Lisbon Is Full Of Hidden Gems: The Military Museum
Another day, another hidden gem. Shortly after having visited the Cistern of Amoreiras, we stopped by the Military Museum. It was toward the bottom of the list of places we wanted to visit during our three months in Lisbon. But now, we'd place it into the Top 10 sights you have to see when visiting this amazing city. This article first got published today on our Lisbon Travel Blog.
You probably wouldn’t think that Lisbon’s Military Museum would be anything special. Nobody ever talks about it, and it hardly appears in travel guides. You’ll never find it on a “Best of Lisbon” list. So when we showed up on a lazy day during which we had nothing else to do, our expectations were low. But this turned out to be a major surprise; in fact, it was one of the coolest museums we saw during our time in the city.
The exhibits of the Military Museum are about what you’d expect: old cannons, uniforms, armor, guns, swords and stories. It’s all nicely presented, but the pieces themselves aren’t going to knock your socks off. The building itself, however, will. This former arsenal of the Royal Army, converted into a museum in the mid-19th century, is absolutely stunning.
Nearly every room of this palace-like structure is breathtaking. With sculptures, tiles, paintings, and gorgeous ceilings and floors, each of the dozens of rooms is better than the last. And apart from the guards, Jürgen and I were all alone, despite the museum’s prime location in central Lisbon near the cruise ship port, and the mere €3 cost of entry.
Whoever was in charge of concealing Lisbon’s hidden gems was fairly brazen about it, because they all seem to be in the middle of heavily-frequented areas, in ostentatious buildings that are impossible to overlook. But the crowds have been non-existent at amazing spots like the Royal Geographic Society near Praça Rossio, the Museum of Decorative Arts next to the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, and now the Military Museum.
Although they might not rate in TripAdvisor’s top ten, don’t pass up the chance to visit some of Lisbon’s lesser-known museums. They were some of our favorite experiences.
Amazing shots of the museum 😊
I like how you made the video.
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Thanks for the small tour of the museum. It was close when I was in Lisbon so I couldn't see it.
Hidden places like these often make the best memories.
I agree it is unexpected find in a military museum such elegant furniture and statues and paintings. About the photo with the soldier is that the main entrance isn't it ?
Yes, a guard sometimes two hangout at the entrance!
Beautiful guns and canons. It is so crazy to see how far military technology has come. From canons that shoot giant metal balls to laser guided missiles. Great post. I love the Gif, Always a great addition to any post.
Happy to see Gifs in your post too, it draws the eye right in!!!
It's so crazy that we're living in all kinds of different wars. The good old people killing to cyber attacks! Crazy times!!!