Discover the Interpretation Center of the War of Restoration (CIGR)

A Journey through the History of Portugal between the 16th and 17th Centuries

With the death of King Sebastian at the Battle of Alcácer Quibir in 1578, a succession crisis arose in the Avis dynasty, culminating two years later in the union of the Portuguese Crown with the Spanish. This was followed by 60 years of Spanish rule, a period of growing dissatisfaction among the Portuguese.

On December 1, 1640, a group of Portuguese conspirators launched a coup in Lisbon, restoring Portugal’s independence with the acclamation of John, Duke of Braganza, as King. Thus began the War of Restoration: a long conflict against Spain, which only ended in 1668 with the official recognition of Portuguese independence through the Treaty of Lisbon.

To showcase this important chapter of national history, the CIGR – Interpretation Center of the War of Restoration was created, a modern museum space located next to the wall of Borba Castle and just 5 km from the Battle Ground of Montes Claros (1665), the site of the last great Portuguese victory.

The Permanent Exhibition at the CIGR Features:

• ⁠Explanatory panels with images from the era;
• ⁠Recreations of 17th-century weapons, costumes, and objects;
• ⁠Interactive multimedia equipment.

All designed to engage the visitor and contextualize the 90 years that marked the transition between the 16th and 17th centuries. The center highlights the causes of the revolt, the major military confrontations, international alliances, and Portugal’s role in the complex political, military, and religious web of Europe at the time. political, military, and religious web of Europe at the time.