Cunha da Silveira House Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Açores > Velas > Velas > Nossa Senhora da Conceição

Location

The Casa Museu Cunha da Silveira is located in the heart of the village of Velas, on São Jorge Island. This building, which stands out in the urban fabric of the locality, is situated in the Nossa Senhora da Conceição area, a central and easily recognizable point in the landscape of Velas.

A Manor House of History and Architecture

The building that today houses the Casa Museu is an old manor house dating back to the 18th century. It represents a notable example of erudite architecture, with considerable dimensions that mark its presence. Its long continuous balcony stands out, running along the facades and punctuated by thirteen doorways and vertical stone bands. The construction also features openings with curved lintels and a protruding lintel at the main entrance, elements that give a distinct character to its facade.

The Family and Its Impact

For centuries, this manor house was owned by the influential Cunha da Silveira family, who left a profound mark on the political, social, and cultural life of São Jorge, with records of their activity between the 17th and 20th centuries. Its historical importance is underscored by the fact that it hosted illustrious figures, such as D. Pedro IV of Portugal, who rested there in 1832. Other notable visitors included a Bishop of Angra and General António Óscar de Fragoso Carmona, demonstrating the prestige of the place. The Cunha da Silveira family also played a significant role in modernizing the dairy industry on the island, with the creation of a cheese and butter factory in the late 19th century.

A Testimony to Jorgense Culture

Currently, the manor house is owned by the Velas Municipal Council and operates as the Casa Museu Cunha da Silveira, dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of São Jorge's heritage. Its central theme is "The Sea and the Land, The Sustainability of a People," a concept that explores the resilience and ways of life of the Jorgense community over more than five hundred years of history. In its various thematic rooms, visitors will find exhibitions illustrating the traditions and customs of the municipality and the island, with approaches to aspects such as agriculture, the relationship with the sea, carpentry, and weaving. A specific section is dedicated to the Cunha da Silveira family itself, exploring their legacy and their contribution to island society.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt