Aveiro Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Aveiro > Aveiro > Aveiro > Misericórdia

Location

The Aveiro Museum is located in the central area of the city, in the zone known as Misericórdia. It is housed in the historic building that was once the Convent of Jesus, belonging to the female Dominican Order. This location offers an environment of tranquility in the urban heart of Aveiro.

The Old Convent and Princess Joanna

The history of the building dates back to the second half of the 15th century, with the foundation of the Convent of Jesus. A crucial moment for this site was the arrival, in 1472, of Princess Joanna, daughter of King Afonso V. Her life dedicated to faith in the convent led to her beatification, and her presence profoundly marked the identity and prestige of this religious house throughout the centuries. Following the extinction of religious orders in the 19th century, the convent was chosen to house the Aveiro Museum, which happened in 1911.

Journey Through Heritage and Art

A visit to the Aveiro Museum invites you to explore both the historical spaces of the old convent and the collections it houses. On the ground floor, you will discover the lower choir, where the impressive tomb of Princess Santa Joana is located, a remarkable piece of Baroque art in polychrome marble. You can also tour the Church of Jesus, an exuberant example of Baroque, richly decorated with gilded carving and tiles. The cloister, dating from the convent's beginnings, and the refectory, with its reading tribune and tile-lined walls, are other striking elements.

On the upper floor, the tour includes the upper choir and adjacent chapels. The spaces dedicated to the permanent exhibition showcase a wide range of works, covering periods from the 15th to the 20th century. Significant collections of painting, sculpture, carving, tiles, and goldsmithing are included, many originating from old convents in the region. Among the pieces on display is also the iconic "Facies Christi" sculpture in the upper choir, whose Face presents distinct expressions depending on the viewing angle.

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