Populated since prehistoric times, the site of Conímbriga It was occupied by Roman troops in 139 BC, becoming the prosperous capital of the province of Lusitania. In the following century, during the reign of Emperor Augustus, the city's urban development expanded, with the construction of structures essential to the daily life of a Roman city, such as the forum, the amphitheater, and the baths, dating from this period. Later, a three-nave basilica was built in the center of the town.

However, Conímbriga's domestic architecture, which developed and renewed primarily between the last years of the first century and the beginning of the third century, is notable for the construction of insulae and sumptuous domus. Conímbriga's charm lies precisely in these houses, which preserve in their stone the memories of the splendor of bygone times.

Tour the Casa dos Repuxos and delight in the beautiful central garden, which preserves the original hydraulic structure with over five hundred fountains, surrounded by a magnificent set of figurative mosaics depicting hunting scenes, mythological passages, the seasons, monsters, birds, and marine animals. Visit the grand houses and stately homes, such as the Cantaber, the largest in the city, the Swastika House with its geometric mosaics, the Trident and Sword House, or the Skeleton House, and then wander among the commercial buildings surrounding them. Climb the amphitheater's benches and tunnels, stroll through the three baths scattered throughout the city, and as you step onto the forum's mosaics, imagine yourself in the political center of this flourishing city of bygone times.

Then pay a visit to the Museum where, through objects found over many years of excavations, the various spaces evoke the daily life of the ancient Roman city, the experience of religion, the architecture of the noble houses and their decoration, and even life in the forum.

The Roman town of Conimbriga can be reached in about 55 minutes by car from Quinta da Palmeira – Country House Retreat & Spa.