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Maritime Museum
The story of Portugal's pioneering role in world exploration at sea
The interesting Maritime Museum is one of the most important in Europe,
evoking Portugal's domination of the seas. Its colossal 17,000 items are
installed in the west wing of Jeronimos Monastery, and include model ships
from the Age of Discovery onward. The oldest exhibit is a wooden figure
representing the Archangel Raphael that accompanied Vasco da Gama on his
voyage to India.
Other highlights are two 18th century ceremonial barges (one of them
built for Queen Maria I that remained operational for almost two hundred
years,
transporting famous passengers such as Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany
and Queen Elizabeth II of England), a 19th century royal cabin from the
yacht of Queen Amelia, the seaplane "Santa Cruz" that made the first
crossing of the south Atlantic in 1922, the world's largest collection of
astrolabes, and replicas of 16th century maps showing the world as it was
known then.
A 1645 terrestrial globe made by the most famous globe maker of
all time, Willem Jansz Blaeu, is also of note, as is the Far East Room and
its interesting display of porcelain and Asiatic ships, and 15th century
Japanese armor.
Get reduced admission to the museum and ride Lisbon's metro, buses, and trams for FREE with the Lisboa Card.
Where: Praça do Império, Belem
How: Tram 15
When: 10AM-5PM (Oct.-March), 10AM-6PM (April-Sept.) (Closed Mondays)
What: museu.marinha.pt
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Jeronimos
Monastery - A World Heritage monument; Vasco da Gama's resting place.
Belem
Tower - The city's icon; a symbol of the Age of Discovery.
Berardo Museum - World-class collection of modern art.
Discoveries
Monument - The world's explorers in stone.
Coaches
Museum - The world's largest collection of magnificent royal coaches.
Archaeology
Museum - Archaeological finds from over the centuries.
Belem Cultural
Center - Modern cultural center with regular exhibitions and events.
Tropical
Garden - Beautiful garden with rare plants from around the world.
Belem
Palace - The home of Portugal's President.
Memoria
Church - Elegant neoclassical church.
Ajuda
Palace - An extravagant royal palace.
Ajuda
Botanical Garden - Beautiful gardens overlooking the river.
25
de Abril Bridge - Golden Gate's twin sister.
Docas - Attractive dock area with cosmopolitan
bars and restaurants.
Monument to
Christ - Christ opens His arms to the city.
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