Quanto ao espólio do Museu, destacam-se as seguintes colecções: escultura, séculos XVI - XVIII; cerâmica portuguesa, séculos XVII - XIX; desenhos de arquitectura e azulejos pombalinos; ourivesaria, séculos XII - XVIII (peças como o cálice de D. Gueda Mendes, obra-prima da ourivesaria portuguesa do século XII, ou o Tesouro da Rainha Santa Isabel); paramentaria, séculos XIV - XVIII; pintura, séculos XV - XVI. O museu foi alvo de um projeto de requalificação da autoria do arquitecto Gonçalo Byrne, premiado internacionalmente, reabrindo ao público em 2012.

Nice, well organized collection. Budget 1 - 2 hours for the visit.

Excellent museum which takes about 2.5 hours to see. Friendly, helpful staff throughout. Much more to see over 5 floors than I'd expected.

(Translated by Google) The cryptoportico is very good. (Original) Muito bom o criptoportico.

This museum is very worth it and it just cost 3 euro for the ticket. Many amazing old sculptures, painting and historical artifacts. Although some of the exhibition were closed when we visiting, it still took us 1 and half hours to view it all.

A really fantastic museum, exploring the Roman tunnels were a highlight of our trip.

A wonderful museum with a very well done exposition. Very calm, no crowds. The audio guided tour takes about 3+ hours. This museum and University library is a must-see in Coimbra.

(Translated by Google) Considered one of the best museums in Portugal. I recommend a visit to it calmly as it has a lot to see ... The bar has one of the best views over Coimbra, especially during sunset. A few hundred meters away, you can visit other attractions of the University of Coimbra. Very good (Original) Considerado um dos melhores museus de Portugal. Recomendo uma visita ao mesmo com calma pois tem muito que ver... O bar tem uma das melhores vistas sobre Coimbra, principalmente durante o pôr do sol. A poucas centenas de metros, pode visitar outras atracções da universidade de Coimbra. Muito bom

interesting facts re Roman times. A lot of religious artefacts. Good views from windows

Having visited many museums, I've gotten a bit fatigued with them. However, this one was definitely worth the visit. The visit begins with the crypts which in itself is an interesting experience. I also loved the replica internals of a church that is displayed with the artwork. This museum truly makes use of its space well as throughout the visit, you get to see views of the city.

Focusses heavily on Christian artwork, paintings, statues, altar pieces, chalice etc. It is all beautifully set out on several levels in a cleverly renovated building. A lot of good info in Portuguese and English. I found it really interesting and would recommend a visit.

Full entry for adults is 8 EUR. 70% of the museum exhibitions are religious subjects, the rest is made by tiles. The basement is very large, but it's just walls and a few statues. You can pay by card.

We only visited the crypt. This is absolutely mind blowing. Started 50 years AD and 3 centuries to complete. A must visit while in Coimbra

Amazing city to visit, so underrated. Full of life,great food, still reasonably priced, kind locals, great history and amazing coffee!! Good walking hills or flat down by the river.

(Translated by Google) Very good, worth a visit! (Original) Muito bom, vale a pena visitar!

(Translated by Google) One of the best museums in Portugal, incredible collection and building (Original) Um dos melhores museus de Portugal, acervo e edifício incríveis

(Translated by Google) Coïmbra, a city in the center of Portugal, an ancient capital nestled inland, with its old city on the mountain which dominates the more modern city, and its Museum in the center of the oldest University in the country, or even in Europe! To discover absolutely! (Original) Coïmbra, une ville au centre du Portugal, ancienne Capitale nichée dans les terres, avec sa vieille citée posée sur la montagne qui domine la ville plus moderne, et son Musée au centre de la plus vieille Université du pays, voire d'Europe ! A découvrir absolument !

(Translated by Google) Place to revisit (Original) Local a revisitar

Wonderful museum with excellent exhibits. The restaurant has really good food too so it's a great way to split up you time touring the museum.

(Translated by Google) Impressive collection of altarpieces with a periodic and stylistic tour! Your visit is worth it in every way! (Original) Impresionante colección de retablos con un recorrido periódico y estilístico! Su visita vale la pena en todos los sentidos!

