National Museum of Resistance and Liberty

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Leiria > Peniche > Peniche > Campo da República

Location

The National Museum of Resistance and Liberty is located in the city of Peniche, housed within the imposing Peniche Fortress, a National Monument. This historic fortification, with roots in the 16th century, is situated on the southern slope of the Peniche peninsula, benefiting from a strategic position along the coast. Its location offers a unique perspective on the maritime environment surrounding it, providing a significant backdrop to the site.

A Symbol of National Memory

After the liberation of political prisoners on April 27, 1974, the Peniche Fortress was recognized as a symbol of resistance and the struggle for freedom. This space, which served as a political prison for almost half a century of dictatorship in Portugal, was transformed into a National Museum. Its mission is to preserve and disseminate the memory of the suppression of liberties and the courage of those who fought for democracy and human rights, positioning itself on the international itinerary of Memory Museums.

The Path to Liberty

By exploring the different areas of the museum, visitors are invited to understand Portugal's recent past. The exhibition itinerary guides through spaces once used for captivity, such as the cells and courtyards, revealing the conditions and lives of those imprisoned there. One of the striking points is the Parlatório (Visiting Room), where prisoners and their families met under surveillance, illustrating the human dimension of repression and resistance.

Voices of Resistance

The National Museum of Resistance and Liberty dedicates a significant part of its content to the men and women who, with their free thought and action, challenged the authoritarian regime. Through testimonies, documents, and personal objects, the museum offers powerful narratives about the struggle for democracy. A central element is the Memorial to Political Prisoners, a work where the names of thousands of individuals who passed through this prison are engraved, a lasting tribute to their resilience and sacrifice.

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