National Museum of Archaeology

Category: Civil Architecture > Building

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Belém > Restelo

Location

The National Museum of Archaeology is located in one of the wings of the Jerónimos Monastery, in Belém, one of Lisbon's most emblematic and history-rich neighborhoods. Its position, facing the vast Praça do Império (Empire Square), places it in an environment of great cultural and architectural significance, where the grandeur of the monuments evokes centuries of history.

This area of Lisbon is known for its distinctive atmosphere and its proximity to the Tejo (Tagus) riverfront, inviting a peaceful stroll among buildings of great national relevance.

A Journey Through Portugal's Past

Founded in 1893 by José Leite de Vasconcelos, the National Museum of Archaeology was established with the ambition of being a "Museum of the Portuguese Man," dedicated to collecting and studying traces of human presence in the territory that today corresponds to Portugal. This institution is, therefore, the country's main archaeological repository, recounting history from the most remote times, such as the Paleolithic, up to the Middle Ages.

For over a century, the museum has consolidated its position as a reference in Portuguese archaeology, playing a crucial role in preserving and interpreting the vast cultural and material legacy that shaped the identity of the national territory.

Collections That Reveal Millennial Stories

The collection of the National Museum of Archaeology is notable for its diversity and scope, offering a detailed perspective on the civilizations that inhabited the Iberian Peninsula over millennia. Among many others, the collections of archaic goldware stand out, considered among the most important in the Peninsula, where pieces such as torcs and earrings can be admired, reflecting the mastery of ancient peoples in the art of gold.

Equally fascinating are the Roman mosaics, which, with their mythological figures and geometric patterns, transport visitors to the daily life and aesthetics of the Roman Empire. The monumental statues of the Galaico-Lusitanian Warriors, granite figures evoking leaders or heroes, guard the museum's entrance and represent one of the most significant sculptural ensembles of pre-Roman Peninsular art.

The museum also houses an expressive collection of Egyptian antiquities, which, although smaller in scale, offers a window into the life and rituals of Ancient Egypt, including mummies and artifacts. The amphorae, in turn, tell the story of trade and the maritime routes that connected Lusitania to the great centers of the Roman world, revealing the products and cultural exchanges of the era.

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