Museums in Portugal

Ferreira de Castro Museum

Sintra (Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim)

The Ferreira de Castro Museum in Sintra is a small literary museum devoted to the life and work of José Maria Ferreira de Castro, a Portuguese journalist and writer. It stands in Vila Velha, the old town of Sintra, and is run by the municipality. Admission is free. Who was Ferreira de Castro? Ferreira de Castro (1898-1974) was one of the leading Portuguese novelists of the twentieth century. He worked as a journalist and author, and after his death he was buried in the hills overlooking Sintra. A year before he died he donated his personal literary and artistic collection to the people of Sintra, and that gift forms the core of the museum. What will I see inside? The collection includes rare editions, manuscripts, personal belongings and original illustrations made for his books. A highlight is his study, reconstructed to match the room in his Lisbon home, which shows the space where his writing took shape. The museum also displays paintings and drawings by Portuguese and foreign artists, among them Arlindo Vicente, Bernardo Marques, Cândido Portinari, Elena Muriel, Jorge Barradas, José Rodrigues, Júlio Pomar, Roberto Nobre and Stuart Carvalhais. It is a chance to see how Portuguese literature intertwined with the visual arts. Where is it and how do I get there? The museum is in Vila Velha, the historic centre of Sintra, at Rua Consiglieri Pedroso 34 (Casal de Santo António), at roughly 38.796 N, 9.393 W. The area is best explored on foot, and the museum pairs easily with a stroll through the old town and a visit to the nearby National Palace. Opening hours and tickets According to local tourism information, the museum opens Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 18:00, and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 14:00 to 18:00. Last admission is one hour before closing, and it is closed on Mondays. Entry is free. Hours can change, so check current details before you go. Frequently asked questions Is there an admission fee? No, the museum, run by Sintra municipality, is free. How long should I allow? It is a small museum, so about an hour is usually enough. Do I need to read Portuguese? Not to appreciate the writer's study, the illustrations and the artworks, although exhibit labels may be mainly in Portuguese. Who is it for? Readers, fans of twentieth-century history, and anyone looking for a quiet alternative to Sintra's crowded palaces. When is the best time to visit? On weekdays it opens in the morning, while at weekends it opens only in the afternoon, so plan around the hours.

Museu Anjos Teixeira

Sintra (Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim)

Museu Anjos Teixeira is a house museum in Sintra devoted to the sculpture of two Portuguese masters, father and son: Artur Gaspar and Pedro Augusto dos Anjos Teixeira. It occupies the house where Pedro lived and taught, so a visit feels closer to stepping into a working studio than walking through a conventional gallery. What is this place? The collection brings together the work of both artists. Artur and Pedro belong to several currents of twentieth-century art: Naturalism, Realism, Late Naturalism and Neo-realism. Their sculpture is figurative and grounded in a thorough knowledge of anatomy, far from the abstraction that dominated part of the art of their time. The two returned to similar subjects. Their work explores human and animal anatomy, labour, freedom, trades and professions, the condition of women, and historical and religious figures. The result speaks about everyday Portuguese life as much as about form and technique. What materials will you see? The museum holds sculptures in plaster, marble and bronze, complemented by drawings and prototypes. Seeing finished pieces beside sketches and models lets you follow how a sculpture comes to life: from an idea on paper, through a model, to a work in a lasting material. How did the museum come about? On 24 September 1974, Pedro Augusto dos Anjos Teixeira bequeathed his collection, along with much of his father's work, to the Sintra municipality. The museum opened to the public in 1976. It worked both as a house museum and as a living studio: between 1977 and 1992 Pedro Teixeira taught sculpture here. The place served to display art and to pass the craft on to new generations. Where is it and how do you get there? The museum stands on Azinhaga da Sardinha, in the Rio do Porto area of Sintra, within the parish of Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim. It lies away from the busiest routes around the hilltop palaces, making it a calm pause in an intensive day of sightseeing. Who is it for? It suits anyone interested in sculpture, in twentieth-century Portuguese art, or in small, intimate museums. A visit does not take long, so it combines easily with other Sintra attractions. It also works for families: the figures of people and animals are easy to read, even for children. Frequently asked questions Is the museum large? No. It is a former home with a studio, so the visit is intimate in scale. Who were the Anjos Teixeira? A father and son, both sculptors: Artur Gaspar dos Anjos Teixeira and Pedro Augusto dos Anjos Teixeira. What is in the collection? Sculptures in plaster, marble and bronze, plus drawings and prototypes. When did the museum open? In 1976, after Pedro Teixeira bequeathed the collection to the Sintra municipality in 1974. Was sculpture taught here? Yes. From 1977 to 1992 Pedro Teixeira gave sculpture classes on the premises. Should I check opening hours before visiting? Yes. Municipal museums adjust hours on holidays and seasonally, so check the Visit Sintra website before you go.

NewsMuseum

NewsMuseum (Museu das Notícias) is a museum devoted to news, media and communication, set in the historic centre of Sintra, Portugal. It opened in the first minutes of 25 April 2016, at an event attended by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The project drew its inspiration from the Newseum in Washington, D.C. Its coordinates are roughly 38.796436 N, 9.389932 W. What kind of museum is it? This is a modern, multimedia museum rather than a traditional gallery of display cases. It traces how the media have changed, from the press to radio and television and on to the digital age. The exhibition looks at the last hundred years in Portugal and around the world through the news people were receiving. Touch screens, video and hands-on stations carry most of the experience. What will you see? The museum spreads over three floors and around 25 themed areas. Frequently mentioned highlights include: Sports Arena – interactive screens and footage of memorable moments in Portuguese sport. TV studio – step in front of the camera and try presenting the news yourself. Fake news zone – a challenge to tell fact from misinformation. Revolution Studio – the story of radio's role in the 1974 Carnation Revolution. Lounge – a room with a 67 m² touch screen, among the largest in the world. Visitors can follow a personalised route, and the content, amounting to many hours of video and other formats, is offered in Portuguese and English. Who is it for? Families with children and teenagers will find plenty to do, since so much is interactive. It also suits anyone curious about twentieth-century Portuguese history, journalism and media literacy. The fake news section is relevant to anyone who uses the internet daily. Where is it and how do you plan a visit? The museum stands in central Sintra, in the building that once housed the Toy Museum. It is within walking distance of the old town's main sights, so it combines easily with a day of palaces and hills. Allow around two hours to see every area at a relaxed pace. Check current opening hours and ticket prices on the museum's website or with Sintra's tourist office before you go. Frequently asked questions When did NewsMuseum open? In the first minutes of 25 April 2016. What inspired the museum? The Newseum in Washington, D.C. Which languages are available? Portuguese and English. Is it suitable for children? Yes, the interactive stations and TV studio engage younger visitors too. How many floors does it have? Three, with about 25 themed areas.

