Musealization of the Archaeological Site of Praça Nova of São Jorge Castle

The Musealization of the Archaeological Site of Praça Nova of São Jorge Castle is an architectural and museological project located within São Jorge Castle in Lisbon, Portugal. The project was developed to preserve, display, and make accessible the archaeological remains discovered in the Praça Nova area of the castle. The site contains archaeological layers from different historical periods, including Roman, Islamic, and Medieval occupations, making it one of the significant archaeological areas in Lisbon.

The area surrounding São Jorge Castle has been inhabited and transformed by various civilizations throughout history. Archaeological excavations carried out in Praça Nova revealed remains from Roman settlements, Islamic domestic structures, and Medieval defensive systems. These discoveries highlighted the historical importance of the site and led to initiatives focused on its preservation and public presentation.

The archaeological excavations became especially important during the late twentieth century, when systematic studies exposed multiple historical layers that reflected the urban development of Lisbon over centuries.

The musealization project aimed to protect the archaeological remains while allowing visitors to experience the site. The intervention introduced elevated walkways, protective structures, and viewing platforms designed to minimize direct physical impact on the ruins.

The architectural approach emphasized minimal intervention and reversibility. Contemporary materials such as metal and wood were used in a restrained manner in order to maintain visual respect for the historical environment. The project also integrated lighting systems, informational panels, and circulation routes that improved accessibility and visitor understanding of the site.

The project follows the principles of an open-air museum, where archaeological remains are preserved and exhibited in their original location. The elevated pathways guide visitors through different parts of the excavation area and create controlled movement across the site.

The spatial organization was designed to support both conservation and public access. The intervention allows visitors to observe archaeological layers from multiple perspectives while maintaining the integrity of the remains. The relationship between contemporary architectural additions and the ancient structures plays an important role in the overall design concept.

The musealization of Praça Nova is considered an important example of cultural heritage preservation in Portugal. The project demonstrates how archaeological sites can be integrated into contemporary urban and cultural life while preserving their historical significance.

The project is also studied in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, archaeology, and heritage conservation because of its approach to integrating modern architectural elements within a historic context. Today, the site functions as both a cultural attraction and an educational environment for visitors and researchers.