While many were waiting in the hot sun to enter Jeronimos Monestary, we opted to walk around the corner and absent a queue (on a Saturday morning no less), saunter into the National Maritime Museum (aka Navy Museum). While many have studied about famous European explorers (think: Vasco de Gama who is buried next door in the Monestary) fewer likely knew about the Portuguese Navy, its armada's and the vast Empire bulit around its courageous captains and sailors. If you're any bit a history buff, you will appreciate delving deeper into the history of Portugal as seen through a seafaring lens and this thoughtfully created, chronological display.
This is a nice museum showing the sailing history of Portuguese nation, with addition of Vikings ships. When you visit Lisbon, try to see this place, you will not be sorry, as there is not a lot of cities arround the world where you can see this big collection of ships, starting from simple fisherman ships to a luxury kings ships.
I can recommend this place.
If you're a student it only costs €3.25 and an adult €6.50. For the price it is, the museum is quite good. It has countless models of Portuguese ships from small fishing boats and 15th century exploration vessels to contemporary warships. It worth a visit if you have the time.
The beginning of the experience was not good. 1 little lady working the ticket booth (slowly) took almost 20 minutes and the line was not very long. It was hot and the entry room is small and hot...not a good beginning. BUT, the exhibits all had very good English captions. Some fascinating articles, but not as many as I would have thought for the early days when the navy was ruling half the world. The royal barges part was good.
Portugal fully justifies telling the public about its exciting exploration of the world for over 5 centuries. It is well laid out with explanations in Portuguese and English. The pay desk needs a major improvement.
