Things to do in Algarve, Portugal: The Best History Museums

The former convent of Santo António dos Capuchos appeared in 1612 when the friars of the Order of Santo António dos Capuchos settled in the same place where existed an hermitage dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Esperança. This church has the typical 17th century "chã" architecture with a simple rectangular plant, a single nave and a main chapel. During the second half of the 18th century the main façade was remodeled. On the inside is possible to admire a remarkable 18th century clay ensemble with the representation of Santo António`s life. It`s also possible to contemplate carved altarpieces and examples of painting and religious imagery from the 17th to 19th centuries.

The Museum's archaeological collection is displayed in three rooms. The Roman period is represent in the Paths of Roman Algarve Exhibition, starting in the Southwest Writing (Iron Age), going through the Latin epigraphy and the mosaic of Oceanus room; the Islamic room shows objects of the Muslim daily life. The visitor can also see two other permanent exhibitions, the Ancient Painting (from 16th to 19th century) and the Enchanted Algarve by Carlos Porfirio.

The Wax Museum of the Portuguese Discoveries tells us about a spectacular and exciting journey through time: the History of the Discoveries in 16 different scenarios, in an educational but also entertaining way. This is done through a thematic approach starting with the Battle of Aljubarrota, the marriage of King John I and Philippa of Lancaster (The Treaty of Windsor), the Conquest of Ceuta, the