Maritime Museum - Museu de Marinha
It all begins with an idea.
The Museu de Marinha, or Maritime Museum, in Lisbon, is dedicated to the rich maritime history of the country
The Museu de Marinha is located next to the Jerónimos Monastery in the Belém neighbourhood, and was officially established in 1863. It showcases a vast collection of artifacts related to Portugal's naval past in particular acknowledging the Navy’s role during the Age of Discoveries.
Book Your Lisbon Tour With Viator
⭐
Book Your Lisbon Tour With Viator ⭐
The museum emphasizes Portugal's exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries, when Portuguese explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan expanded trade routes and established overseas colonies. This era is critical to understanding the global impact of Portuguese maritime endeavors.
You’ll find a diverse array of exhibits, including ship models, navigational instruments, maps, and historical documents. One of the most notable displays is the collection of intricately detailed ship models, which represent various types of vessels used throughout Portugal's maritime history.
Airport & Hotel Transfer Bookings
⭐
Airport & Hotel Transfer Bookings ⭐
In the main hall of the Museu de Marinha, you'll find several large traditional boats known as "galeões" and "xabecs." These vessels are significant for understanding Portugal's maritime history and shipbuilding traditions.
The galeão is a large, multi-decked ship that was primarily used for trade and warfare during the 16th and 17th centuries. It features a broad hull, allowing for cargo capacity, and was often equipped with both sails and oars. Galeões were integral to the Portuguese Empire's maritime dominance, used for both exploration and as warships in battles.
The xabec is a smaller, lighter vessel that was used primarily for coastal trading and fishing. It typically has a narrow hull and a lateen sail, with oars used for maneuverability in shallow waters. Xabecs were common in the Mediterranean and Atlantic, playing a crucial role in local trade and transportation.
Book Your Lisbon Tour With Viator
⭐
Book Your Lisbon Tour With Viator ⭐
Museu de Marinha also features a notable display of seaplanes, reflecting the evolution of naval aviation and its importance to maritime operations. One of the key highlights in this section is the Short S.25 Sandringham, a British flying boat that was used by the Portuguese Navy.
