Combatant Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Belém

Location:

The Combatant Museum is located in the historic area of Belém, Lisbon, directly on the north bank of the Tagus River. It is situated within the perimeter of the historic Forte do Bom Sucesso (Fort of Good Success), a fortification that offers a unique perspective on the river estuary. From its walls, one can observe the vastness of the Tagus, the emblematic Belém Tower, and, further in the distance, the Champalimaud Foundation.

The museum's location gives it an intrinsic link to the maritime and defense history of the Portuguese capital, being in an area traditionally associated with these themes.

Forte do Bom Sucesso and Its Legacy:

This museum is housed in Forte do Bom Sucesso, an 18th-century defensive construction, started around 1780. Its building aimed to complement the line of fortifications that protected the Tagus bar, playing a crucial role in the defense of Lisbon throughout the centuries.

The fort is a testament to important moments in Portuguese history, such as the departure of the Royal Family to Brazil in 1807. It underwent various modernization and adaptation works. In 1999, its facilities were handed over to the League of Combatants, which inaugurated the museum space we know today in 2003.

A Journey Through Portuguese Military History:

The Combatant Museum is a center for the dissemination of Portugal's military history, with a special focus on the achievements of Portuguese soldiers. The permanent exhibitions guide visitors through a journey that covers everything from the Great War to the conflicts in the Overseas Territories, and participation in contemporary peace missions.

Among the collections, highlights include the evolution of aviation in the 20th century, presented through a vast collection of scale models, and an exhibition dedicated to two hundred years of regulated weaponry in Portugal. It is a space that honors and remembers the service rendered to the nation.

Testimonies and Memory:

Inside the museum, the "The Trench" exhibition offers an immersive experience, recreating a World War I trench in detail. With life-size mannequins and light and sound effects, this area seeks to transport visitors to the daily lives of Portuguese soldiers on the battlefields of Flanders.

Outside, as an integral part of the complex, is the National Monument to the Overseas Combatants. Inaugurated in 1994, this solemn monument pays tribute to thousands of names of soldiers who lost their lives in service of Portugal in the overseas campaigns and in more recent peace operations, serving as a space for deep reflection and respect for historical memory.

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