Museu Militar de Lisboa, Military museum in Santa Maria Maior district, Lisbon, Portugal
The Museu Militar de Lisboa is a military museum in the old neighborhood of Santa Maria Maior, displaying cannons, rifles, pistols, swords, and other weapons from different periods. The collection is spread across several rooms inside a large building that sits close to the Tagus riverfront.
The museum was founded in 1842 and occupies a building that survived the 1755 earthquake, which destroyed much of Lisbon. Over the years, the collection grew with weapons and objects brought back from Portuguese colonial campaigns and both World Wars.
The rooms are covered with ceiling paintings and large tile panels showing battles and military scenes, made by Portuguese artists of the 18th century. These works are as much a part of the visit as the weapons themselves.
The museum is within walking distance of the riverfront and close to Santa Apolónia station, making it easy to reach by public transport. A visit usually takes one to two hours, though those who linger over the painted rooms may want to allow more time.
One room is dedicated to Vasco da Gama and shows cannons from his era alongside murals depicting the sea route to India. It is one of the few places where you can see naval weapons and exploration history displayed side by side.
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