Historical background
The Military Academy's historical background dates back to 1790, to the "Academia Real de Fortificação, Artilharia e Desenho" (Royal Academy of Fortification, Artillery and Design), created by Queen Maria I.
Marquis of Sá da Bandeira
The Military Academy's historical background dates back to 1790, to the "Academia Real de Fortificação, Artilharia e Desenho" (Royal Academy of Fortification, Artillery and Design), created by Queen Maria I.
The Military Academy had its roots in "Lição de Artilharia e Esquadria" (Artillery and Squadron Lesson), founded by decree of King João IV, on May 13, 1641, considered the “first military school for the training of Army officers in Portugal”. During the restoration war, the "Lição de Artilharia e Esquadria" was located in Paço da Ribeira, place of the Royal Palace, currently, Praça do Comércio.
However, as an institution of higher military education, the Military Academy has as its predecessor the "Academia Real de Fortificação, Artilharia e Desenho", created by Queen Maria I, on January 2, 1790”, which aimed at higher education in subjects of interest to Artillery and Engineer Officers (4-year courses), Infantry and Cavalry (3-year courses) and Civilian Students (“Os Paisanos") who envisaged to qualify as Engineers.
This Academy was first situated in the Army Arsenal (in Santa Apolónia), and has been over time moved to different facilities in Lisbon: Palácio da Regência until 1796; Palácio do Calhariz; Real Colégio dos Nobres. In this same location, on January 12, 1837, it took the designation of Army School, on the initiative of Bernardo de Sá Nogueira de Figueiredo - Marquis of Sá da Bandeira. On January 1851, the Army School was set up in Palácio da Bemposta, where one of its two barracks remains.
The second barracks was inaugurated in 1951, in Amadora, having gone through several designations: Army School - from 1837 to 1910; War School - from 1911 to 1919; Military School - from 1919 to 1938; again, Army School - from 1938 to 1959 and finally Military Academy - since 1959. From 1991 onwards, the Military Academy also trains Officers of the Republican National Guard.
The Military Academy’s Patron is Marquis of Sá da Bandeira, who has been a student at "Academia Real de Fortificação, Artilharia e Desenho". On January 12, 1837, he changed its name to Army School and became one of its most illustrious Commandants, in functions between 1851 and 1876.
For this reason, Military Academy Day is celebrated on January 12, with the dignity and solemnity that the occasion deserves.
The Military National Flag is under the custody of the Military Academy Corps of Cadets
Each military unit has under its custody a Military National Flag that differs from the National Flag as it has a quadrangular shape and the inclusion, behind the national shield, of the phrase taken from Lusíadas “This is my blissful beloved Fatherland”.
At the Military Academy, the Military National Flag is entrusted to the custody of the Corps of Cadets, carried by the senior student, and escorted by three other specifically selected cadets.
The Military Academy Military National Flag displays the highest national and foreign decorations, in acknowledgment of its merit in providing military leaders, whose contribution was vital to the independence and development of the Nation:
- Knighthood in the Military Order of the Tower and of the Sword (1935)
- Brazilian Order of Military Merit Medal (1955)
- Grand Cross of the Order of Infante D. Henrique (1961)
- Honorary Member of the Order of Saint James of the Sword (1984)
- Honorary Member of the Military Order of Avis (1987)
- Grand Cross of the Order of Military Merit of Spain (2006)
- Distinguished Security Service Medal, Gold (2010)
- Honorary Member of the Order of Public Instruction (2018)
- Honorary Member of the Military Order of Christ (2024)
Coat of Arms of the Military Academy
Each military unit is identified by a coat of arms, a heraldic tradition that traces back to ancient medieval cavalry.
The coat of arms of the Military Academy is distinguished by a Red Shield, with a Golden Lion Rampant, holding an ancient Sword in its right forepaw and an open Book in its left forepaw, standing for the Strength of the Army and the Education of its Officers.
Also notable under the coat of arms is one of the highest Orders that can be bestowed, the Order of the Tower and of the Sword, of Valour, Loyalty and Merit, with its motto “DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI”, meaning “It is sweet and proper to die for the fatherland”.
Knowing Palácio da Bemposta
Palácio da Bemposta, located in Paço da Rainha in Lisbon, is the facility where the command of the Military Academy is located, and one of the most beautiful palaces in the capital.
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Commandants Gallery
Meet the Commandants of the Military Academy since 1841
Photographs and dates of our previous Commandants
Children of the Army School and Military Academy
The Military Academy has been a school for many notable personalities of the Nation, including seven former Presidents of the Portuguese Republic and many other entities who have assumed relevant political and military roles in Portugal and abroad. In this space, we honour our most distinguished students, our former students who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their own lives for the Fatherland.