(Translated by Google) Affordable price (3 € half a student ticket). Vast inventory with specimens dated since I AD therefore shows all the influence of various cultural trunks on the construction of Portuguese culture in the region of Coimbra. All of this in the context of buildings, paintings, sculptures, jewelery, ceramics and furniture with certain stunning pieces that are worth seeing (Original) Preço acessível (3 € meia entrada de estudante). Inventário vasto com exemplares datados desde I DC portanto evidência toda influência de vários troncos culturais sobre a construção da cultura portuguesa na região de Coimbra. Tudo isso no contexto das construções, pinturas, esculturas, ourivesaria, cerâmicas e mobiliário com certas peças deslumbrantes que valem a pena ser vistas

(Translated by Google) It's worth visiting. Very interesting. (Original) Vale a pena visitar. Muito interessante.

(Translated by Google) The most beautiful collection of sculptures nationwide. (Original) A mais bela colecção de esculturas a nível nacional.

Excellent museum not on our original list of things to do but very enjoyable. Cafe has an outdoor terrasse with great view

this is an incredibly well designed and curated museum where history is intertwined with lovingly restored art. you start in the Roman ruins below and climb slowly but not through ages, instead through mediums. architecture, sculpture, paintings, relics, tiles, textiles, all perfectly balanced, dramatically displayed, and with much focus on the artists and stories. one of the best museum experiences in memory.

I found this to be quite an interesting museum, housing multiple floors of ruins and other exhibits. The audio tour definitely is worth it for adding important context to the many exhibits. Unfortunately we were in a bit of a rush to catch the train so we passed over several of the displays rather quickly, but overall a good museum.

One of the very best places you must visit in the city. Here at the museum which opened 100yrs ago, you can enjoy varying things from the ground layers of Roman period, medieval era to city's rich art pieces of early modern times.

The Machado de Castro National Museum integrates the area classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Property of the University of Coimbra - Alta e Sofia. The decision was announced on July 7, 2019, in Baku, Azerbaijan, during the 43rd Session of the World Heritage Committee. The Machado de Castro National Museum's collections mirror the wealth of the Church and the importance of royal patronage, to which many of its most valuable works of art and religious implements are owed. Monochromatic or polychromatic sculpture, in wood and stone, occupies a prominent place, illustrating with numerous masterpieces the work of the best Flemish workshops and also the evolution of Portuguese schools from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Still, the nuclei of painting, goldsmithery, ceramics, and textiles, stand out with equal importance and representativeness for imported art and national production. There are also archaeological collections from the city and oriental art. The Machado de Castro National Museum owes its name to the Coimbra native who was a royal sculptor during the reigns of José, Maria I and João VI, and the most notable representative of 18th century Portuguese sculpture. The Museum opened to the public on October 11, 1913, occupying the buildings that, from the 12th to the 18th century, were built for the episcopal residence and, in the middle of the 20th century, were adapted for museological use. Particularly notable are the remains of the cloister from the "condal" period (c. 1100-c. 1140) and the cryptoportic dated from the 1st century which is the most important Roman construction preserved in Portugal. Fully reopened in late 2012 - following the redevelopment and expansion project of the architect Gonçalo Byrne -, the MNMC currently has the essential conditions to be understood as a meeting place between memory and contemporaneity. It has a really lovely coffeeshop with a private view to the river. Overall is super well maintained and cleaned. It's recommended to go on the first sunday of the month with your family because it's free.

Amazing visit of the old Aeminum cryptoportic. I also highly recommend the visit for the lovers of sacred art and sculptures.

One of the best museum I have visited recently. Well organized from Roman ruins to modern arts and paintings. Worth a visit for sure.

This museum is located on the site of a Roman forum. The artefacts displayed are historically interesting and of a very high quality. The cafe inside the Museum offers a good selection, from light snacks to a buffet meal. Staff are helpful and courteous.

Many antiquities to experience and walking through the Roman ruins is amazing. There is also a nice restaurant with an incredible view.

very good presentation, good English audio. Inside is a bit cold. In some box, it's a bit too dark. i had to turn on my torch light on my mobile to see details. And if there is a mirror at back side of some pieces, it would be great.

Didn't visit the museum but the architecture is worth a visit 👍🏼

Large museum, personnel directs you all across the museum. Lots of nice things, I like the metal artefacts. There is also some more wild imagery, attached to the review is one of those.

The script beneath the building was truly awe inspiring. Walking through the hallways from over 2000 years ago is surreal. The view from the courtyard area is stunning too.

