Tulha House

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Aveiro > Vale de Cambra > Cepelos > Barreiros de Cepelos

Location

Casa da Tulha is located in Cepelos, a village in the municipality of Vale de Cambra. This unique building is set in a tranquil rural environment, surrounded by agricultural land and delimited by a wall. Its main facade faces a municipal road, and the structure is serenely positioned on the slope overlooking the Caima river valley, marking the entrance to the oldest and most central area of the parish. Its position offers an authentic glimpse of the local landscape.

Historical Background

Dating back to the 18th century, Casa da Tulha reveals a history linked to the rural and monastic life of the region. Although initially conceived as residential architecture, its main function changed around 1760. It then became an annex of the Arouca Monastery, assuming the role of a "tulha" or granary. In this space, the rents and revenues from the parish lands under the monastery's dominion were collected and stored. Later, in the 19th or early 20th century, the structure was expanded to also include a traditional press (lagar), testifying to the agricultural practices of the time, such as wine production.

Architectural Details

Casa da Tulha is an interesting example of Baroque architecture, built with robust granite masonry walls. Its main portal stands out, featuring molding and an elaborate entablature. Above the lintel, a cartouche decorated with shell motifs is visible, topped by flaming urns flanking a cross. This cross, in turn, displays the papal symbolism of the tiara and crossed keys, a detail that catches the eye and highlights its historical connection to the Arouca Monastery. Inside, visitors can observe a molded door with a carved lintel and volutes at the center. One half of the upper space reveals a remarkable octagonal coffered ceiling, with wooden caissons converging towards the center, while on the lower floor, the old wooden press of the lagar (wine press) is preserved. The complex preserves the original flooring and windows that evoke life from other times, including a curious gossip window.

Active Cultural Space

After a careful process of recovery and restoration in the late 20th century, Casa da Tulha was converted into a space dedicated to culture and heritage, integrating it into the Municipal Museum of Vale de Cambra. Currently, this centuries-old site serves as a venue for various activities. The community and visitors can participate in workshops and ateliers with a strong educational and creative component, or attend cultural events that promote local identity, such as the Old Market and the Iberian Music Festival. Casa da Tulha is, therefore, a meeting point where the past intertwines with the contemporary cultural dynamism of Cepelos.

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