Sea Museum

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Museum

District: Setúbal > Sesimbra > Sesimbra > Santiago

Location

The Museum of the Sea is located in the village of Sesimbra, in the Santiago area. It is housed inside the Fortress of Santiago, a historic building that by itself evokes the locality's connection to the sea through its defensive function over the centuries. The visitor experience unfolds through the various spaces of this ancient fortification, offering a unique context for the exhibited collection.

A Millennial History with the Ocean

This museum unveils Sesimbra's profound and enduring connection with the sea and fishing activity. Through its collection, it is possible to trace a historical journey dating back five thousand years, revealing the presence of communities that, since ancient times, established a strong relationship of dependence and interaction with the marine environment. Ancient artifacts, such as net weights and fishhooks, are testaments to this heritage.

The Arts, Journeys, and Knowledge of Fishermen

The museum explores the world of fishing in Sesimbra, highlighting the various techniques and arts used, with particular attention to those that became emblematic in the village. It also presents the journeys undertaken by fishermen, the maritime routes they traveled, and the fishing grounds they frequented. This area of the museum combines the traditional wisdom of the men of the sea with interactive elements that help to better understand their activity and their navigation methods.

Devotion, Memory, and Community Contribution

A significant part of the museum's collection reflects its strong connection to the local fishing community. Here are pieces that testify to maritime devotions and beliefs, such as ex-votos offered in gratitude for graces received, often associated with sea rescues or good fishing hauls. The museum also hosts donations from fishermen and their families, who shared objects and stories, showcasing the richness of their memories and crafts, from seaweed harvesting to naval carpentry.

The Natural Sea and a Passionate King

There is a space dedicated to biodiversity and conservation, with a focus on the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, an integral part of the Arrábida Natural Park. The museum provides ways to learn about the species that inhabit these waters, sometimes using interactive exhibitions. The figure of King D. Carlos is also evoked, recalling his interest in oceanography and his closeness to the fishing community of Sesimbra.

Multimedia Journey Through the Territory

The museum visit includes audiovisual components that offer additional perspectives on Sesimbra's history and surroundings. One highlight is a film that, using 3D technology, transports the visitor through time, from the geological formation of the area and the passage of dinosaurs, through significant moments in local history, reaffirming the constant presence of the sea in the past and future of the village.