Wednesday, October 3, 2012

The Roman Galleries


The galleries found underneath Rua da Prata (Silver Street) in downtown Lisbon are estimated to have been built in the 1st century AD, during the peak of the Roman Empire. Over the centuries, the Roman structures on the surface crumbled or were replaced by new buildings. However, newer buildings were continuously constructed on the pre-existing Roman foundations.
This cryptoporticus was discovered after the 1755 Great Earthquake.
Public access is only possible 3 days a year after pumping out all the water accumulated over the entire year and the installation of lights (video). Water pumps continue work until the monument is once again closed to the public due to the significant rate of water seepage.

23 comments:

Kate said...

Looks very interesting. After watching the video, I don't thing I'd venture down there, tho.

Sharon said...

Sounds like it takes some dedication to get a peek at this slice of history.

Sami said...

Nunca tinha ouvido falar destas caves Romanas, mas por acaso no Domingo vimos uma reportagem nas noticias Portuguesas que são transmitidas na Austrália. Interessante, pena que só seja possivel estarem abertas 3 dias por ano.

Kathy said...

I've never considered myself claustrophobic but I'm not sure I'd want to make the journey down there.

Sylvia K said...

It would be a scary adventure, but I'd love to see it!! Wonderful history!! Hope your week is going well, JM!

Unknown said...

So amazing! Such history!

TexWisGirl said...

i don't know if i'd like to visit that.

Dina said...

Oh man, this is super exciting!!

I would plan a trip to Lisbon around those three dates.
Can't they find a way to keep the water out and open to tourists all the time?

Kay said...

I'd love to see Roman ruins, and saw some in Paris, but I'd hesitate to make an underground crawl, I think. . .

RedPat said...

I think I would freak out down there!

Diane said...

Very interesting but I do not think you would get me down there!! Diane

黄清华 Wong Ching Wah said...

Interesting, how do they avoid the rain and water going in !

Randy said...

That would be something to see. Nice shot.

Cezar and Léia said...

Muito interessante! Eu não sei se teria coragem de visitar, tenho afliçao a lugares fechados!
Léia

Stefan Jansson said...

That would be an interesting place to visit.

Joan Elizabeth said...

What a lot of trouble they go to.

Babzy.B said...

did you visit it ? how interesting ! :)

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Absolutely fascinating JM, loved the video but there's no way in the world that you'd get me down there!

Anonymous said...

What a great adventure!

Gunn said...

That is what I call UNIQUE!:)
Thanks for sharing (also the video.)

Stickup Artist said...

Oh yeah, I'd take the plunge! (But it would depend on what shoes I was wearing that day).

ArtandArchitecture-SF.com said...

Absolutely fascinating! I would love to see this. The video was amazing.

Jack said...

What a fascinating thing to see!