NAVY DAY

The riverside area between Belém and Almada holds some of the most fascinating treasures of Portuguese naval heritage. At the Maritime Museum, housed in the imposing Jerónimos Monastery, we journey through the Age of Discoveries via detailed models and real ships, a narrative that extends to Cacilhas with the Frigate Dom Fernando II e Glória. This latter vessel, the last sailing warship of the Portuguese Navy, allows us to walk through fully restored historical decks. Next to it, the Barracuda submarine offers a stark technological contrast, revealing the claustrophobic and fascinating life of the sailors who operated this steel giant during the Cold War.

Also in the Belém area, the Planetarium (now the Marine Planetarium) invites visitors to look up and discover how ancient navigators used the stars to orient themselves on the open sea, using cutting-edge technology to simulate the cosmos. Meanwhile, the Vasco da Gama Aquarium, located in Dafundo, is a classic that transcends generations. Founded by King Carlos I, the "Oceanographer King," this space combines the charm of an old museum with vibrant marine life, bearing witness to the pioneering scientific study of the oceans in Portugal.

Together, these five points of interest form a living timeline, from the wood of caravels and frigates to the steel of submarines, culminating in the exploration of the seabed and the vastness of space. It is an essential collection for understanding Portugal's profound historical connection with the sea and the unknown.