Olá, my curious and history-loving friends! 🏛️✨ One of the most incredible things about Lisbon is how the city lets the past live alongside the present. Case in point: the Áurea Museum Hotel, a stunning riverside property that offers five-star comfort atop a Roman archaeological site. Yes, you read that right—you can sip wine in a dining room flanked by 2,000-year-old walls!
Located just steps from the Tagus River in the heart of Alfama, this hotel blends elegance with history in the most magical way. I visited in December, not for an overnight stay this time, but as part of a walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide. The stop was an unexpected treat—our guide led us into the hotel not for rest, but to reveal a breathtaking secret: the archaeological treasures hidden beneath our feet. And let me tell you, it was worth every moment!
The Discovery Beneath the Floorboards
During renovations to convert the building into a luxury hotel, archaeologists made a remarkable discovery: the remains of a Roman domus (house), part of what was once ancient Olisipo, Lisbon’s Roman-era name. Among the findings were mosaic floors, fragments of painted plaster walls, and an elegant depiction of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. Even more astonishing was the discovery of a section of the Roman city wall, rising nearly eight meters high—a rare and awe-inspiring remnant of the ancient city’s fortifications.
What’s truly special is how the hotel didn’t seal these finds away in a basement museum. Instead, they were incorporated directly into the design of the building—visible from the restaurant, lobby, and wine cellar. It felt like walking through a hidden museum that lived and breathed with the energy of the present.
A Stay That’s Also a Museum Visit
While I didn’t stay overnight, I was lucky to explore the space as part of our walking tour. Our guide, who seemed to know every corner of Lisbon’s Roman legacy, walked us through the preserved spaces inside the hotel. I peeked into a former Roman room, admired the exposed stonework and mosaic floors, and stood just steps away from a wall built by ancient hands.
The hotel also displays artifacts from various eras—not only Roman, but also Moorish and medieval periods. Every piece, from pottery shards to building stones, feels like a window into the city’s soul. If you’re a guest, you can wake up, head to breakfast, and be just inches from Lisbon’s buried past—how incredible is that?
Design, Elegance & Atmosphere
The interior decor of the Áurea Museum Hotel is understated elegance, with elements that reflect Lisbon’s maritime heritage and multicultural identity. Think warm golden tones, soft lighting and the natural textures of wood and stone. It manages to be both luxurious and thoughtful, allowing the ancient ruins to speak while gently complementing them.
Even as a visitor just passing through for a short tour, I was struck by how calm and balanced the atmosphere felt. It’s the kind of place where the past whispers rather than shouts, creating a serene space to reflect, learn, and admire.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re staying the night or simply stopping by as part of a tour, the Áurea Museum Hotel offers something truly special. It’s a space where hospitality meets heritage, where the modern city bends gently to embrace the ancient.
To sleep above a Roman domus, to dine beside ancient stone, and to feel Lisbon’s long, layered story beneath your feet—this is what makes travel truly magical. It’s a reminder that the most beautiful places aren’t just seen—they’re felt.
xoxo,
Bubbly💕