Casa onde nasceu Fernando Namora / Casa Museu Fernando Namora

Condeixa-a-Nova

Casa-Museu Fernando Namora in Condeixa-a-Nova is the house where Fernando Gonçalves Namora, one of Portugal's most important twentieth-century writers, was born on 15 April 1919. Today the building is a museum devoted to his life and work, standing on Largo Artur Barreto in the town centre, in the Coimbra region. Who was Fernando Namora? Namora (1919–1989) was a novelist, poet and physician who also painted as a sideline. He was born in Condeixa, though his professional and literary life later tied him to other places, Lisbon among them. His library, notes and paintings now form the core of the museum's collection, so a visit shows the author from a personal side as well. History of the house The writer's parents rented the building in the mid-1910s. A shop selling fabrics and haberdashery occupied the ground floor, while the family lived upstairs. This is where the future author came into the world. The house was turned into a museum and opened to the public on 30 June 1990, less than a year after Namora's death. What can you see? The collection centres on: paintings by Namora and works by other artists, a reconstructed study, moved from his Lisbon home on Avenida Infante Santo, a library of published and annotated books, including copies with dedications, manuscripts, original notes, printers' proofs and personal index cards. The reconstructed study will appeal most to book lovers, since it shows the space where the author's texts took shape. Planning your visit The museum sits in the middle of Condeixa-a-Nova at Largo Artur Barreto, 3150-124 Condeixa-a-Nova. Opening hours are listed differently in different sources, so call +351 239 404 411 or check the municipality's website before you go. The coordinates are roughly 40.1127 N, 8.4996 W. Frequently asked questions Is this really the writer's birthplace? Yes, Fernando Namora was born in this building in 1919. Since when has the house been a museum? Since 30 June 1990. Will I see original manuscripts? The collection includes manuscripts, notes and printers' proofs, though what is on display at any time may change. Where is Condeixa-a-Nova? In central Portugal near Coimbra, so the museum combines well with exploring the wider region.

National Museum of Ethnology

Lisboa

The National Museum of Ethnology (Museu Nacional de Etnologia) is Lisbon's museum devoted to the cultures of the wider world and to Portugal's own traditional heritage. It stands in the Restelo district on the western side of the city, on Avenida da Ilha da Madeira, not far from Belém. Many visitors pass through this area on their way to the riverside monuments, and the museum makes a quieter alternative to the better-known sights. What can you see here? The museum looks after more than 40,000 objects from Africa, Asia and South America. A separate collection covers Portuguese folk art and other forms of the country's ethnographic heritage. These are among the most important ethnographic holdings in Portugal, which makes the museum appealing to anyone curious about anthropology, or about how Portugal has connected with other parts of the world over time. The permanent exhibition is organised into seven thematic sections. Rather than presenting objects only as decorative pieces, it places them in the context of everyday life, ritual and the work of the people who made and used them. Guided visits to the reserves A distinctive feature is the guided visits to accessible museum reserves, including the Rural Life Gallery and the Amazon Gallery. These tours give a look at part of the collection that is not normally shown in the main exhibition rooms. Check the museum's website before your trip to see when such tours are offered. A short history The institution was created in 1965. It was first inaugurated as the Museu de Etnologia do Ultramar, or Overseas Ethnology Museum, and it is closely linked to the Portuguese ethnologist Jorge Dias, who began work on the project in 1947. Since 1976 the museum has had its own building in Restelo. In 2000 architect Eduardo Trigo de Sousa designed an extension that added a new library and media centre, two more reserve areas and gardens around the building. Practical information Address: Avenida da Ilha da Madeira, 1400-203 Lisbon. On site: a bookshop, a library, a cafe and a restaurant, so it is easy to spend a few hours here. Opening hours: according to available information, the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, on Tuesday afternoons and from 10:00 to 18:00 on the other days. Hours can change, so confirm them before you go. Frequently asked questions Where is the National Museum of Ethnology in Lisbon? In the Restelo district, on Avenida da Ilha da Madeira, in the western part of the city. What does the collection include? More than 40,000 objects from Africa, Asia and South America, plus a separate collection of Portuguese folk art. Can you visit the reserves? Yes, the museum offers guided visits, including to the Rural Life Gallery and the Amazon Gallery. Is there a cafe at the museum? Yes, there is a cafe and a restaurant, along with a bookshop and a library. When was the museum founded? In 1965, and it has had its own building in Restelo since 1976.

Casa-Museu Carlos Relvas

Golegã

Casa-Museu Carlos Relvas (officially Casa-Estúdio Carlos Relvas) is a museum in Golegã, Portugal, devoted to the 19th-century photographer Carlos Relvas. It is one of the most unusual stops for anyone curious about the early days of photography, because the building was conceived from the start as a home fused with a working studio. Who was Carlos Relvas? Carlos Relvas (1838–1894) was born in Golegã into a wealthy aristocratic family. He was raised by private tutors and excelled at sports such as fencing and horseback riding. He was also known as a talented amateur bullfighter. In the end he gave his life to photography: taking pictures, processing them and exhibiting them. He is regarded as a pioneer of photography in Portugal. What can you see here? The building was constructed between 1871 and 1875 to Relvas's own concept. It has two floors. The ground floor held work rooms, laboratories and chambers for preparing photographic negatives. Upstairs is the photographic gallery, the studio proper, with a space for making up models and enormous windows. Its iron and glass structure supported curtains that regulated the light, moved by a system of ropes and pulleys. This gave the photographer control over illumination, which mattered a great deal when exposures depended on daylight. Today the interiors let you understand how a photographer worked in the second half of the 19th century. You can see both the workshop and the mindset of a pioneer of a new technique. Why visit? Relvas put his knowledge of the then-new technique at the service of art. His photographs preserve evidence of many aspects of Portuguese life in the 19th century: he recorded writers, politicians and humble folk, as well as monuments, churches and villages. For visitors it is a chance to see an era through the eyes of a man with access to every layer of society of his time. The studio was restored and converted into a museum, which opened to the public on 20 April 2007. The site is considered a unique monument of the early period of photography history, not only in Golegã or Portugal but worldwide. Where is it and how to plan a visit The museum stands on Largo D. Manuel I in the centre of Golegã, a small town in Portugal. It pairs well with a walk around the town. Before you go, check current opening hours and ticket prices on the official Golegã municipality website, as they may vary by season. Frequently asked questions When was the building constructed? Between 1871 and 1875, to the design concept of Carlos Relvas. When did the museum open to visitors? On 20 April 2007, after the former studio was restored. Do I need to know photography? No. The place is also interesting if you like history, iron-and-glass architecture or life in old Portugal. Where is the museum? In Golegã, on Largo D. Manuel I. Who was its founder? Carlos Relvas, an aristocrat, photography pioneer and amateur bullfighter who lived from 1838 to 1894.

