Restauração

Restauração, in the Portuguese historical context, refers primarily to the Portuguese Restoration War (1640–1668) and the subsequent period of reestablishment of Portuguese independence from the Iberian Union, a dynastic union with Spain that lasted from 1580 to 1640. The movement began with a 1640 uprising in Lisbon that led to John IV of Braganza becoming king, inaugurating the House of Braganza. The war against Spain continued through the 1640s and 1650s, with military campaigns across Portugal and its overseas possessions. The conflict concluded with the Treaty of Lisbon in 1668, in which Spain formally recognized Portuguese independence and the Braganza dynasty’s rule. The Restoration solidified a constitutional monarchy, renewed national institutions, and contributed to the revival of Portuguese identity and overseas expansion.

Beyond its historical meaning, "restauração" also denotes the practice of conserving, repairing, or restoring cultural heritage, buildings, artworks, and artifacts to a safer and more authentic condition. Restoration in this sense involves scientific analysis, ethical considerations, and methodologies aimed at stabilizing materials, recovering original features when feasible, and ensuring that interventions are reversible and well-documented. This field encompasses painting, sculpture, architecture, archaeology, and museum conservation, and it intersects with preventive conservation, documentation, and interpretation.

The term can also be used more broadly to describe the act of restoring stability, legitimacy, or organizational structures in post-conflict or post-crisis contexts, reflecting its wide-ranging application across history, culture, and society.