Military Museum of Elvas

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Portalegre > Elvas > Elvas > Bairro da Fonte Nova

Location

The Elvas Military Museum is located in the area of the city known as Bairro da Fonte Nova. It is integrated into an extensive complex that was once an important military barracks, part of the historical defenses of the Elvas Garrison. Its location allows visitors to experience the atmosphere of a place that for centuries was linked to the city's military life.

Origins and Historical Building

This museum resulted from a reorganization of the Army in 2006 and was installed in the former dependencies that belonged, among other units, to the 8th Infantry Regiment. The site where it is located has a long history, incorporating structures such as the cloister of the Convent of São Domingos, dating back to the 13th century, and parts of Elvas' medieval and 17th-century walls. It is noteworthy that the museum occupies buildings classified as National Monuments, located within the area considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Elvas Garrison and its Fortifications.

The Collection and Exhibits

When visiting the Elvas Military Museum, it is possible to encounter a significant part of the historical and patrimonial collection of the Portuguese Army. The museum presents various thematic areas, including the history of the Military Health Service, an exhibition of military vehicles from different eras, artillery pieces, and elements related to animal transport and military harnesses. One of the exhibition nuclei also addresses the history of military communications and the experience of the Portuguese Colonial War, presenting objects and testimonies associated with this period.

The exhibition rooms are adapted within the old military facilities, allowing visitors to understand not only the displayed collections but also the scale and atmosphere of the barracks that operated there in the past. It is a vast space, offering a panorama of the history and evolution of different branches and equipment of the Army over time.

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