This museum focuses on the history of Portugal when it was under dictatorship rule. It was a fascinating museum and well laid out to clearly show you the development of the dictatorship and its downfall. The use of accounts from people living in the time was really good and made it much more real and harrowing. There was so much information, I learnt a lot about this dark period of their history. It is something I know little about before coming to Portugal and would recommend a visit. Tour guides and the city, show much of the glory years of the Portuguese empire but rarely focus on this aspect of their history so it is a great way to learn something new.
This was a very interesting museum with interviews from people
who lived during this time and were in the resistance movement,
lots of photos and film clips from that time as well. I believe aljube
means drawer which is what the prison cell felt like it was so small and dark
it only had a bed you had to ask the guard to use the bathroom- it was worthwhile way to spend time understanding what life was like
at this time under the dictatorship.
Great exhibition on the Portuguese struggle for democracy. Important for everybody and even more in times of fascist rise all over the world.
The Aljube museum was perhaps the most important part of our tour. Yes, Portugal is a wonderful place to visit, but it was here that we learned about Portugal as more than just a place. Its history is not something we learn in the US and the museum captures the 20th century and the rise of fascism, its decline and colonial collapse in a way that is clear and pulls no punches. Important points made include how quickly fascism takes hold, the role terror plays; how violence and torture are critical AND what can be done (in terms of the press and resistance) to pull it down. It wasn't the easiest visit--and if you just want a happy story, this isn't for you. BUt if you want to know about Portugal it is the most important place you can visit.
The museum uses what was the prison which is very evocative of the period . There are excellent explanations in English but the layout jumps erratically which made it harder to follow. Well with a visit though.
