Sembrano Street Museological Center

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Beja > Beja > Beja > Santiago Maior e São João Baptista

Location

Situated in the heart of the city of Beja, in the area of Santiago Maior and São João Baptista, the Rua do Sembrano Museum Centre is located on one of the arteries of the historic district. Its central position offers an interesting starting point for understanding the urban evolution of this Alentejo locality.

Millennia of History

This museum space invites a unique observation of the past. Through a large glass floor, it is possible to glimpse a set of archaeological structures that reveal approximately two thousand five hundred years of Beja's history. The vestiges, uncovered by decades of excavations, chronologically extend from Prehistory to more recent times. Of particular note is a section of a robust Iron Age wall, built with stone and clay, which evidences the existence of a significant urban settlement in the area long before the arrival of the Romans. Vestiges of small Roman baths can also be observed, which perhaps formed part of a dwelling or a commercial establishment from that period.

The Revealed Heritage

In addition to the structures visible on the floor, the centre features a permanent exhibition with objects discovered during the site's excavations. These findings, spanning various periods from the Iron Age to contemporary times, offer a summary of the city's historical trajectory. An additional, temporary and long-term component explores the impact of the Alqueva project on the knowledge of regional archaeology, displaying pieces considered of great importance in the context of Portuguese archaeology, some of which have international recognition.

Architecture and Artistic Expression

The building housing the museum centre is the result of an architectural project by Fernando Sequeira Mendes, integrated into Beja's urban regeneration at the beginning of the 21st century. Initially conceived as a covered square with free pedestrian circulation and a transparent floor for observing the vestiges, the space was adapted for its current museological function, ensuring the preservation of the structures. Near the entrance, a large tile panel by artist Rogério Ribeiro illustrates the theme of water in ancient Beja, enriching the environment and connecting contemporary art to the site's historical heritage.

Accessibility

This location is prepared to welcome all visitors, including those with reduced mobility, ensuring that the experience of discovering Beja's past is accessible to a wide audience.

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