National Railway Museum

Entroncamento

The National Railway Museum (Museu Nacional Ferroviário) in Entroncamento is Portugal's main museum devoted to railway history. Its collections cover more than 160 years of Portuguese rails and trains, and the exhibits are spread across a former railway junction complex. What is the Museu Nacional Ferroviário? It is a national museum headquartered in Entroncamento, in central Portugal, with several branches scattered around the country. The commission charged with creating it was set up in May 1991 on the initiative of the Portuguese parliament. The site beside Entroncamento station opened on 18 May 2015. The collection holds around 36,000 objects and ranks among the finest railway heritage collections in Europe. What can you see there? The permanent exhibition presents steam, diesel and electric locomotives, along with representative models of famous trains. Alongside the engines you will find carriages of various types, plus equipment, tools and railwaymen's clothing that show what everyday railway life once looked like. Temporary exhibitions are also held. The stars of the museum are two historic trains: the Royal Train and the Presidential Train. The royal set consists of the D. Luiz locomotive and its tender, the D. Maria Pia saloon and the Prince's Saloon. The royal family used it on journeys to Vila Viçosa. Where is the museum located? The museum occupies the Entroncamento railway complex, an area of 4.5 hectares with 19 tracks used for display. Visitors explore historic buildings, including the food warehouse, the distinctive locomotive rotunda and the old steam workshops. The site lies close to Entroncamento railway station, so it is easy to reach by train. Frequently asked questions When is the museum open? Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 to 17:30, with last entry at 16:30. Check the museum foundation's website (fmnf.pt) for current details before you go. How long should I plan for a visit? The grounds cover 4.5 hectares and the collection is large, so set aside several hours to see the locomotives, carriages and buildings at an easy pace. Can I go inside the Royal Train? The museum has offered visits to the interior of the Royal Train. Confirm current access with the museum before you travel. Is it a good stop for children? Yes. Full-size locomotives and carriages standing on the tracks impress younger visitors, and a mini-train ride option is also on offer. Who is it for? Railway and technology enthusiasts, families with children, and anyone interested in Portuguese history, where the railway played an important part. How do I get there? The simplest way is by train to Entroncamento station, next to one of the museum's sites.

Museu Ferroviário de Bragança

Bragança

Museu Ferroviário de Bragança, the Bragança branch of the National Railway Museum, occupies the former railway station in the city centre. It tells the story of the Linha do Tua, the line that for decades tied Portugal's north-east to the rest of the country. What is the museum in Bragança? The museum sits on the grounds of the old station, next to the former locomotive shed. Its displays include locomotives, passenger coaches and freight wagons, workshop equipment and many small objects from the daily routines of railway staff and travellers. Together they trace the construction and operation of the Tua line and preserve the memory of a community whose life was closely bound to the railway. What was the Linha do Tua? The line ran from Tua station, on the Douro valley route, through Mirandela and Macedo de Cavaleiros to Bragança. It was roughly 133 km long and was completed at the end of 1906. Trains ran along its whole length until December 1991, when Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses closed the section between Mirandela and Bragança. The rolling stock was taken away by road while local people protested. The closure was a painful turning point for the region, and it is still remembered in Bragança. When did the museum open? In the 1980s a small museum nucleus was set up at the station, as part of a wider effort to preserve and organise Portugal's railway heritage. The site closed to visitors in 2002 and reopened on 25 April 2019 after renovation. The works restored the old locomotive shed and doubled the exhibition space. What should you look at? The collection holds more than two hundred restored pieces linked to the lives of the railway workers and passengers of the Tua line. One of the highlights is locomotive CN1, one of the first engines to run on the opening stretch of the line, between Bragança and Mirandela. The coaches and workshop tools are worth a slow look, since they show not only the engineering but also the everyday work behind it. Some items are also available online through Google Arts & Culture, which is handy for planning a visit or browsing from home. Who is it for? Rail and technology enthusiasts will enjoy it, as will families with children who like seeing real locomotives up close, and anyone curious about the social history of the Trás-os-Montes region. Because it is in the city centre, it combines easily with a visit to Bragança's castle and old town. Frequently asked questions Where is the museum? In the former railway station building in central Bragança, in north-eastern Portugal. When did it reopen? On 25 April 2019, after being closed in 2002 and thoroughly renovated. What is the best-known exhibit? Locomotive CN1, tied to the first stretch of the Tua line between Bragança and Mirandela. Do trains still run to Bragança? No. Service on the Mirandela to Bragança section ended in December 1991. Can I see the collection online? Yes, selected pieces are available on Google Arts & Culture. Should I check opening hours before going? Yes, confirm hours and ticket prices on the Museu Nacional Ferroviário foundation website before you travel.

Casa Museu Bissaya-Barreto

Coimbra

Casa Museu Bissaya-Barreto is a house museum in Coimbra, central Portugal, set in the former residence of the surgeon and philanthropist Fernando Bissaya Barreto. It stands close to the city's botanical garden and gives visitors a look into the private world of a man who left a lasting mark on Portuguese social medicine. Who was Bissaya Barreto? Fernando Bissaya Barreto (1886–1974) was a surgeon and professor of medicine at the University of Coimbra. He was a key figure in the development of social medicine and welfare assistance in Portugal. In 1958 he founded the Bissaya Barreto Foundation, created to improve education, healthcare and social support for disadvantaged communities in central Portugal. A visit here introduces both a collector and the founder of an institution that still carries on his work. What does the building look like? The house was completed in 1925 to a design by the architect Fiel Viterbo. The two-storey mansion is eclectic in style, with strong Joanine Baroque touches, a reference to the Portuguese Baroque of the era of King John V. An octagonal turret with refined windows crowns the whole. It is a good example of how early twentieth-century Portuguese houses blended older models with modern domestic architecture. What will you see inside? The rooms hold the objects the owner gathered over the years: a broad collection of Portuguese azulejos, the painted ceramic tiles, dating from the 16th to the 19th century; porcelain from the East India Company and from Saxony; silverware and Italian marble; paintings of the Mother and Child; fabrics, plus works by painters such as José Malhoa, Sousa Pinto and António Vitorino; a library with books from the 16th and 17th centuries. Azulejos are one of the best-known symbols of Portugal, so if you want to follow their development across several centuries, this house shows it in a single place. Why visit? The museum has been open to the public since 1986. It is not a conventional gallery with rows of display cases. It is a home in which furniture, paintings and everyday objects form a coherent picture of the life of a well-off doctor devoted to social causes. A visit pairs well with a walk through Coimbra, especially if you are exploring the area around the botanical garden. The site lies at 40.206157 N, 8.419495 W. Frequently asked questions Where is Casa Museu Bissaya-Barreto? In Coimbra, Portugal, near the botanical garden. When was the building constructed? In 1925, designed by the architect Fiel Viterbo. Since when has the museum been open to visitors? Since 1986. What is the highlight of the collection? Many visitors single out the azulejos from the 16th to 19th centuries, but the house also holds porcelain, silver, paintings and an old library. Who owned the house? Fernando Bissaya Barreto, a surgeon, professor of medicine in Coimbra and philanthropist who founded the foundation in 1958.

