Museum Aljube Resistência e Liberdade

The story of Portugal’s repressive past is very well told. There’s not much in the way of exhibits because this is essentially the telling of a story of how the human spirit was crushed by fascism and how its resilience ultimately triumphed. It is compelling, and moving. Not very engaging for kids and families but an interesting and important museum to ensure we do not forget the very recent past (because as George Santayana reminded us ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Museu do Aljube Resistência e Liberdade is a poignant and thought-provoking museum that delves into the history of the Portuguese dictatorship and the resistance movements that fought against it. The museum is housed in the former PIDE prison, where political prisoners were tortured and held captive. The exhibits are expertly curated and offer a comprehensive overview of the regime's oppressive tactics and the sacrifices made by those who opposed it. The museum's interactive displays and multimedia elements bring the stories of the resistance fighters to life. One of the most powerful aspects of the museum is the way it preserves the memory of the victims of the dictatorship. The cells, torture chambers, and interrogation rooms offer a stark reminder of the horrors that took place within these walls. If you're interested in learning more about Portuguese history and the struggle for freedom, I highly recommend visiting Museu do Aljube Resistência e Liberdade. It's a powerful and moving experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Poignant and timely - the museum is a well designed and information packed space. As an American visiting in this political moment, it was a timely lesson on how dictatorship begins and the state tools it uses to oppress, but also the vital importance of continued resistance. Also I appreciated the many English translations though I wish I could read Portuguese to understand the many documents

extraordinary and overwhelming museum in a former fascist prison documenting the repression of the Salazar regime and resistance to it. absolute must see and really opens your eyes to what went down here not so very long ago.

Put your thinking caps on before walking into this museum. The museum looks like it was curated by an enthusiastic socialist undergrad. The museum’s propoganda made me suspicious so I thought I’d read up on Salazar. I found a book on Salazar by Professor Tom Gallagher. The book was balanced and evidence-driven. The ‘straw men’ being set up by the museum were amateurish. As someone who contracts academics to do work for me, I found the ‘Intellectuals=Good’ but ‘Regime=Bad’ particularly amusing. As propaganda, there are greys that the museum doesn’t acknowledge. I did not know, according to the Professor, the revolutionaries took more political prisoners than the Salazar regime. I did find the museum’s celebration of foreign interference from the Eastern Bloc particularly concerning. But it did help to illuminate the curator’s agenda. Being an ‘estrangeiro’, I’m not defending the Salazar regime. I’m just saying put your thinking caps on before walking into this museum.

Entrance is a bit off from Google Maps. It’s located a few steps away. Otherwise, I would say that the museum is a great place for self reflection. It’s not for everyone. This exhibit is a depressing but effective reminder of darker times.

Moving and informative installations and displays showcasing some of the less talked about revolution of 1974, and the people’s quest for liberty.

This museum is a great place to get a glimpse of Portugal's history of the past 100 years. Over three floors, it explains the political major events from the establishment of the dictatorship to the end of its colony war and the countrys transition to democracy. It's right next to the cathedral and definitely worth a visit.