(Translated by Google) Museum worth visiting (Original) Museu que vale a pena visitar

(Translated by Google) they could better organize the route of the visit and put numbers together with the pieces, to know which legend belongs to what (Original) podiam organizar melhor o percurso da visita e colocar números juntos às peças, para se saber que legenda pertence a quê

(Translated by Google) beautiful and very interesting, needs to improve in terms of organization of the route (Original) bonito e muito interessante, precisa de melhorar em termos de organização do percurso

(Translated by Google) Magnificent museum, totally recommended your visit. The collections of sculpture, painting and altarpieces is excellent, as well as the collections of decorative arts. A visit to the chapel is a must, but the most impressive thing is the Roman Crypto-Portico, on which the Roman forum was built and in later centuries the Episcopal Palace, the building where the museum is located. Your visit is highly recommended for lovers of art and history of Portugal. (Original) Magnífico museo, totalmente recomendable su visita. Las colecciones de escultura, pintura y retablos es excelente, así como las colecciones de artes decorativas. La visita a la capilla es obligada.Pero lo más impresionante es el Cripto-Pórtico romano, sobre el cual se edificó el foro romano y en siglos posteriores el Palacio Episcopal, edificio donde está ubicado el museo. Muy recomendable su visita para los amantes del arte y la historia de Portugal.

(Translated by Google) Spectacular. Organized service, with all precautions taken, disinfection points in each room and visits with the appropriate safety distances. (Original) Espetacular. Atendimento organizado, com todas as precauções tomadas, pontos de desinfecção em cada sala e visitas com as devidas distâncias de segurança.

Absolutely delightful museum going from Roamn times in its foundation and all the way through to modern Portuguese painting. Some absolutelyu brilliant scuplture and the Treasurer's Chapel are highlights as well as Roman vaults. I love museums which are a nice size to visit. Its a directed tour and the staff point out where to go next. The attached restaurant is known for its views and can be used without a ticket. Well worth the money. allow half a day

most amazing ,antique and very big museum.my children liked this museum so much and they enjoyed their experience with this museum.museum guides are so good and very friendly.they helped a lot.best museum.eveyone should visit this place.

(Translated by Google) Excellent collections. (Original) Excelentes colecções.

(Translated by Google) Very good. Optimal infrastructure, well maintained. (Original) Muito boa. Infraestrutura ótima, bem conservado.

(Translated by Google) Exceptional heritage exposed. A must visit. (Original) Património exposto de exceção. Indispensável visitar.

(Translated by Google) I really liked it, I visited it with my wife, and we are both looking forward to going back (Original) Me gustó mucho, lo visité con mi esposa, y los dos estamos ansioso de volver

(Translated by Google) Wonderful with beautiful sculptures sacred images all very well maintained and organizing (Original) Maravilhoso com belíssima esculturas imagens sacras tudo muito bem cuidado e organizando

Decently preserved Roman ruins below the museum but very little information to accompany them.

Architecturally unique museum with underground Roman ruins, lots of Christian-themed historic art pieces, and a few lovely views of Coimbra.

I like this place! Very special on the underground Roman construction. If nearby, pls take the time to experience it.

It’s unbelievable to know that you can walk in Roman ruins under the museum.

Very extensive collection of Christian religious art through the centuries on top of the largest surviving fragment of a Roman building in Portugal

Interesting beautiful museum. The route is a bit confusing where you cross the entrance hall multiple times. On the upper floor are no restrooms that I could find. And the opening times and the fact that it is an All-you-can-eat shout be communicated better. Missed a lot of explaining of what there is. Could be more extensive and detailed

(Translated by Google) There is a lot of Portuguese sculpture and painting organized in order to understand the artistic production in the Coimbra area and the technical and stylistic evolution. It also has Roman ruins, ceramics, furniture, jewelery, including the treasure of the Holy Queen, private collections donated .... A reference of museum to know. Nearby is the University, the New and Old Ses. (Original) Tem muita escultura e pintura portuguesas organizadas de maneira a entender a produção artística na zona de Coimbra e a evolução técnica e estilística. Tem ainda ruínas romanas, cerâmica, mobiliário, ourivesaria, incluindo o tesouro da Rainha Santa, colecções particulares doadas.... Uma referência de museu a conhecer. Perto fica a Universidade, as Sés Nova e Velha.

