League of Combatants of the Great War Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Lisboa > Oeiras > Algés

Location

Situated in Algés, in the municipality of Oeiras, this museum is located in a transitional area between the urban surroundings and the proximity of the Tagus estuary. Algés, with its riverside atmosphere, marks the beginning of Lisbon's western coastline, offering a perspective on the confluence of the river with the Atlantic Ocean. The environment here is one of serenity that combines with the pulse of the city, reflecting its riverside position.

Portugal and the Great War

The museum is dedicated to safeguarding the memory and role of Portugal in the First World War, a decisive period in 20th-century history. Its exhibition addresses the complexity of Portuguese participation in the conflict, covering both the European theatre of operations, particularly in France, and the campaigns developed in Africa. The space seeks to contextualize the visitor within the political and social landscape of the time, offering an in-depth understanding of the impact the war had on the nation and its citizens.

It is in this location that Portugal's journey through those turbulent years is unveiled, from the challenges faced to the decisions that shaped its destiny. Through a carefully crafted narrative, the museum invites reflection on the global and national dimensions of this conflict.

The Human Experience of the Combatant

Beyond the chronology and strategy of the war, the museum focuses its attention on the human dimension of those who fought. Through various exhibition formats, it is possible to encounter individual stories and the daily lives of soldiers, understanding their sacrifice, resilience, and the adversities they experienced. The League of Combatants, the entity that lends its name to the museum, plays a central role in this narrative, ensuring the recognition and perpetuation of the memory of those who served the homeland.

The collection emphasizes the combatant's perspective, from the moments of enlistment to their return home, or the tribute to those who fell. It is a space of tribute to the courage and dedication of thousands of Portuguese people.

Collection and Material Testimonies

Inside the museum, visitors can discover a rich diversity of objects that served as testimonies and support for the combatants of the Great War. Period uniforms, military equipment, weaponry, and personal artifacts help to reconstruct the environment of the battlefields and life in the trenches.

Original documents, photographs, and maps complement the exhibition, providing a visual and textual record of the events and lives involved. These material elements function as bridges to the past, allowing a tangible connection with the historical and human dimension of the conflict, offering an immersive experience into the memory of the First World War.

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