The executive commissioner of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the 25th of April, Maria Inácia Rezola, described this Wednesday the outlines of the visits that are being organized at the Carmo Barracks of the National Republican Guard (GNR), in Lisbon.

These visits have a special aspect, in English, aimed at tourists who are curious about the Carnation Revolution.

"We started these visits last year. Once a year, for approximately one month, the GNR opens the doors to this symbolic and important place in our history", said the historian in statements to SIC Notícias, revealing that these include editions in English, because "there was a great deal of interest" and "foreign tourists who needed special support".

"Last year the visits were a success, this year we no longer have any more registrations available given the huge demand", she summarized, admitting that "there is a great deal of curiosity in understanding what the Carnation Revolution was, after all".

The visit begins with a 'tour of the GNR Museum, "which gives them a historical context". Then, the visitors "go to the places where everything happened".

"For example, they have the opportunity to go to the library, where there are still some books with bullet holes that were fired that day as a sign of intimidation to those who were inside the barracks. And they go to the surrender room, it is a unique moment. That room continues to serve as a workplace for the GNR, therefore, exceptionally it is made available so that anyone can see the place where Marcello Caetano handed over power", she said.

"It is worth taking advantage of because it is a wonderful space and particularly important for understanding our history", concluded Maria Inácia Rezola.

The Carmo Barracks opened its doors to the public on April 10, until May 12, within the scope of the 113th anniversary of the GNR and the commemorations of the 50 years of the revolution of April 25, 1974. The visits in English take place until May 10, on Thursdays and Fridays from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

"With free admission, the Guard opens the doors of the Carmo Barracks to the public, from Monday to Saturday and holidays, with the possibility of visiting iconic spaces of the Barracks, the Guard Museum, and access to a temporary exhibition entitled 'The GNR on April 25', announced the GNR, in a statement.

The Carmo Barracks was the place where the then head of the government of the dictatorial regime, Marcello Caetano, took refuge on April 25, 1974, and who at the end of the day ended up accepting the surrender, making the military coup victorious.

The museum will be open between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. The other spaces, such as the D. Nun'Álvares corridor, the main hall, the Command offices and the balcony over the Rossio will be open to the public from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Guided tours for groups, especially schools and groups, take place between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm, from Monday to Friday and with a maximum of 25 people and a minimum of 10, subject to prior booking.

The opening of the Carmo barracks is marked by the inauguration of the temporary exhibition “The GNR on April 25”.

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