Lisbon: An original tour to several fascinating archaeological sites

Explore Lisbon’s Hidden Archaeological Sites in a 3-Hour Private Tour

This 3-hour private tour in Lisbon offers a unique chance to uncover the city’s lesser-known archaeological sites, guided by an expert with a degree in Anthropology. For history enthusiasts and curious travelers, this experience provides a fascinating look beneath Lisbon’s surface, revealing traces from 3000-year-old walls to 17th-century baths. The tour is priced attractively, includes a local guide and an archaeologist, and features visits to sites you won’t find in typical city guides.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on unexpected locations like a shopping mall, a bank, and even a bathroom, where ancient remnants are surprisingly present. It’s an excellent choice for those keen on archaeology and history, with the flexibility to include a special archaeological site if booked in advance. The only consideration: the tour involves some climbing, so it may not suit visitors with mobility challenges.

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Key Points

• Private, expert-led tour lasting about 3 hours in Lisbon.
• Visits multiple archaeological sites from Iron Age to 18th century.
• Highlights include Roman tanks, medieval walls, crypts, and hidden underground layers.
• Tour includes stops at Commerce Square, Rossio Square, Church of Santo António, and more.
• The experience is flexible: optional archaeological site visit available with advance booking.
• Guides include a guide with a degree in Anthropology and an archaeologist for site-specific insights.

Discover Lisbon’s Architectural Layers from the 13th to 18th Century

This tour begins at Praça do Comércio, the iconic square that serves as a central point to explore Lisbon’s archaeological secrets. From here, the guide leads you through fascinating underground remains, including a 13th-century wall and Roman tanks used to produce a sauce famous across the ancient Roman Empire. Exploring these foundational layers gives a tangible sense of Lisbon’s long history.

The route emphasizes unexpected archaeological discoveries in familiar city spaces. Visitors will see how modern infrastructure like shopping malls and banks hide ancient walls and towers, revealing Lisbon’s evolving landscape over centuries. The tour is designed to showcase Lisbon’s hidden past in places where it’s least expected.

Exploring the Archaeological Nucleus and Medieval Fortifications

The Archaeological Nucleus 1 is a key highlight, offering a 45-minute guided visit to a site where vestiges from different eras—from the Iron Age to the 18th century—are preserved. Access to this site depends on availability and advance booking, but it provides a rare glimpse into Lisbon’s layered history.

Nearby, the remains of the Wall of King D. Dinis from the 13th century are visible underground, far from the surface. These ancient fortifications serve as an essential link to Lisbon’s medieval past, illustrating the city’s defensive history and architectural evolution. The guide explains how these structures relate to Lisbon’s development through the ages.

Secrets of Rossio Square and Campo das Cebolas

Rossio Square is more than just a famous Lisbon landmark; it conceals a big secret from thousands of years ago. The tour reveals that this space once hosted important archaeological layers, with clues uncovered during recent excavations. Using images and photos, the guide helps imagine what was here centuries prior, adding depth to the vibrant square’s current bustling atmosphere.

Campo das Cebolas is another site where recent discoveries have yielded surprising findings. The archaeological excavations uncovered significant artifacts, emphasizing the ongoing importance of Lisbon’s underground history. These spaces illuminate how the city’s past is still visible beneath the surface, waiting to be appreciated.

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Unique Stops at a Church Crypt and an Old Bathhouse

The Church of Santo António offers access to a crypt located beneath the church, which is highly significant for Christians worldwide. Descending some stairs, visitors see a well-preserved crypt containing relics that trace back many centuries, making it a spiritually and historically valuable site.

One of the tour’s most unusual stops is the Public Bathhouse, which is surprisingly well-preserved and in excellent condition. This 17th-century house once served as a bathhouse, and traces of it still remain, providing a glimpse into everyday life in old Lisbon. It’s an unexpected highlight that blends history with curiosity.

Roman and Port Archaeology at the Archaeological Section 2

The journey continues to Archaeological Section 2, where visitors encounter Roman tanks, porcelain, and other artifacts. Close by, the remains of an ancient port reveal Lisbon’s historical role as a maritime hub.

These discoveries underscore the importance of Lisbon in Roman times and its enduring connection to sea trade. The guide explains how these relics fit into Lisbon’s longer story of commerce, navigation, and cultural exchange, emphasizing its continuous role as a strategic port city.

The Optional Archaeological Site Visit

A key feature of this tour is the possibility to visit a dedicated archaeological site, which brings together vestiges from the Iron Age to the 18th century. This visit lasts 45 minutes and is conducted by an internal guide with archaeological expertise. To include this in the schedule, advance booking is essential, and availability depends on prior arrangements.

If included, this site enriches the experience, allowing a more comprehensive understanding of Lisbon’s archaeological layers. Without it, the tour still offers a deep dive into historical sites within Lisbon’s cityscape.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

Starting from Praça do Comércio, the tour moves through several key locations, including Rua da Prata and Praça da Figueira. Each stop provides a short guided visit, typically lasting about 5 minutes, focusing on hidden underground remains and historical secrets buried beneath modern streets.

The tour is private, led by a guide fluent in Portuguese and English, and lasts approximately 3 hours if the archaeological site is included. The pace involves some climbing and walking, so comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended. The tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year or those with significant mobility issues.

Expert Guides and Specialised Knowledge

The main guide João Mendes holds a degree in Anthropology and possesses a guide certificate, ensuring a professional and insightful experience. When the archaeological site is visited, a specialist archaeologist typically joins to provide detailed explanations of the finds.

This combination of academic background and practical guiding guarantees that visitors receive accurate, engaging narratives about Lisbon’s archaeological past, making the tour especially valuable to history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour appeals strongly to those with an interest in archaeology, history, and urban exploration. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy discovering hidden secrets within familiar cities and are open to some physical activity involving climbing and walking.

Families with older children, history students, and curious visitors will find this experience informative and engaging. It offers a rare opportunity to see archaeological remains normally hidden beneath modern Lisbon, making it a memorable addition to any trip.

Final Thoughts on Lisbon’s Archaeological Secrets

This specialised tour offers a rare glimpse into Lisbon’s underground treasures, combining expert guidance with accessible visits to sites from various historical periods. Its focus on unexpected locations and hidden remains makes it stand out from conventional city walks.

While the 3-hour duration is packed with sights and stories, the inclusion of an archaeological site depends on advance booking. The tour is best suited for adventurous history lovers willing to explore some climbing and uneven surfaces.

This tour provides a rich, authentic look at Lisbon’s past, perfect for travelers eager to uncover the city’s hidden layers with knowledgeable guides leading the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The standard tour lasts about 3 hours, with the archaeological site visit adding approximately 45 minutes if booked in advance.

Is the tour suitable for mobility-impaired visitors?
Because the tour involves some climbing, it is not recommended for those with mobility issues.

What are the main stops on the tour?
Stops include Praça do Comércio, Rossio Square, Church of Santo António, Campo das Cebolas, and Archaeological Sections showcasing Roman tanks, medieval walls, and more.

Can I include the archaeological site?
Yes, but advance booking is required, and availability depends on prior arrangements.

What languages are available for the guides?
The tour is conducted in Portuguese and English.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is a private group tour, providing a personalized experience.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, as the tour involves walking and some climbing.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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