Cover of Portugal in the Sea of Oman book, focusing on religion and politics, with text and design elements

Arquivo Nacional Da Torre Do Tombo

Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance in Lisbon, Portugal

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo (ANTT) is one of Portugal’s most venerable cultural institutions, providing an unparalleled view into a millennium of national history. From its origins in 1378, housed in Lisbon’s Castelo de São Jorge, to its present-day fortress-like building in the Alvalade district, the ANTT preserves a vast trove of documents shaping Portugal and the world. This guide details the archive’s historical and cultural significance, practical information on visiting hours, tickets, guided tours, accessibility, and tips for making the most of your visit (Lisboa Convida, getLISBON, Tombo.pt).

Front view of the Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo building in Lisbon, Portugal

Historic map of Bahia de Todos os Santos from 1640 by João Teixeira Albernaz

Historic map of Bahia de Todos os Santos from the Atlas de João Teixeira Albernaz, 1640

Portrait of King Dom Pedro V of Portugal

Index page of Livro da Nobreza e Perfeiçam das Armas showing decorative text in old Portuguese

Historical document from the book of commissions or powers of attorney passed to inquisitors

Portrait of Father Teodoro de Almeida, an 18th-century Portuguese priest and philosopher

Portrait of King John IV of Portugal in historical royal attire

Portrait of D. Joao V in historical attire

Portrait of Maria Anna of Austria Queen of Portugal 1683 1754

Portrait of Frei José Pereira de Santana, 18th century Portuguese clergyman

Group photo of students from Santiago de Compostela in the early 20th century

A historic letter written in Portuguese aljamía script, an early form of Portuguese written in Arabic script, sent from Sheikh Yahya ben Bulisbé of the Shawiya to the King of Portugal, from Torre do Tombo archives.

Historical Overview
Planning Your Visit
Architectural and Symbolic Features
Preservation and Digital Access
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References

Historical Overview

Origins and Early Development

The ANTT is among Europe’s oldest national archives, founded in 1378 within the walls of Castelo de São Jorge. The name “Torre do Tombo” refers to its original location and its fundamental role as a registry of the kingdom’s most vital documents. Its earliest records predate the birth of Portugal as a nation, cataloging medieval decrees and charters (Lisboa Convida).

Relocations and Architectural Evolution

Following the catastrophic 1755 Lisbon earthquake, the archive was moved in 1757 to the Mosteiro de São Bento da Saúde. By 1990, the growing collection required a purpose-built home, resulting in the current fortress-like building designed by Arsénio Cordeiro and featuring monumental gargoyles by José Aurélio (getLISBON).

Documentary Holdings and Historical Significance

The ANTT safeguards more than a thousand years of history, including:

Bula Manifestis Probatum (1179): Papal bull confirming Portuguese independence.
Tratado de Tordesilhas (1494): Dividing the world’s newly discovered lands between Portugal and Spain.
Carta de Pêro Vaz de Caminha (1500): The first written account of Brazil’s discovery.
Corpo Cronológico: Over 83,000 documents from the Age of Discoveries, recognized by UNESCO as “Memory of the World.”
Inquisition Records: Extensive files providing insight into the Portuguese Inquisition (Lisbon Listicles).

The Archive and the Inquisition

The ANTT holds the most comprehensive documentation on the Portuguese Inquisition (1536–1821), offering researchers and visitors a sobering look into the mechanisms of religious persecution and its impact on Portuguese society (Lisbon Listicles).

Planning Your Visit

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Closed: Sundays and Mondays

Tickets and Admission

General Admission: Free to all visitors.
Guided Tours/Special Exhibitions: May require advance booking and a small fee.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessible: Ramps and elevators throughout the building.
Assistance: Available upon request for visitors with special needs.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Languages: Tours available in Portuguese and English.
Booking: Advance booking recommended for group tours and workshops.
Events: Check the official website and social media for updates on temporary exhibitions and educational programs.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Location: Alvalade district, easily reached by metro (Cidade Universitária, Campo Grande) and bus.
Nearby: Castelo de São Jorge, National Museum of Ancient Art, Gulbenkian Museum, Alfama and Baixa neighborhoods.
Photography: Allowed in designated areas; please respect signage and staff advice.

Architectural and Symbolic Features

The 1990 Torre do Tombo building is a landmark of postmodern Portuguese architecture, conceptualized as a “temple of memory.” Its massive limestone facades, sculptural gargoyles, and fortress-like design symbolize the permanence and protection of national memory (getLISBON, lida.pt). The building’s “H” plan alludes to “História” (History), and its innovative engineering ensures the safeguarding of documents even in the event of a major disaster.

The Monumental Gargoyles

Eight abstract limestone gargoyles, each weighing approximately 18 tons, serve both as rainwater spouts and symbolic guardians. Designed by José Aurélio, they are an architectural and sculptural highlight (getLISBON, lida.pt).

Preservation and Digital Access

The ANTT is at the forefront of preservation and digitization, providing remote access to thousands of documents via the DIGITARQ catalog and other platforms. This commitment ensures global access for genealogists, scholars, and history lovers (Tombo.pt).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM; closed Sundays and Mondays.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, general admission is free. Guided tours and special exhibitions may require tickets.

Q: How do I book a guided tour?
A: Book in advance via the official website or at the entrance.

Q: Is the archive accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the building is fully accessible.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, in designated public areas.

Q: What are nearby attractions?
A: Castelo de São Jorge, National Museum of Ancient Art, Gulbenkian Museum, and Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods.

Conclusion

The Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo is more than an archive—it is a living monument to Portugal’s cultural identity and historical journey. With its extraordinary collections, accessible visitor services, and striking architecture, the ANTT offers a rewarding experience for scholars, families, and culture seekers alike. Plan your visit, explore its exhibitions, and immerse yourself in the narratives that shaped Portugal and the world.