The museum is situated in the Aljube Prison, located in the Santa Maria Maior parish of Lisbon, formerly part of the Sé parish. The prison originally served as a facility for ecclesiastical prisoners until 1820, then housed women accused of common crimes until the late 1920s, and finally became a prison for political prisoners of the Estado Novo regime from 1928 until its closure in 1965. It was later adapted to house common criminals and also used to accommodate services of the Ministry of Justice.

The word "Aljube," of Arabic origin, means well or cistern and is also used to designate a prison, particularly a dark and deep one. The Aljube building is believed to have been used as a prison since the Muslim occupation of Lisbon (8th-12th centuries). It was later used as an ecclesiastical prison and underwent successive adaptations until the turn of the 16th to the 17th century when it became the Archbishop's Palace. However, it continued to function as a prison for ecclesiastical prisoners.

The designation Aljube, referring to a prison for ecclesiastical prisoners, became popular, as seen with the Aljube in the city of Porto, the Aljube Prison in Ponta Delgada in the Azores, or the ecclesiastical prison in Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil. The Aljube building was not severely affected by the 1755 earthquake, although the widening of the street that separated it from the Sé Cathedral caused the setback of its facade. It was only after the Liberal period that the Aljube prison lost its original function and was designated for common criminals. Later, it became a women's prison known for its deplorable conditions. These conditions persisted during the First Republic, which carried out remodeling works in the prison, including the construction of an additional floor.

During the First Republic, hundreds of people opposed to the new regime were imprisoned in the Aljube Prison in Porto. Many of these political prisoners were taken to the Aljube without any hearings or formal charges, spending months without trial or any other type of hearing to defend themselves. After the establishment of the Military Dictatorship on May 28, 1926, the Aljube Prison was quickly used for the detention of "political and social prisoners," particularly following the revolts that marked the beginning of the new regime.

The Aljube quickly filled with political prisoners without trial or those serving sentences imposed by the "Special Military Courts," many of them awaiting deportation to Madeira, the Azores, and the colonies. It became a prison under the control of various political police forces during the transition from the Military Dictatorship to the Estado Novo regime. With the assignment of prison-related responsibilities to the Surveillance and Defense Police (PVDE) in 1934, it became one of their exclusive prisons in the Lisbon area.

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The building is located in the historic area of Lisbon and near several important institutions, such as the Cathedral, the National Pantheon, the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, and the Castle of São Jorge. This strategic location made it a key site for resistance movements and a target for repression during the dictatorship. The museum aims to preserve and share the memory of these events and honor the individuals who fought for freedom and democracy in Portugal.

The Aljube Museum's permanent exhibition is organized thematically, covering different periods and aspects of the struggle against the dictatorship. It includes photographs, documents, testimonies, and multimedia installations that provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and the experiences of those who resisted the regime. The exhibition also highlights the role of women in the resistance movement, acknowledging their significant contributions.

In conclusion, the Aljube Museum - Resistance and Freedom stands as a testament to the struggle for democracy and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical memory. By promoting awareness and understanding of the fight against dictatorship in Portugal, the museum contributes to the ongoing process of building a more just and democratic society. It honors the courage and resilience of those who resisted oppression and inspires future generations to value and defend the principles of freedom and human rights.

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