Museu da Cultura Castreja

Guimarães

Museu da Cultura Castreja is a small archaeology museum in Briteiros, in the municipality of Guimarães, northern Portugal. It is devoted to the Castro culture: the communities who lived in fortified hilltop settlements across the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula during the Iron Age and the early Roman period. Where is the museum housed? It occupies the Solar da Ponte, a manor house dating from the late 18th century and owned by the Sociedade Martins Sarmento, a cultural association based in Guimarães. The address is Rua do Solar, Briteiros S. Salvador, close to the sites where the displayed objects were found. Why here? The house belonged to the family of Francisco Martins Sarmento (1833–1899), a Guimarães scholar and pioneering archaeologist. He treated it as a country retreat and stayed here while excavating at Citânia de Briteiros and Castro de Sabroso. Work at the Citânia began in 1874 under his direction. The Society, founded in 1881, still studies and protects both sites and oversees them scientifically. After a full restoration completed in 2003, the house opened as a museum, a thematic extension of the Society's Archaeological Museum. It was the first space dedicated to Castro culture, which existed only in north-west Iberia. What can you see inside? The life and work of Sarmento. The permanent display follows the archaeologist's career through his cameras, field notebooks and a selection of treasured books from his library. Finds from the digs. The lower floor shows material from Citânia de Briteiros and Castro de Sabroso: decorated architectural elements from dwellings, stone sculpture, several kinds of Iron Age and Roman pottery, and everyday metal objects such as jewellery, tools and weapons. Temporary exhibitions. The museum also stages themed shows, for example on daily life during the Romanisation of the region. Who is it for? It suits anyone planning to visit Citânia de Briteiros who wants to understand its inhabitants first. The visit is short and quiet, and it complements a walk around the site itself. Frequently asked questions What are the opening hours? Daily: in summer 9:30 am–12:30 pm and 2–6 pm, in winter 9:30 am–12:30 pm and 2–5 pm. Closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday and 25 December. Check current hours before you go. Is it the same as Citânia de Briteiros? No. The Citânia is an open-air archaeological site, while the museum is a separate building displaying finds from that site and from Castro de Sabroso. Who runs the museum? The Sociedade Martins Sarmento of Guimarães. What is Castro culture? An indigenous culture of north-west Iberia centred on fortified settlements known as castros.

Dom Diogo de Sousa Museum

Braga

Dom Diogo de Sousa Museum in Braga is an archaeology museum in northern Portugal that traces the city's story from prehistory to the early Middle Ages. It stands in the heart of what was once the Roman city of Bracara Augusta, so a visit means exploring the very layers of history that lie beneath Braga's streets today. What is the Dom Diogo de Sousa Museum? It is an archaeological museum founded in 1918. It is named after Diogo de Sousa, Archbishop of Braga from 1505 to 1532, remembered as a major patron and reformer of the city. Since 29 June 2007 the collection has been displayed in a modern building designed specifically for it, in the city centre. What is in the collection? The collection consists mostly of finds from excavations carried out in Braga and its surroundings. It spans a very long period, from the Palaeolithic through Roman rule to the Suevi-Visigothic kingdom of the 5th to 7th centuries. Across four exhibition rooms you can see, among other things: arrowheads, funerary objects and pottery from prehistoric times, Roman tombstones and everyday objects used by the people of Bracara Augusta, artefacts from the Suevi and Visigothic era. What makes it stand out? The museum is regarded as holding one of the best collections of milliaries in Europe. These are Roman milestones, stone columns that marked distances along imperial roads. They show how important a crossroads Bracara Augusta was. For anyone curious about Roman roads, this is one of the most interesting parts of the visit. Why visit? Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal, and the museum helps you understand where it came from. The display is chronological, so it is easy to follow how life in the region changed over thousands of years. Its central location makes it simple to combine with a walk through historic Braga and visits to the city's other landmarks. Frequently asked questions Where is the museum? In central Braga, on the site of the former Roman city of Bracara Augusta. The coordinates are roughly 41.5463 N, 8.4275 W. When was it founded? In 1918. It moved into its current building in June 2007. Who is it named after? Diogo de Sousa, Archbishop of Braga between 1505 and 1532. Which periods does the exhibition cover? From the Palaeolithic, through the Roman period, to the Suevi and Visigoths in the 5th to 7th centuries. What is the best-known part of the collection? The Roman milliaries, considered among the best collections of their kind in Europe. Is it a good stop for history lovers? Yes. The museum gathers finds from excavations in Braga itself, so it tells the story of this particular city and region rather than offering a generic overview. It helps explain why Braga mattered so much in the north of the Iberian Peninsula for centuries, and it works well as an introduction before exploring the streets where some of the displayed objects were found.

Maritime Museum of Ílhavo

Ílhavo

Maritime Museum of Ílhavo (Museu Marítimo de Ílhavo) is a museum in the town of Ílhavo, in the Aveiro region on Portugal's Atlantic coast, devoted to the relationship between local people and the sea. It is best known for its focus on cod fishing and for the neighbouring Cod Aquarium, which makes it one of the more unusual maritime attractions in the country. What is the Maritime Museum of Ílhavo? The museum was founded on 8 August 1937, born from the wish of the local community to preserve its memories of the sea and of fishing. Ílhavo has long been a town of seafarers, and the collection reflects that identity. In 2001 the museum was renovated and expanded, and today it occupies a building of modern architecture that sits comfortably alongside the historic story it tells. What can you see inside? The exhibitions cover Portugal's maritime identity in a broad sense. A central theme is cod fishing, presented through fishing vessels from the 19th and 20th centuries, which show how demanding and dangerous the long Atlantic campaigns were for the crews who sailed from this coast. Another highlight is the colourful painted decoration of the moliceiros, the traditional boats of the Ria de Aveiro lagoon that were used to harvest seaweed. The paintings on their bows are a distinctive piece of regional folk art. In the Sala dos Mares, the boat is treated as the main object of sea and river heritage. Several types of traditional Portuguese boats are on show, with particular attention to those connected with the migrations of the people of Ílhavo. The museum also holds a wide art collection, a seaweed collection, and what is described as the largest collection of shells in Portugal. What is the Cod Aquarium? The Cod Aquarium (Aquário dos Bacalhaus) was inaugurated in January 2013. It is an exhibition of biological heritage dedicated to the Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, a fish that the Portuguese have caught and eaten for centuries. The main tank holds 120 cubic metres of water. Seeing the living animal gives context to the boats, tools and stories displayed in the museum galleries, and connects the history of fishing with the biology of the species. Why visit? It is a compact way to understand why cod, known in Portuguese as bacalhau, occupies such a central place in the country's culture and cuisine. The collection combines boats, art, natural history and local heritage in one visit. The museum works well as a stop when exploring Ílhavo and the wider Aveiro lagoon area. The location is easy to combine with other sights of the region, such as the moliceiro boat trips and the canals of Aveiro. Practical tips The museum is located in Ílhavo at coordinates 40.604333, -8.666087, a short trip from the city of Aveiro. Opening hours and ticket prices change, so check the museum's official channels before you go. Allow enough time to see both the museum galleries and the aquarium, especially if you like reading about history and boats in detail. Frequently asked questions When was the Maritime Museum of Ílhavo founded? It was founded on 8 August 1937 and was renovated and expanded in 2001. What is the museum known for? Mainly for its exhibitions on cod fishing, traditional boats such as the moliceiros, and its large shell collection. Is there an aquarium? Yes. The Cod Aquarium opened in January 2013 and has a 120 cubic metre tank dedicated to the Atlantic cod. Where is it? In Ílhavo, near Aveiro, in the centre region of Portugal. Is it worth visiting for people not interested in fishing? Yes. The mix of art, shells, seaweed, boats and a living-fish exhibition gives it a wider appeal than the name suggests.

