Military Museum of Buçaco

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Aveiro > Mealhada > Luso > Buçaco

Location

Located in the Buçaco Mountain Range, near the town of Luso, the museum is situated in an area of particular historical and natural interest. It is located next to the Chapel of Our Lady of Victory and Souls, in an area integrated into the forest surroundings, with a peaceful atmosphere evocative of the events that took place there.

Origin

The museum was inaugurated in 1910, as part of the commemorations of the centenary of the Battle of Buçaco. Its creation aimed to honor the victory of the Anglo-Luso army in this historic confrontation. The inauguration ceremony was attended by King D. Manuel II.

Historical Context: The Battle

This museological space is dedicated to preserving the memory of the Battle of Buçaco, a crucial moment of the French Invasions in Portugal. Fought on September 27, 1810, it pitted the Anglo-Luso forces, commanded by the Duke of Wellington, against the Napoleonic army, under the command of Marshal Massena. The choice of the Buçaco Mountain Range for this confrontation was due to its strategic and challenging position, which Wellington skillfully exploited to halt the French advance towards Lisbon.

The Building and its History

The building that houses the museum has its own history directly linked to the events it documents. During the Battle of Buçaco, this location functioned as a field hospital. The Discalced Carmelite Friars from the nearby convent used the space to provide medical aid to the wounded, regardless of the army they belonged to. This humanitarian aspect amidst the conflict lends a particular symbolism to the building.

Highlighted Collection

Inside the museum, visitors will find a diverse collection that evokes the atmosphere and protagonists of the Battle of Buçaco and the period of the French Invasions. On display are pieces of weaponry and military equipment from the era, uniforms, guidons, medals, and maps. The collection also includes miniature recreations and engravings illustrating moments of the confrontation. A notable exhibit is an original artillery piece used in the battle, presented in its firing configuration.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt