MFA Command Post

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa

Location:

The MFA Command Post is located in the city of Lisbon, integrated into an area that historically hosted important military installations. It is situated in a more secluded part of the city, which proved advantageous for the discretion of the operations that took place there. Its location is emblematic, marking a key point in the country's contemporary history.

A Historic Landmark:

This site is a place of profound memory for Portuguese history, recognized as a National Monument. It was here, between April 24th and 26th, 1974, that the command of the military operations that led to the overthrow of the dictatorial regime in Portugal was concentrated. Its importance lies in the fact that it was the epicenter of the strategic coordination of the Carnation Revolution, an event that changed the nation's course. Although the building does not stand out for its particular architectural value, its relevance is unquestionable as a remarkable testament to experiences and historical events of great impact on collective memory.

The Museum Space:

The MFA Command Post is today a museum nucleus that seeks to perpetuate the events of April, recreating the conditions that existed on April 25th, 1974. The operations room, located in a former pavilion, reproduces the atmosphere of the time, displaying equipment such as radios, telephones, and transmitters, in addition to weapons and ammunition. Visitors have the opportunity to observe how the location presented itself, with furniture, maps, and other objects from the period. The space also includes areas dedicated to permanent and temporary exhibitions, allowing for a deeper understanding of the revolution and its protagonists. Outside, it is possible to see military vehicles that symbolically participated in the events of that decisive day.

The Essence of the Revolution:

The choice of this location for the Command Post was not random; its proximity to the capital, combined with the reliability of the military unit stationed there and the need for secrecy, made it the ideal point for "Operation End of Regime." It was from here that communication was established with the forces on the ground, using, for example, an ingenious system of clandestine telephone lines. Crucial figures of the Revolution, such as Major Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho and Captain Salgueiro Maia, whose representative figures can be observed, had their actions coordinated from this center. This was also the place where prominent figures of the old regime were brought after their surrender and where, on April 26th, the first press conference of the National Salvation Junta was held, marking the beginning of a new era for Portugal.

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