Museu Municipal Doutora Berta Cabral

Vila Flor

Museu Municipal Doutora Berta Cabral is the municipal museum of Vila Flor, a town in the Bragança district of northern Portugal. It occupies a medieval building on Largo Dr. Alexandre de Matos, close to the parish church known as the Matriz. Its collections hold roughly three thousand objects that tell the story of the town and the surrounding countryside. How did the museum begin? The museum was founded in September 1957 by Raúl de Sá Correia, a long-serving secretary of the town council. He also directed it until his death in 1993. In May 1958 the collection moved into the former Domus Municipalis, the town's old council house. The building was converted into a cultural centre that originally also housed the Belmiro de Matos library. The work was paid for with state support and a donation from Eduardo Dário da Costa Cabral. What is the building? The house was once the Solar dos Aguilares, the seat of the family that first held Vila Flor as a grant. It later served as the Paços do Concelho, the town hall. Over the years it also hosted the municipal butcher, the tax office, a guard post and the town library. The main facade carries the royal arms and the fleur-de-lis, the emblem of Vila Flor. On the west facade you can see the Aguilares arms, which show two eagles. What is in the collection? Most pieces were donated by locals and friends of the town, and the great majority come from the municipality itself. The collection covers: paintings, including works by Manuel António de Moura, archaeology, ethnography, African crafts, sacred art, numismatics and medals. Together they let you follow the region's story from archaeological finds to rural traditions and religious art. Who is it for? The museum makes an easy stop on a walk through central Vila Flor, and it pairs well with a visit to the nearby Matriz church. It suits travellers who want local history rather than headline monuments. A visit does not take long, and an hour is usually enough. Frequently asked questions Where is the museum? In the centre of Vila Flor, on Largo Dr. Alexandre de Matos, next to the Matriz church. When was it founded? In September 1957, and it has been in the former Domus Municipalis since 1958. How many objects does it hold? About three thousand, mostly from the Vila Flor municipality. What sections does it have? Painting, archaeology, ethnography, African crafts, sacred art, and numismatics and medals. Is it open every day? Sources say generally yes, except national and municipal holidays. Check the Vila Flor municipality website for current hours before you go.

Chiado Museum

Lisboa

Museu do Chiado (Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea – Museu do Chiado) is a national art museum in Lisbon's historic Chiado district. It gathers Portuguese art from the mid-19th century to the present, and it is one of the country's oldest museums devoted to modern art. What is the Museu do Chiado? The museum was created by a republican decree on 26 May 1911. It came out of the split of the former National Museum of Fine Arts into two institutions: the National Museum of Ancient Art and the National Museum of Contemporary Art. For the young republic this was a significant project, meant to promote and teach the arts, and for its time it was a pioneering space. Where is it, and what is the building like? The museum occupies part of the former Convent of São Francisco da Cidade in central Lisbon. The convent was badly damaged in the 1755 earthquake. The same complex also houses the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Lisbon and the National Academy of Fine Arts, which gives the surroundings a distinctly artistic feel. After a fire affected the district in 1988, the building was extensively remodelled. The project was led by the French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. The museum reopened in 1994 and has kept that form ever since. What will you see in the collection? The collection spans 1850 to the present day. It holds foundational works in the history of modern Portuguese art, including several national treasures. Media include painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, video and installation. Artists represented include: Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, José Malhoa, Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, Almada Negreiros, Lourdes Castro, Helena Almeida. With such a broad range, visitors can follow how Portuguese art changed, from 19th-century painting to contemporary video and installations. Who is it for? The museum suits anyone who wants to get to know Portuguese art of the 19th and 20th centuries, beyond monuments and azulejos. It is an easy stop on a walk through Chiado, since it sits in the heart of the district. Architecture fans will appreciate the mix of a historic convent and a modern remodelling. Frequently asked questions When was the Museu do Chiado founded? In 1911. It reopened in its current form in 1994. Where is the museum? In Lisbon's Chiado district, in part of the former Convent of São Francisco da Cidade. Who designed the renovation? The French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, after the 1988 fire. What is in the collection? Painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, video and installations by Portuguese artists from 1850 to today. Which names are worth knowing before a visit? Among others Almada Negreiros, Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, José Malhoa, Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, Lourdes Castro and Helena Almeida. Are there other art institutions nearby? Yes. The same complex houses the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Lisbon and the National Academy of Fine Arts.

Centro Interpretativo do Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha

Coimbra

Centro Interpretativo do Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha is the modern visitor and exhibition centre in Coimbra that tells the story of a Gothic Poor Clare convent repeatedly swamped by the Mondego River. It stands right beside the excavated ruins and forms the second half of a visit to the whole site. What is this place? The centre was created as part of the development of the archaeological site. The contemporary building, completed in 2008, covers roughly one thousand square metres and works as a museum space. It is used to conserve, study and present the collection that came out of the excavations on the former convent grounds. What will I see inside? The building holds exhibition rooms, an auditorium, a shop and a cafeteria. The display is built around everyday objects left behind by the cloistered nuns: porcelain and earthenware, rosaries, rings and many small items. They let you picture daily life in the convent rather than just looking at its walls. How does it connect to the ruins? The Santa Clara-a-Velha convent, the "Old" one, was founded in the 13th century and was one of Coimbra's important royal foundations. It sits low, close to the Mondego, and suffered again and again from floods and silt. Eventually the nuns moved to a new convent on the hill, and the old one was abandoned and partly buried in sediment. Today the ruins have been uncovered through archaeological work, and the interpretive centre explains what you see outside. A visit combines the open-air ruins with the centre's interior. Is it open right now? Check current information before you go. According to available sources, the site has been closed to the public since 20 October 2025 for the project "Requalification of the Interpretive Center, Casa do Paço, External Arrangements and General Improvements", funded under Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). Confirm the reopening date with the national heritage authority or Coimbra City Council. Frequently asked questions Where is the centre? In Coimbra, across the Mondego from the historic city centre, next to the convent ruins. How long does a visit take? About an hour is usually enough for the exhibition and a walk among the ruins, though it depends on your pace. What can I see besides the ruins? An exhibition of objects found at the convent, including ceramics and the nuns' personal items, plus a cafeteria and shop. Is it worth it for history lovers? Yes, it suits anyone interested in medieval Gothic architecture, archaeology and monastic life in Portugal. Is it open? Check the current status before planning a trip, since renovation works have forced a closure.

