Museum of Sacred Art of Arouca

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Aveiro > Arouca > Arouca > Arouca e Burgo

Location:

The Museum of Sacred Art of Arouca is housed in the vast and imposing Monastery of Santa Maria, located in the center of the village. Its position on Avenida Vinte e Cinco de Abril, preceded by a park and flanked by a square, makes it an easy-to-find landmark in Arouca's historic area. The natural surroundings, in a valley embraced by the Freita, Mó, and Gamarão mountain ranges, lend a particular atmosphere to this historical site.

A Collection Rich in History:

This museum hosts a large part of the valuable heritage that belonged to the former Arouca convent. In its various rooms, a significant collection of sacred art is discovered, with pieces that reflect the importance and richness of the monastic community throughout the centuries. The collection includes works of painting, sculpture, goldsmithing, furniture, tapestry, and other objects for religious and daily use.

Artistic Treasures:

Among the pieces exhibited in the museum, notable examples from different periods stand out. It is possible to appreciate 15th-century Ançã Stone sculptures, such as the image of Saint Peter, attributed to Master João Afonso, and a representation of the Holy Trinity. Conventual goldsmithing is presented with valuable 16th-century gilded silver reliquaries and elaborate 18th-century monstrances, testaments to artistic skill and devotion.

A Glimpse into Monastic Life:

A visit to the Museum of Sacred Art offers more than just the observation of objects; it invites visitors to explore ancient monastic dependencies. The museum's rooms are located in areas that once were part of the nuns' daily lives. The tour includes passages through the cloisters, the impressive conventual kitchen, and the Chapter House, providing a perspective on the structure and daily routine of this religious house that marked Arouca's history.

Architecture and Decoration of the Monastery:

The Monastery, which houses the museum, is a large-scale monument whose construction was consolidated in the 17th and 18th centuries, featuring imposing Baroque characteristics. By visiting the museum, integrated into this building, one comes into contact with its architectural grandeur. Particularly in the church, which is part of the complex, sumptuous decorative elements such as the gilded carving covering altars and walls, the historic choir stalls, and the monumental pipe organ can be observed, enriching the cultural experience.

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