Location: Lisbon
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What to do and see in Lisbon, Central Portugal: The Best Military Museums
The museums of Lisbon celebrate the rich history and culture of this Portuguese capital city. The Maritime Museum is perfect for kids (and grown-ups!) who adore all things nautical, while the Casa-Museu Dr. Anastácio Gonçalves is a hidden gem of colorful artwork. To fully appreciate the city’s dramatic stone architecture you can take a guided walking tour, or customize your own tour, making sure to visit the Padrao dos Descobrimentos, the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, and the UNESCO World Heritage site the Torre de Belem.
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1. Museu Militar de Lisboa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
This was a big surprise. The Portuguese Military Museum is very well situated near the main thoroughfare that connects Lisbon with the Santa Apolonia train station. Interesting museum with an original exhibition of weapons . Valuable medieval, renaissance and contemporary exhibits . The works on display are excellent and illustrate the different historical periods and history of Portugal. The building is palatial with numerous paintings, azulejos, polychrome, etc. It tells also the story of Portugal through paintings and tiles. It was a great experience. Sunday entry is free until 2 p.m. I recommend visiting.
2. Museu de Marinha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,201 reviews
The world-famous Maritime Museum in Belem has a children’s section as well as ship models. Portugal was a world leader in maritime exploration (Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, etc.)
Reviewed By NigelDCapeTown - Cape Town, South Africa
Housed in part of the Monastery of Geronimo, this museum is really very much worth a visit. It gives a graphic depiction of the great marine history of Portugal and ends with a wonderful display of royal barges, which must be one of the largest in the world. Really epic.
3. Museum of National Republican Guard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By Matthew303 - Geneva, Switzerland
The National Republican Guard (GNR) is effectively Portugal's rural police, with some additional specialist functions. This museum at the GNR headquarters gives an insight into the work and history of the GNR as well as the events of modern Portuguese history, such as the "Carnation Revolution" of 25 April 1974 - when the leaders of the pre-1974 dictatorship became trapped within this building and eventually surrendered. Explanatory notices are in both English and Portuguese. Fascinating for anyone interested in policing and/or in modern Portuguese history. Once inside, some stairs need to be climbed to reach the museum but a lift is available on request for wheelchair users.
4. Museu do Combatente
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 165 reviews
This attraction is right beside the Tower Of Belem in Lisbon and it is a fort built in the 1780's. Contains Combatant´s Museum, with exhibitions from great war to peace operations. You can enter a trench of great war and see 500 planes all made in scale showing the history of aviation of the XXth century, exhibitions from Navy, Air Force, Army and Security Forces.
Reviewed By AMsays - Thornhill, Canada
Housed in an 18th century fort, this comprehensive museum depicts Portuguese involvement in Angola, Mozambique, Goa and other places. Dedicated to those that served – entrance fee money here goes to veterans. There are permanent exhibits including; Aviation History, The Trenches, Security Forces and Armoury. The huge selection of memorabilia is highlighted by a tank, an actual aircraft cockpit and 500 or so replica vintage model aircraft. You need time if you are interested. I wish I had known how vast it is. I rushed through as I had to be back at the airport to fly to Terceira. Next time…
5. Academia Militar - Palacio da Bemposta
6. Museu RSB (Museu do Regimento de Sapadores Bombeiros)
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 4 reviews