Centro de Arte e Cultura

Centro de Arte e Cultura in Évora Centro de Arte e Cultura is an art museum in Évora, Portugal, run by the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation. It occupies the former Inquisition Palace at Largo do Conde de Vila Flor, in the city's historic centre. Open since 2013, it pairs a visit to a historic building with contemporary art. What is this place? The centre is a space devoted to artistic and cultural initiatives. Its programme rests on exhibitions, with a focus on contemporary art, alongside performative projects and educational programmes. The foundation says it is guided by social commitment and sustainable practices, offering multidisciplinary, formative and inclusive programming for different audiences. The aim is to raise awareness of the arts and encourage people to engage with them. Why does the building matter? The Tribunal of the Holy Office was introduced in Portugal in 1536, and the first Inquisition was installed in Évora, in this very palace. Over time the building was expanded and adapted. It was significantly enlarged under Cardinal-King Henrique, and between 1622 and 1655 major works followed a design by Mateus do Couto, the royal architect of the Inquisitions. Since 1950 the building has been classified as a Property of Public Interest (Imóvel de Interesse Público). Its conversion into an arts centre formed part of a project to rehabilitate the foundation's monumental heritage in Évora's historic centre. What is worth seeing? Besides temporary exhibitions, look out for the gallery with mural paintings from the second half of the sixteenth century. Tourist descriptions present it as palatial mural painting found nowhere else in the country. The venue also hosts guided visits in which historians discuss the architectural traces of the former Inquisition. Frequently asked questions Where is it? In Évora, at Largo do Conde de Vila Flor, in the historic centre. Coordinates: 38.5724, -7.9077. What are the opening hours? October to April, Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00. May to September, Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-19:00. Closed on Mondays. How much is a ticket? According to available information, a standard ticket costs 4 euros, with discounts for seniors over 65, students and groups. Entry is free on Sundays, and for children and young people up to 18 accompanied by family. Check the current prices before you go. How can I contact them? Phone: +351 266 748 350. Does it fit into a walk around Évora? Yes. The building stands in the historic centre, so a visit combines easily with exploring the old town. Allow at least an hour to see the exhibitions and interiors without rushing.

Casa Ásia - Francisco Capelo Collection

Lisboa

Casa Ásia – Francisco Capelo Collection is an Asian art museum in Lisbon, housed in a palace in the Bairro Alto district. Its holdings include roughly 1,300 objects from fourteen Asian countries, a journey from India to East Timor without leaving the city. What is Casa Ásia? The museum opened in 2017, after the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa received the Asian art collection of collector Francisco Capelo. The collection came to the institution through donation, acquisition and deposit. It is installed in the Portugal da Gama Palace, also known as the São Roque Palace, in Bairro Alto, one of Lisbon's most characterful neighbourhoods. What can you see here? The collection is geographically broad. It holds works from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, East Timor and the Philippines. The oldest pieces date to the 3rd century BC and the most recent to the 20th century, so visitors follow more than two millennia of art and culture. Objects were acquired on the basis of rarity and artistic quality. As a result, the collection is described as comparable to those shown in major international museums. Who is the collector? Francisco Capelo built the collection by trusting his own eye and instinct, aiming for something both beautiful and representative. His interests were not limited to Asia: he also collected modern and contemporary art, design and fashion. His Asian holdings range from China and Japan to India and Timor, and include the cultures of Southeast Asia. Who is it for? The museum suits anyone curious about Asian cultures, and visitors who want a quieter, more intimate stop while exploring Bairro Alto. Thematic visits are offered to help make sense of such a wide collection. Check current opening hours and ticket prices on the museum's official website before you go. Frequently asked questions Where is Casa Ásia? In Lisbon's Bairro Alto district, in the Portugal da Gama (São Roque) Palace. How many objects are in the collection? About 1,300, from fourteen Asian countries. What periods do the exhibits cover? From the 3rd century BC to the 20th century. Who assembled the collection? Francisco Capelo. It passed to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa in 2017. Is it worth a visit on a short trip to Lisbon? If Asian art interests you, yes. It is one of the few collections of this scope in the city, and its central location makes it easy to combine with other Bairro Alto sights.

Geraz do Lima Carriage Museum

Viana do Castelo

Geraz do Lima Carriage Museum (Portuguese: Museu de Carros de Cavalos) is a thematic museum devoted to animal-drawn transport. It stands on the Quinta da Bouça estate in the parish of Santa Leocádia de Geraz do Lima, in the Viana do Castelo area of northern Portugal. It suits visitors curious about how people travelled before motor vehicles took over the roads. What can you see at the museum? The collection holds more than 50 horse-drawn carriages, mostly from the 19th century. They are not only showpiece vehicles. The range covers pleasure carriages, family carts, hunting vehicles and vehicles used for public transport. Together they show several sides of earlier daily life, from leisurely drives and the hunt to ordinary journeys between towns. Beyond the carriages themselves, the museum keeps an extensive set of riding equipment, including saddles, stirrups and other horse-related objects. This fills out the picture by showing the gear of riders and teams as well as the vehicles. Which piece stands out? One notable item is the Phaeton de Cabeça, a carriage on twelve springs built by Labourdette & Frères of Paris. It belonged to Afonso de Bragança, Duke of Porto, nicknamed "arreda". A vehicle like this shows the craftsmanship and status attached to a well-made carriage in the 1800s. Who built the collection? Dr. Lopo de Carvalho, a physician and carriage enthusiast, assembled it. The museum is therefore the result of one collector's passion rather than a large institution's acquisitions, which gives it a clear single-subject focus on one corner of transport history and social customs. Planning your visit The museum is in Geraz do Lima, in the Viana do Castelo district, in the Lima river valley. According to available sources, visits are by appointment, so contact the museum before travelling, for example by phone (258 731 162) or through its website (museudecarrosdecavalos.com). Older sources mention weekend afternoon opening, but this may be out of date, so confirm directly. The approximate coordinates are 41.703 N, 8.661 W. Frequently asked questions Is the museum worth visiting? Yes, if you are interested in transport history, 19th-century craftsmanship or collecting. It is a specialist museum, not a large mass-market attraction. How many carriages are on display? More than 50, mainly from the 19th century. Do I need to book ahead? According to available information, yes; visits are arranged in advance. Who started the collection? Dr. Lopo de Carvalho, a physician and carriage enthusiast.

