The Discoveries Museum — the Museum of the Discoveries, also known by its Portuguese theme 'Descobrir o Novo Mundo' — occupies the Solar dos Cabrais, the former town residence of the Cabral family in Belmonte.
The museum is devoted to the Portuguese Age of Discovery, the period of maritime exploration over five hundred years old, and in particular to the voyage of Pedro Álvares Cabral, the navigator born of the Cabral family of Belmonte, whose fleet reached Brazil in 1500. The visit is designed to be interactive and engaging, with videos, photographs, animations and life-sized replicas that bring the age of exploration to life.
Set in the very house tied to the Cabral family, the museum makes a natural complement to the castle, and helps the visitor understand Belmonte's distinctive place in the story of the Portuguese discoveries.
Highlights
- Set in the former Cabral family manor house
- Devoted to the Portuguese Age of Discovery
- Tells the story of Pedro Álvares Cabral's voyage
- Interactive, with videos, animations and replicas
- A natural complement to a visit to the castle
History & context
The Discoveries Museum occupies the Solar dos Cabrais, the former town residence of the Cabral family in Belmonte. It is devoted to the Portuguese Age of Discovery and especially to the voyage of Pedro Álvares Cabral, born of the Cabral family, whose fleet reached Brazil in 1500. The museum presents this history through an interactive display of videos, animations and life-sized replicas.
🗓️ Best time to visit
Any time of year, as the visit is indoors. The museum is closed on Mondays.
⏱️ Duration
30–45 minutes
♿ Accessibility
Moderate. The museum is in a historic building in the town centre, with some steps and sloped streets nearby.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Discoveries Museum?
It is a museum in the former Cabral manor house, devoted to the Age of Discovery and the voyage of Pedro Álvares Cabral.
Is the museum suitable for families?
Yes. The visit is interactive and engaging, with videos, animations and life-sized replicas that bring the age of exploration to life.
Where is the museum?
It occupies the Solar dos Cabrais, the former town residence of the Cabral family, in the centre of Belmonte.