Conimbriga

   South of the present city of Coimbra, Conimbriga was a Roman settlement of some importance that is currently undergoing archaeological excavations and the restoration of the houses, streets, and walls of its ancient community. As of the early 1990s, between one-third and one-half of the excavations were complete and were being carried out by Portuguese archaeologists, a team of French archaeologists, and other international experts. A remarkable tourist site for extended visits and study tours, the nearby museum and Conimbriga offer unique insight into Roman life. For example, one can view the restored Roman plumbing, water systems, and even a kind of sauna system in several elegant villas, as well as extensive, beautiful mosaics.