Your Experience

Nestled in the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, the Maritime Museum in Lisbon invites visitors to embark on a voyage through Portugal’s legendary Age of Discovery. Step inside and be surrounded by centuries of maritime heritage, highlighted by the extraordinary feats of Portuguese explorers who mapped the world’s oceans and forged global connections.

A Journey Through Portugal’s Seafaring Glory

Once you pass through the museum’s grand entrance, you are immediately transported to a world where the ocean was a frontier for adventure and trade. The museum, housed in a 16th-century monastery, preserves an unparalleled collection of over 17000 items telling the story of conquest, trade, and exploration. As you walk among diverse relics, from navigational charts to intricate marine instruments, the influence of seafaring on Portugal’s history becomes clear.

Historic Models and Artifacts

The museum’s collection includes more than 400 models of merchant and war ships that reflect the evolution of naval technology over the centuries. Ornate vessels, such as the Sirius royal gulet, share space with everyday fishing boats and river barges. Notably, you will find a wooden statue of Archangel Raphael—the oldest exhibit, which once accompanied Vasco da Gama on his iconic voyage to India. Unique artefacts like the model of the Amélia royal yacht and the neo-Viking-style rowing boat built in 1780 are also on display.

Explorers, Maps and Nautical Tools

Insightful exhibits trace the paths of pioneering navigators, featuring original maps, astrolabes and rare documents. The museum documents key moments in maritime discovery, depicting how Portuguese sailors circumnavigated continents, contributed to science and encountered new cultures. The tools and instruments once relied upon by these explorers help visitors appreciate the challenge and innovation behind their journeys.

Special Collections and Thematic Displays

A highlight of the visit is the Galeotas Pavilion, home to ornately decorated gondolas and ceremonial barges. View the historic Santa Cruz seaplane, notable for making the first transatlantic flight from Portugal to Brazil in 1922. Throughout the galleries, displays of naval weaponry, uniforms, logbooks and ship figureheads offer new perspectives on naval warfare, trade and royal voyages. Child-friendly exhibits encourage younger visitors to engage with Portugal’s seafaring tradition through interactive displays and models.

The Significance of the Museum Setting

Located in the monastery’s west wing, the museum’s architecture complements its collection, evoking the era of maritime exploration. As you tour rooms with impressive vaulted ceilings and stained glass, the setting itself immerses you in Portugal’s Golden Age and the saga of its mariners.

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