The Cripta Arqueológica do Castelo — the archaeological crypt of the castle — lies on the lower floor of the pousada within the Castle of Alcácer do Sal, and offers a remarkable journey through the deep past of the town.
The crypt was created after excavations carried out during the conversion of the old convent into the pousada brought to light a dense layering of the town's history. It opened in 2008, and presents what is described as twenty-seven centuries of history on a single site — strata from the Iron Age, the Roman town, the Islamic period and the medieval town, one above the other.
Among the finds on display and in place are stretches of a Roman street, around three and a half metres wide and once provided with a drain, the remains of substantial buildings, and a sanctuary. For the visitor, the crypt makes vivid the extraordinary depth of Alcácer's past, and is a natural complement to a visit to the castle above.
Highlights
- Archaeological crypt beneath the castle's pousada
- Presents some 27 centuries of history on one site
- Strata from the Iron Age, Roman, Islamic and medieval town
- Stretches of a Roman street with its drainage
- A vivid complement to a visit to the castle
History & context
The Cripta Arqueológica do Castelo was created following archaeological excavations carried out during the conversion of the former Convent of Aracoeli into the Pousada D. Afonso II. It opened on the lower floor of the pousada in 2008. The crypt presents some twenty-seven centuries of history layered on one site — Iron Age, Roman, Islamic and medieval strata — including stretches of a Roman street and the remains of a sanctuary, the result of excavations on the castle acropolis.
🗓️ Best time to visit
Any time of year, as the visit is indoors. The crypt is closed on Mondays.
⏱️ Duration
30–45 minutes
♿ Accessibility
Limited. The crypt is on the lower floor of the pousada, within the historic castle area, with steps.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cripta Arqueológica?
It is an archaeological crypt beneath the castle's pousada, displaying layered finds from 27 centuries of Alcácer's history.
What can you see in the crypt?
Strata from the Iron Age, Roman, Islamic and medieval periods, including a Roman street and the remains of a sanctuary.
When did the crypt open?
It opened in 2008, on the lower floor of the pousada, after excavations carried out during the pousada's construction.