Museu de Arte Contemporânea Armando Martins

Lisboa

Museu de Arte Contemporânea Armando Martins (MACAM) is a private art museum in Lisbon that opened to the public in March 2025. It presents a collection of Portuguese modern art and both national and international contemporary art, assembled by the collector Armando Martins. What is it? MACAM was created to share with visitors a collection that Armando Martins began building in 1974 and still expands today. It contains more than 600 works, including some of the major names of modern and contemporary art. Around 215 pieces are on view at a time, so the display is a curated selection rather than a full survey. Where is it, and what is the building? The museum occupies a large eighteenth-century palace that has been restored and extended. Historically the building is known as the Palace of the Counts of Vila Franca, later the Palace of the Counts of Ribeira Grande. Since it was built in the early 1700s it has been transformed many times and has served a variety of purposes. Today it stands in the Alcântara-Belém Art District, one of the main cultural and tourist areas of Lisbon. A museum and a hotel An unusual feature is the link with the five-star MACAM Hotel, the first hotel in Portugal to display works from a collection in its rooms and shared spaces. The whole complex covers about 13,000 square meters, of which roughly 2,000 are exhibition space. Who is it for? MACAM suits anyone who enjoys contemporary art and wants something in Lisbon beyond the classic monuments. Its location makes it easy to combine with a day around Belém. Displays change, since only part of the collection is shown at once. Frequently asked questions When did MACAM open? It officially opened to the public in March 2025. Whose collection is it? The private collection of Armando Martins, a Portuguese entrepreneur who started collecting in 1974. How many works are on display? About 215 pieces from a collection of more than 600. Is there a hotel in the building? Yes, the five-star MACAM Hotel operates in the same historic building and also displays works from the collection. What should I check before visiting? Opening hours and ticket prices are best confirmed on the museum's official website, as they may change. In short An eighteenth-century palace, fifty years of collecting and a partnership with a hotel make MACAM one of Lisbon's more interesting new cultural venues. It deserves a place on your list if you are curious about Portuguese and international art of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Museu de Marionetas do Porto

Porto

The Porto Puppet Museum (Museu das Marionetas do Porto) is a small museum devoted to the art of puppet theatre, run by the company Teatro de Marionetas do Porto. It sits at Rua de Belomonte 61, right next to the company's headquarters, in the historic part of the city. What is this museum? The museum is tied to the work of João Paulo Seara Cardoso (1956–2010), stage director and artistic director of Teatro de Marionetas do Porto, who dreamed of creating a puppet museum. The company itself was founded in September 1988, a symbolic date that coincides with its presentation in the official selection of the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes in Charleville-Mézières. How did the museum come about? In 2002 a building at Rua das Flores 22 was rented. It was practically in ruins and needed major renovation. The museum opened on 3 February 2013, João Paulo Seara Cardoso's birthday. That year the company celebrated 25 years of activity, and the founder's lifelong dream became reality. After the building on Rua das Flores 22 was sold, the museum moved to Rua de Belomonte 61, next to the company's base, the Teatro de Belomonte. What can you see? The new space has two floors. The exhibition shows 123 marionettes from 13 of the company's productions, following a journey of 32 years of creation. Alongside the puppets you will find posters, set pieces, photographs, props, and videos of plays and documentaries. This lets you see not only the puppets themselves but also how the productions were made. Practical information According to information published by the museum, it is open Wednesday to Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm, and on weekends from 11 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm. Exhibition tickets cost €3.50 for adults and €2.50 for children, students and seniors. Guided tours are also available: €10 for adults and €5 for the other groups. Check hours and prices before your visit. Contact: tel. 220 108 224, email [email protected]. Frequently asked questions Where is the museum? At Rua de Belomonte 61 in Porto, next to the headquarters of Teatro de Marionetas do Porto. When did it open? On 3 February 2013, originally in a building at Rua das Flores 22. It later moved to Rua de Belomonte. How many marionettes are on display? There are 123 marionettes from 13 of the company's shows. Are guided tours available? Yes, the museum offers guided visits for a separate fee. Who is it for? Theatre lovers, families with children, and anyone interested in stagecraft and theatrical design. A visit does not take long, so it pairs well with a walk around the neighbourhood.

Museu Berardo de Estremoz

Estremoz

Museu Berardo de Estremoz is a museum of azulejos, Portugal's decorative ceramic tiles, housed in the historic Tocha Palace in Estremoz, in the Alentejo region. Its displays trace eight centuries of tile history, making it one of the best places to understand why azulejos became a symbol of Portugal. What is this museum? The museum is a joint initiative of the Berardo Collection and the Estremoz municipality. It occupies the Palácio Tocha, a palace whose interiors are themselves part of the region's tile heritage. The main exhibition, "800 Anos de História do Azulejo" ("800 Years of Azulejo History"), leads visitors chronologically through successive eras and styles. What can you see? The collection is regarded as the largest and most important private tile collection in Portugal. It combines tile ensembles preserved in situ, including at the Bacalhôa Palace and Estate in Azeitão and at the Tocha Palace in Estremoz, with more than four and a half thousand movable pieces dating from the 13th to the 21st century. Highlights include: Spanish tiles showing the development of the cuerda seca, arista and majolica techniques, along with patterned tiles made in Seville and Granada in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. Macacarias, satirical scenes often featuring monkeys, from 17th-century Portuguese tilework. They are considered a true treasure of the collection. A room devoted to Pombaline tiles in a variety of patterns. A survey of industrial tile production from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, and works by leading artists of the second half of the 20th century and today. When to visit The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday. From October to April the hours are 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, and from May to September 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays, Easter Sunday, and on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January. Entry is free on the first Tuesday of each month, which is worth keeping in mind when planning. Check the museum's website for current hours and ticket prices before you go. Frequently asked questions How long does a visit take? Allow about an hour to an hour and a half at a relaxed pace, though ceramics enthusiasts will want longer. Is admission free? Yes, on the first Tuesday of the month. On other days a ticket is required. Is the museum open on Mondays? No, it is open Tuesday to Sunday. Who is it for? Anyone interested in art, design history and architecture, and travellers who want to see azulejos beyond the usual Lisbon and Porto routes. Estremoz pairs well with visits to other Alentejo towns, so the museum makes a rewarding stop on a longer trip through the region. Why go? Azulejos are usually seen on facades and railway stations; here you can study them up close and in historical order. You can see how Spanish and Moorish influences evolved into Portuguese styles, how motifs shifted from geometry to narrative scenes, and how tiles moved into industry, Art Nouveau and contemporary art. The combination of a palace interior and a rich collection makes the visit a lesson in history, art and craft at once. It is a good choice for a rainy day or a hot afternoon, when shade and cool interiors are welcome in the Alentejo. Photographers should look for glaze details, cobalt blues and yellows, and the rhythm of repeating patterns, which look best in the side light of the exhibition rooms.

