Entrance to the Military Museum
Despite its beautiful setting and being the oldest museum in the city (it dates back to 1876), the Military Museum remains one of Lisbon's least-visited attractions. Maybe not too many people are interested in its theme, but no one leaves disappointed.
The baroque interior makes this one of Lisbon's most beautiful museums
The collection of artillery (one of the world’s largest) and war-related pieces are displayed in 34 sumptuous baroque rooms, most of them named after national heroes such as Vasco da Gama and Prince Henry the Navigator.
The Vasco da Gama Room
Unfortunately, almost everything is only labeled in Portuguese, but you'll be able to see pieces like King João I's 14th-century sword, replicas of 16th-century knights' armor, 16th-century bronze cannon, and a room entirely dedicated to WWI.
Knights' armor is part of the museum's collection
As you tour the museum, be sure to look up at the beautifully-painted ceilings, some of them created by renowned Portuguese artists like Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro and José Malhoa.
The tiled, canon-filled courtyard of the museum
In the cannon-filled courtyard are tile panels illustrating some of Portugal's most historic battles.
The gateway that faces Santa Apolónia Station
How to Get to the Military Museum
The Military Museum faces Santa Apolónia Station, which is the last stop of the metro’s blue line. You may ride the metro (and the city’s buses, trams, funiculars and trains) for free with the Lisboa Card.
Largo do Museu da Artilharia, Alfama
Admission and Tickets to the Military Museum
Admission to the Military Museum is €3.00. It’s not included in the Lisboa Card. It's free for Portugal residents on Sundays until 12:30pm.
It's closed on Mondays
Attractions Nearby
The Fado Museum is about a 5-minute walk away. The main branch of the Water Museum is less than 15 minutes away.
