Museum Aljube Resistência e Liberdade

Heritage museum · Castelo ·

Museum Aljube Resistência e Liberdade

Heritage museum · Castelo ·

Museum chronicles dictatorship's oppression, torture, and resistance

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R. Augusto Rosa 42, 1100-059 Lisboa, Portugal Get directions

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Neither the haunting quality nor the importance of this poignant museum can be understated. Housed in the former preferred prison of the Portuguese dictatorship, the museum chronicles the oppression, disappearances, coercion, censorship, torture, and other political and criminal misdoings that occurred during António de Oliveira Salazar’s authoritarian rule. The exhibitions, spread over three harrowing floors and arranged by topic, end with the regime’s undoing during the 1970s' Revolution of the Carnations, giving you a complete picture of this agonizing yet significant time in Portuguese history."

The Best Things to Do in Lisbon

Photo by Sara Ruco

Museum Aljube Resistência e Liberdade

@ricksteves

706 Postcards · 220 Cities

Lisbon Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves

"▲ Exhibits documenting fascist António Salazar's rise to power, housed in a former prison building." - Rick Steves' Europe

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/portugal/lisbon

Museum Aljube Resistência e Liberdade

Larry B.

Google

A must see. A very well curated and documented history of the resistance to and persecution by the fascist regime that dominated much of 20th century Portugal. Important history that can inform our times as authoritarian regimes try and get power in the US and other countries throughout the world. The conviction, determination and resourcefulness of the men and women that actively participated in resisting the fascist government is a brave example for us all.

Philip S.

Google

Beautiful monastery, with stunning architecture. Whilst I was there I spotted an evening choral concerto and managed to get free tickets - wonderful experience

Terry L.

Google

This was a fantastic little museum. We took about 90 minutes to read everything. It was laid out well, and brought this little known period of history to life (for a 40 year old British person). Tough in places, but a poignant reminder of how easily we could again lose hard-won freedoms as we witness the rise of right-wing politics in our time.

Jaume M.

Google

I have visited the museum the last Saturday of May 2025 and I have only said good things about. I chose a guided visit. The guide, Elisabete Araújo know all the historic details and she is an excellent communicator who explains with passion every bend of the Museum. All the building it is very interesting especially the reproduction of the Pide dungeons, the witnesses of the repression and tortures and the April 25th room that is very moving. The Museum has a wide and interesting offer of books. people in reception is very kind and well informed about the books they sell. I am from Barcelona and I was very satisfied with the visit. Thank you very much.

Eva P.

Google

Very moving museum. It is presented very well. I does assume some knowledge of middle 20th century history of Portugal but I made it through without knowing a lot. The prisoner area almost brought me to tears and the phone ringing was chilling. Not everything is translated to English because like the primary sources are in Portuguese and I feel that would have been impossible. But they did a good job where I didn't feel like I missed out. At the end, I spoke to staff member Luis- he said he was or had been an anthropology student- and he was very helpful answering a couple residual questions I had! Great staff!

Tracey Lee M.

Google

This was one of the best museums I have visited anywhere in the world! The information and displays are well-curated, the layout is well-planned, and the photographic and video artifacts are compelling. Outstanding experience that visitors and locals should take time to see.

Lee W.

Google

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.”

Dr_GMB

Google

This was such a moving experience. Well worth the ticket price. We stayed for far longer than we expected. I never knew how bad it was for people under the fascist regime - and really, it wasn’t very long ago.

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

The Best Things to Do in Lisbon

Photo by Sara Ruco

Museum Aljube Resistência e Liberdade

@ricksteves

706 Postcards · 220 Cities

Lisbon Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves

"▲ Exhibits documenting fascist António Salazar's rise to power, housed in a former prison building." - Rick Steves' Europe

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/portugal/lisbon

Museum Aljube Resistência e Liberdade

Larry B.

Google

Philip S.

Google

Beautiful monastery, with stunning architecture. Whilst I was there I spotted an evening choral concerto and managed to get free tickets - wonderful experience

Terry L.

Google

Jaume M.

Google

Eva P.

Google

Tracey Lee M.

Google

Lee W.

Google

Dr_GMB

Google

Museum Aljube Resistência e Liberdade

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Lisbon Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves

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Lisbon Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves