Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas
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ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF SÃO MIGUEL DE ODRINHAS

Located just 11 kilometres (7 mi) from Sintra in the village of São Miguel de Odrinhas is a fascinating assemblage of ancient artefacts. The museum sits next to a former Roman villa dating back to the 1st century AD. Since the 16th century, the items in this collection have been carefully preserved. It showcases a rich and diverse history spanning over two millennia, highlighting the succession of cultures in the region. The museum houses Portugal's largest collection of Roman epigraphy, featuring approximately 200 stone tablets inscribed with Latin, Visigothic, and Medieval scripts.

On the site, you can observe the original elements of the Roman structures, such as a polychrome mosaic, an impressive Palaeo-Christian apsidal monument, and remnants of a Middle Ages necropolis. Additionally, there are three Etruscan sarcophagi, which are the only ones in the country. The museum provides a library, an auditorium, restoration services, and a café for visitors.

THE MUSEUM

Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas

Roman Tomb Stone - S. Miguel de Odrinhas Museum of Archaeology

The São Miguel de Odrinhas Archaeological Museum originates from the Renaissance era and is thought to have been established by Francisco d'Ollanda. At the hermitage of São Miguel, a collection of Roman artefacts found all over the district has been gathered. In 1955, a museum was established to preserve various archaeological discoveries, but the current building was constructed in 1999. For the ancients, the Sintra area was known as Finis Terrae, the edge of the known world. Along with its multifaceted landscape and mild climate, Sintra had special importance and even mystical qualities. The collection showcases the diversity of cultures and people who have settled in the Sintra area, and how it has influenced the local customs.

The museum currently houses more than 400 stone artefacts, in addition to various coins, ceramics, metalwork, and even skeletal remains. The museum has two main sections: The Epigraphy Section covers over two thousand years of history, from the Etruscan Period to the Modern Age, and features a collection of Roman tombstones that are considered one of the most important in the Iberian Peninsula. The Archaeology Section displays millions of objects recovered from archaeological sites in Termo de Sintra, ranging from the Middle Palaeolithic Age to the 18th century. Notable pieces include those from the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Roman periods. Guided tours of the museum are available.

Tuesday – Saturday: 10h00 – 13h00/14h00 – 18h00, (last admission at 17h00), Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
Adult: €2.00, Concessionary: €1.00. Child: FREE

ON SITE

The remains of a Roman villa from the first century, including mosaic floors, and the remains of a temple or mausoleum from the third or fourth century can be found outside. Additionally, there is the Ermida de São Miguel chapel, which dates back to the 12th century. Open-air plays celebrating classical culture are performed here during certain times of the year, featuring Greek and Latin theatre.

Atop a small hill next to the Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas lies a Neolithic cromlech known as the Barreira Megalithic Complex (Conjunto Megalítico de Barreira). It includes 24 standing stones, some of which are four meters tall. These stones serve as evidence that this site has been considered sacred for many cultures over the course of millennia. Unfortunately, the stones are now abandoned and overgrown with shrubs. | 38° 53' 03.2" N | 09° 22' 17.4" W


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Barreira Megalithic Complex

The Barreira Megalithic Complex (Conjunto Megalítico de Barreira)

AMENITIES

The museum café is open for both visitors and the public in general. Out door seating is available. 09h00 - 18h00.

Toilets on the site.

The Museum has a large parking lot for visitors' vehicles, as well as suitable space for excursion buses.

Guided Tours available.

Easy Access.

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Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas

S. Miguel de Odrinhas Museum of Archaeology

TRAVELLING TO THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF SÃO MIGUEL DE ODRINHAS

Estrada Nacional 247 (Sintra-Ericeira road), at the crossroads follow signs to São Miguel de Odrinhas.

The bus #1633 to Ericeira run by Caris Metropolitana runs once or twice an hour from Portela de Sintra train station.
Caris Metropolitana Website


Contact Details
Avenida Prof. Dr. D. Fernando d´Almeida, Odrinhas São João das Lampas, Sintra, Portugal.
38° 53' 13.5" N | 09° 21' 58.6" W
+351 219 609 520 | dbmu.masmo.geral@cm-sintra.pt |  Website