Fonte do Ídolo
A 1st-century Roman spring sanctuary with a carved figure and Latin inscription on the rock, a small site housed beneath a modern building.
The Fonte do Ídolo (“Idol Fountain”) is an open-air spring sanctuary from the 1st century AD. A granite rock is carved with a robed figure and a temple façade relief, along with a Latin inscription dedicated to the local deity Tongoenabiagus. It reflects the blend of Roman religion with the local Celtic-Lusitanian beliefs, and it is a national monument of Portugal. The site is now on the lower level of a modern exhibition building, with multimedia interpretation. Allow about 20 minutes. Admission is about €2, and it is closed on Mondays. It lies south of Central Avenue, near the Palácio do Raio.
Opening hours
Tue–Fri 09:30–12:30, 14:00–17:30; weekend afternoons; closed Mondays
Nearby sights
- Palácio do Raio
- Theatro Circo
- Church of Santa Cruz
- Basilica of the Congregados
- Chapel of the Coimbras
- Praça da República & Avenida Central
- Nogueira da Silva Museum
- Keep of Braga Castle