Municipal Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Beja > Ferreira do Alentejo > Ferreira do Alentejo > Bairro do Castelo

Location

The Ferreira do Alentejo Municipal Museum is located on Rua Conselheiro Júlio de Vilhena, in the heart of the Castle Quarter. This area, historically associated with the former medieval fortress of the municipality, offers a rich setting for discovering local heritage. The museum is housed in a building of particular interest, the old Casa Agrícola Jorge Ribeiro de Sousa, which itself invites observation.

The Building and Its Architecture

The Municipal Museum is housed in the Casa Agrícola Jorge Ribeiro de Sousa, a remarkable property with architectural features from the second half of the 19th century. This building, considered of municipal interest, was carefully restored to house the collections, while preserving its original design.

On the façade, one can observe bay windows with wrought iron railings and stucco decorations with romantic and naturalistic motifs. The main access is via a stone staircase that leads to galleries with perfect round arches, lending a remarkable elegance. On the ground floor, where cellars and granaries once operated, one can still see the interesting vaults that support the upper floor. A small and inviting scent garden in the patio complements the experience, inviting a moment of tranquility.

The Collections and Historical Narrative

The Ferreira do Alentejo Municipal Museum offers a profound immersion into the history and culture of the region, covering a vast period from the 4th millennium to the present day. Its collections are a testament to the diverse human communities that have inhabited this territory over the centuries.

Inside, one can discover archaeological finds, paintings and sacred art, as well as manuscripts and other documents that reveal aspects of local life. The museum highlights relevant regional figures, the richness of ethnomusicology, and the traditions of Alentejo cuisine. Particular attention is given to Roman influence, with examples of their constructions and settlements, and to the medieval period, with the presence of the Order of Santiago de Espada and the history of the old castle. The development of the municipality from the 16th century onwards, driven by the charter of D. Manuel I and the actions of important families who erected imposing manor houses here, is also explored, illustrating the social and architectural evolution of the territory.

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