(Translated by Google) Specialty museum with a predominance for sculpture. It is worth a visit with some time. It also has a good collection of paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries and an excellent collection of jewelery, ceramics and tiles. The ex- libris is still the crypotoptic and of course the medieval knight. (Original) Museu de especialidade com a predominância para escultura. Vale a pena uma visita com algum tempo. Tem ainda uma boa coleção de pintura dos séculos XV e XVI e uma excelente coleção de ourivesaria, cerâmica e azulejaria. O ex- libris é ainda o cripotopórtico e claro o cavaleiro medieval.

Nice history museum with many paintings and sculptures plus some ruins/parts from a church etc

(Translated by Google) Interesting. (Original) Interesante.

(Translated by Google) A fabulous museum! (Original) Un musée fabuleux!

(Translated by Google) A must-see in Coimbra, a true work of art (Original) Imperdível em Coimbra, uma verdadeira obra de arte

(Translated by Google) Very informative, we liked it a lot (Original) Sehr informativ, hat uns gut gefallen

(Translated by Google) I loved it! At this time of Pandemic, extraordinary initially organized, of historical wealth! (Original) Adorei! Nesta altura de Pandemia, extraord inariamente organizado, de uma riqueza histórica!

(Translated by Google) The city of Coimbra has a rich history to offer and the museum has a huge exhibition of exhibits ranging from the Roman founding period of the Cryptoporticus to more recent art history. Definitely recommended, especially in bad weather a great alternative. (Original) Die Stadt Coimbra hat eine reichhaltige Geschichte zu bieten und das Museum hat eine riesige Ausstellung an Exponaten, die von der römischen Gründungszeit dem Cryptoporticus bis hin zur neueren Kunstgeschichte reichen. Auf jeden Fall empfehlenswert, gerade bei schlechtem Wetter eine super Alternative.

(Translated by Google) Closed on Monday .... But I'm c ... Of vice that everyone has. But do you think it's normal? What if one only arrives for a day? (Original) Lunedì chiuso.... Ma sto c... Di vizio che hanno tutti. Ma vi pare normale? E se uno arriva solo per un giorno?

(Translated by Google) Very good. To know and learn a little more of our history. Very helpful and knowledgeable employees, all very well explained and supported by the relics. (Original) Muito bom. A conhecer e aprender mais um pouco da nossa história. Colaboradores muito prestáveis e com conhecimento, tudo muito bem explicado e apoiado nas relíquias.

(Translated by Google) A visit not to be missed (Original) Uma visita a não perder

(Translated by Google) Very good. Must be visited. (Original) Muito bom. Deve ser visitado.

(Translated by Google) Excellent combination of architecture Sculpture and painting. On a Roman cryptoportico they have built the new part with wonderful windows that allow you to enjoy the interior and exterior. Inside is included part of a Romanesque temple that was removed to make the pedestrian street of the city, part of a cloister recovered ... the sculpture is the queen of the exhibition And at the end a coffee on the delicious terrace ... 2 for two coffees in a spectacular place (Original) Excelente combinación de arquitectura Escultura y pintura. Sobre un criptoportico romano han edificado la parte nueva con maravillosas ventanas que permiten disfrutar del interior y del exterior. Dentro esta incluido parte de un templo románico que se quitó para hacer la calle peatonal de la ciudad, recuperado parte de un claustro... la escultura es la reina de la exposición Y al final una café en la deliciosa terraza...2 e por dos cafés en un lugar espectacular

(Translated by Google) Wonderful. It has an extensive collection and chronologically ordered we managed to learn a lot about history and artistic movements through the centuries. The audio guide for another € 50 is really worth it. (Original) Maravilhoso. Tem uma coleção extensa e ordenado cronologicamente conseguimos aprender muito sobre história e movimentos artísticos através dos séculos. O áudio guia por mais 1€50 vale muito a pena.

(Translated by Google) Essential to know the history of Coimbra! (Original) Imprescindible per a conèixer la història de Coimbra!

(Translated by Google) Prime location, fantastic views. A unique world of history, culture and art! To not lose! (Original) Localização privilegiada, vistas fantásticas. Um mundo único de História, cultura e arte! A não perder!

(Translated by Google) Lots of organization and hygiene at a time of pandemic. definitely worth a visit, it took us about 3 hours of which it was worth every moment. (Original) Muita organização e higiene numa altura de pandemia. vale a pena sem dúvida visitar, demorámos cerca de 3 horas dos quais valeram todos os momentos.