We’ve been to many places in the city where the history of Lisbon is told from various points of view, but it was at the Pimenta Palace, home of the Lisbon Museum, located in Campo Grande, that we enjoyed the most fascinating journey into the past of our great capital.
The Pimenta Palace, with its 18th century Baroque architecture, was first a place to spend a vacation, but today it combines history, art and a lot of tranquillity, much to the “fault” of the incredible garden dedicated to Bordallo Pinheiro, which we also had the privilege of visiting.
Let’s start with the outside of this beautiful palace! With an imposing and majestic façade, it’s in the first atrium, full of decorative tile details, and in the adjacent gardens that you’ll find your first surprises.
As we’ve already mentioned, the Bordallo Pinheiro Garden is a must-see. It was created in 2010 after a project idea by the then journalist Catarina Portas, and was then conceptualized by the Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos. Take a trip there, because it really is worth it.
Not to mention the always “curious” peacocks that roam freely around the various green areas, adding an exotic touch to the experience.
The History of Lisbon
We believe that there is no other place in the city where the History of Lisbon is told so well, and in such an interactive and interesting way.
The permanent exhibition you’ll find here is a real journey through the city’s evolution, told through prehistoric artifacts dating back 100,000 years BC (Paleolithic), through the Roman and Islamic periods, up to the 20th century, with an incredible collection of historical objects and pieces that make up a journey created in a non-linear chronological way.
On your visit, you’ll be able to observe the different stages of urban development and land occupation in the country’s capital, always with that touch that makes you imagine what daily life would have been like for the city’s first inhabitants, as well as the signposting of important architectural landmarks, which are still visible today.
There are around 800 pieces on display, plus some 3D reconstructions, videos, texts, technical drawings and illustrations.
Other items you’ll find in the Lisbon Museum at Palácio Pimenta are original tile panels, historical maps and documents relating to the construction of the Águas Livres Aqueduct, as well as other approaches, namely to themes such as slavery and the Inquisition, providing a critical and comprehensive view of the city’s social and cultural history.
Inside the Palácio Pimenta, you’ll also find an 18th century chapel, very well preserved and certainly worthy of admiration.
One of the highlights is the huge, interactive, detailed model of the city before the 1755 earthquake.
From this model, with 10,000 miniature buildings stretching over 10 meters long and four meters wide, you’ll be able to see what the Portuguese capital was like in its golden age, through a guided system with lights and sound.
A unique immersive experience
“Strolling” through Lisbon’s history at the Palácio Pimenta is indeed an incredible experience, made even richer when, outside, we can “activate” our other senses, whether through visual contemplation in its gardens, or the sound of birds in these places… and the smells and aromas of the flowers, which make this one of the most rewarding visits we’ve ever made to our city.
There’s no doubt that, after this visit, you’ ll look at the city with new eyes, and you’ll have an even stronger connection with Lisbon’s deep and rich cultural heritage.
Address: Campo Grande 245
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry at 5:30 p.m.)
Tickets: €3, on the website or on site