This was a museum that I know John would have loved, I will have to take him there someday for sure. This museum is on the west wing of the monastery that I visited earlier. The chapel behind me was built by Henry the Navigator, (who launched the age of discoveries) and it was here that the sailors and discoverers would go to mass before they would go on their adventures and voyages. It was interesting to see the progression and advancements made in the sailing world throughout the centuries, from the boats themselves to the clothing used to the navigational instruments used to find their way. Statues and paintings of famous explorers such as Christopher Columbus, Magellan, Vasco da Gama, and Henry the Navigator were also on display. I enjoyed learning more and experiencing the rich history of the age of the discoveries in Portugal. It is said that the Portuguese mariners would leave Portugal as discoverers and return as heroes. It is incredible how much of the world the Portuguese discovered and claimed as their's, which is one reason why Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language in the world. Also shown is the Planetarium Calouste Gulbenkian, which is right next to the Maritime Museum.
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