Having been of major importance to our maritime past, Lisbon is home to a hidden treasure that will transport you to the golden age of navigation and exploration beyond our borders. And you’ll feel it all as soon as you enter the Galeotas Pavilion, belonging to the imposing Marine Museum.
Located near the no less majestic Jerónimos Monastery and even facing the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the Galleys Pavilion is part of the Marine Museum and there you can admire some of the most historic and interesting vessels from our adventures in the air and at sea.
Considered a hidden treasure in Lisbon, the Pavilhão das Galeotas offers all its visitors a unique experience, the chance to explore Portugal’s maritime heritage.
It’s basically a point of interest which you really shouldn’t miss, but let’s find out a bit more about this incredible place in the next few lines.
The history of the Pavilion of the Galleys
Purpose-built to serve as a museum for the rich history of the Portuguese navy, this was the first pavilion to be designed to arouse the curiosity of visitors even more.
It was built in the late 1950s, more precisely in 1959, with the aim of preserving an important collection of life-size boats.
In addition to the galleys, you can also learn about many other aspects of the relationship that the Portuguese still have with the sea.
The stars in the pavilion
As soon as you enter the Galeotas Pavilion, you’ll come face to face with the imposing royal yacht “Sirius”, which has been a “silent” witness to many of our historical moments, as well as symbolizing Portugal’s power and prestige among its counterparts.
Despite the grandeur of “Sirius”, the stars of the Galleys Pavilion are the six royal galleys, built in the 18th century, which stand out not only for their grandeur but also for their beauty and state of preservation.
The giant ships that once sailed the seas laden with noblemen are very well preserved and ready to tell you their stories of the courage and determination of the Portuguese navigators who ventured across the oceans.
Among the six magnificent buildings, there is one that attracts the special attention and affection of all visitors: the Bergantim Real.
It is one of the oldest galleys in the museum, having been commissioned in 1780 .
The oldest, the Galeota Grande, was built in Ribeira das Naus in 1711, at the behest of King João V, for his exclusive use, having later served for the espousals of the Prince of Brazil, future King José, with the Infanta Mariana Vitoria of Spain.
The Bergantim Real had 40 oars (you can also count them), which were maneuvered by 78 oarsmen – each oar was maneuvered by two oarsmen – except for the bow oars.
In 1808, it transported the Royal Family aboard the squadron that would take them to Brazil and, over the years, it transported several foreign monarchs on official visits to Lisbon, the last of which was in the second half of the 20th century, in 1957, during the official visit of Queen Elizabeth II of England to Portugal.
This bergantim is clearly the living testimony – and very well preserved – of the splendor and grandeur of Portuguese maritime times.
In addition to the noble vessels, in the Cockatoo Pavilion you’ll also find a variety of traditional boats representing different regions and maritime traditions in Portugal.
We’re talking about the valboeiro used on the Douro river, the netinha de arte xávega from Nazaré, the moliceiro from Aveiro and even the whaleboat from the Azores, with each of these means of transport or maritime work telling unique stories of the country’s culture and identity.
From sea to air
The trip to Cockatoo Pavilion is only complete when you reach the bottom of this incredible museum space, where you’ll find one of the greatest pieces of our history.
In this area, you’ ll find three seaplanes and, among them, the famous “Santa Cruz”.
This aircraft played a crucial role in the history of Portuguese aviation when it was used by Gago Coutinho and Sacadura Cabral on the first flight across the South Atlantic between Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in 1922.
The 1st South Atlantic Air Crossing
Pioneers in aviation, Gago Coutinho and Sacadura Cabral became known for their bravery and courage, facts and stories that you will also be able to learn more about with the exhibits, as well as in an incredible immersive experience.
In addition to the various permanent and temporary exhibitions at the Marine Museum, a space was recently opened where you can experience the sensations of the 1st South Atlantic Air Crossing of these two adventurers.
For these reasons and many more, guarantees that “sailing” to the Cockatoo Pavilion is a journey full of curiosities.
Everything you will find and learn about there will serve to increase your pride in being Portuguese, in knowing that our history is made up of brave and courageous men.
Address: Praça do Império (Belém)
Hours: every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
Tickets: at Fever
Bem-vindo à Marinha Portuguesa, com planos para todas as idades e gostos