LUSA 06/13/2025

Lusa - Business News - Portugal: Conímbriga stages historical re-enactment in Roman ruins

Condeixa-a-Nova, Portugal, June 12, 2025 (Lusa) - The 10th edition of the historical re-enactment "O Vislumbre de um Império" (A Glimpse of an Empire) in the Roman ruins of Conímbriga, in the municipality of Condeixa-a-Nova, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, includes guided tours with dramatisation this year.

According to the local authority in the district of Coimbra, this new feature will provide "an immersive experience that invites the public to immerse themselves in the daily life, legends and rituals of ancient Rome".

The guided tours with dramatisation will take place on both days of the event and are free of charge, although registration is required by 1 p.m. on Friday at se.mnconimbriga@conimbriga.pt.

As usual, "Vislumbre de um Império" offers a programme full of historical entertainment, parades, a Roman market and crafts workshops among the Roman ruins of Conímbriga, the most visited archaeological site in Portugal.

"This is not just a cultural event, it is an affirmation of our identity, built with the involvement of the entire community," said Nuno Moita da Costa, mayor of Condeixa-a-Nova, in a statement.

Emphasising that this is a "winning bet in the context of the municipal tourism promotion strategy," the mayor also pointed out that the event is an "example of how to enhance historical heritage and create unique experiences" for those who visit the ruins of Conímbriga.

The installation of thermal baths on the site is another new feature of "A Glimpse of an Empire," inspired by the wellness practices of ancient Rome, where the public is invited to experience a short relaxation session with massages and perfumes, "evoking the hygiene and leisure rituals of the ancient thermal baths of Conímbriga, where physical health intersected with socialising and spiritual balance".

The service, which is free and requires prior registration at the municipal tent, will be available on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. It will feature two massage tables and a team of four massage therapists, offering sessions of approximately 10 minutes each.

The municipality of Condeixa-a-Nova recently released two new promotional videos about the initiative, presented at BTL 2025 in Lisbon - one of which transports viewers to the cinematic atmosphere of ancient Rome recreated in Conímbriga and the other offers a close-up view of the experiences and emotions of the public.

AMV/ADB // ADB.

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