Museu Regional de Beja

Beja

Museu Regional de Beja is one of the most important museums in southern Portugal, housed in the former Convent of Conceição in the centre of Beja, in the Alentejo region. It is also known as the Queen Dona Leonor Museum (Museu Rainha D. Leonor). Its collections span two thousand years of regional history, from Roman finds to sacred and decorative art. Why visit this museum? The building itself is part of the attraction. The Royal Convent of Nossa Senhora da Conceição was founded in the second half of the 15th century by the Infantes Fernando and Brites, parents of Queen Leonor and King Manuel I. Thanks to royal protection, it became one of the richest and most sumptuous convents in the kingdom. A visit lets you see late medieval monastic architecture alongside the exhibits, including the cloister and chapels. How did the museum begin? The museum was created by a decree of December 1917. It ordered the institution to be installed in the former convent and to receive, as its initial holdings, the assets of the city's defunct episcopal mitre and the art and archaeological collections of the municipal archaeological museum. After the building was adapted and the collections organised, the museum opened to the public on 5 October 1927. What can you see here? The collection is varied and considered one of the most significant in the country. Main sections include: painting – works by Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch masters, archaeology – mainly the Roman period, which is especially rich in this region, plus Visigothic, Arab and medieval finds, lapidary collection – carved stone elements and inscriptions, goldsmithing and silverwork, azulejo tiles, sculpture, utilitarian ceramics, numismatics, metrology and ironwork. The Visigothic collection draws particular attention and is regarded as one of the finest in Portugal. Who is it for? The museum suits lovers of history, archaeology and sacred art, and anyone who wants to understand how Roman, Visigothic, Muslim and Christian eras layered on top of each other in the Alentejo. A visit usually takes one to two hours. Frequently asked questions Where is the Museu Regional de Beja? In the centre of Beja, Alentejo, inside the former Conceição convent. The coordinates are about 38.014 N, 7.863 W. Does the museum have another name? Yes, it is also called Museu Rainha D. Leonor and Convento da Conceição. When did it open? To the public on 5 October 1927, following the 1917 decree. What are the highlights of the collection? The Visigothic collection, Roman archaeology and the gallery of Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch painting are often singled out. Can I combine the visit with other sights in Beja? Yes. The museum sits in the historic centre, so it is easy to fit in a walk around the old town on the same day. Check opening hours and ticket prices on the museum or municipal website before you go, as they may change.

Museu Municipal do Crato

Crato

Museu Municipal do Crato is the municipal museum of Crato, a small town in Portugal's Alto Alentejo region. It tells the story of this corner of the Alentejo across the centuries, from prehistory and Roman times to the era of the Order of St John. Where is the museum and what is the building like? The museum stands on Rua do Arco, in a former palace dating from the mid-18th century. The building was later remodelled and extended with new facilities, following a design by architect Fernando Sequeira Mendes. The institution is relatively recent: it opened in 2000, and its displays are spread over three floors. A visit therefore combines the collections with a look inside a historic building in the town centre. What can you see inside? The permanent exhibition gives an overview of the history of the Crato municipality. It begins with the area's prehistory, moves on to the Roman presence, and then explains the role of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, also known as the Hospitallers or the Order of Malta, in the Middle Ages and the early modern period. This matters because from the 14th century Crato became one of the most important towns of the Alentejo in military and religious terms, and the Priory of Portugal was renamed the Priory of Crato. The collections cover several fields: archaeology, painting, sculpture, decorative arts, numismatics, ethnography. Newer galleries and contemporary art In 2019 a contemporary art section opened, created in partnership with Novo Banco Cultura. It shows works by renowned 20th-century Portuguese artists, including Maria Helena Vieira da Silva and Trindade d'Assumpção. In December 2022 the Collections Gallery was inaugurated. It houses the Contemporary Portuguese Painting Room (Novo Banco Cultura), the Ethiopian Christian art collection of Ambassador António Cotrim, and Espaço Volte-Face, a collection of Portuguese medallic art by sculptor João Duarte. Who is it for? It is a good first stop for anyone who wants to understand Crato's history before walking around the town. Fans of archaeology and the history of the military-religious orders will enjoy it, as will visitors interested in 20th-century Portuguese painting. The mix of local collections and art galleries means most travellers will find something of interest. Frequently asked questions Where is Museu Municipal do Crato? On Rua do Arco in Crato, in the Alto Alentejo region. When did the museum open? In 2000, in a remodelled palace from the mid-18th century. What does it display? Archaeology, painting, sculpture, decorative arts, numismatics and ethnography, plus contemporary art galleries and special collections. Is there contemporary art? Yes, a contemporary art room was created with Novo Banco Cultura and shows Portuguese painters of the 20th century. How do I check opening hours? Confirm them on the Crato municipality website or Turismo do Alentejo before visiting, as they may change.

Wax Museum of Fátima

Fátima

The Wax Museum of Fátima (Museu de Cera de Fátima) is a compact cultural attraction in the Portuguese town of Fátima, very close to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima. Founded in 1984, it tells the story of the events that turned this place into one of Europe's major pilgrimage destinations. What can you see at the museum? The collection consists of 119 life-size wax figures arranged in 32 recreated scenes. The figures wear period clothing and stand in settings enhanced by lighting and sound, so visitors feel transported to early twentieth-century Portugal and the villages around Fátima. The figures are made in England, and each one takes roughly two to three months to complete. What story do the scenes tell? The main storyline is the spring of 1917. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children then: Lúcia, Jacinta and Francisco. The scenes follow those events and portray the people connected with them. A separate part covers the papal visits. The museum recalls the pilgrimages of Paul VI in 1967 and John Paul II in 1982 and 1991. The scene of 13 May 1982, when John Paul II first came to Fátima as a pilgrim, is recreated in wax. Who is it for? It works well as a complement to a visit to the sanctuary. If you already know the story of the apparitions, you see it in visual form. If you are new to it, the museum clarifies the sequence of events and the people involved. Its narrative format also suits families with children who prefer looking to reading long texts. Where is it and how do you get there? The museum is in Fátima, in central Portugal, near the sanctuary. Coordinates: 39.632° N, 8.677° W. It can be reached on foot from the sanctuary area. A visit usually takes about an hour, so it fits easily into a day with other stops. Frequently asked questions When was the Wax Museum of Fátima founded? In 1984. How many figures are there? 119 wax figures in 32 scenes. What do the scenes show? Mainly the 1917 events involving the three shepherd children, plus the papal visits of Paul VI and John Paul II. Is it close to the sanctuary? Yes, it sits very near the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima. Where are the figures made? In England; each takes about two to three months. How long should I plan for a visit? About an hour is usually enough, but check opening hours and ticket prices on the museum's official website before you go.