Municipal Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography of Barrancos

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Beja > Barrancos > Barrancos

Location

The Municipal Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography is nestled in the heart of the village of Barrancos, a locality distinguished by its tranquility and Alentejo authenticity. The museum is located on one of the village's most characteristic streets, in an old manor house that naturally integrates into the urban fabric, reflecting the local 19th-century architecture.

The House of the Past

The building housing the museum is, in itself, an element of interest. It is a 19th-century manor house, with an architectural design that evokes the history and status of bygone eras. Its design includes a central courtyard, an outdoor space that offers a pleasant atmosphere, and where two traditional wood-fired ovens are also found, testaments to ancestral practices linked to bread making.

A Journey Through Local History

Inaugurated in 2007, the museum invites an exploration of the history of the municipality of Barrancos, revealed through traces left by human presence over millennia. The archaeology collection guides visitors from the Paleolithic period to the 18th and 19th centuries, presenting a diversity of tools and artifacts. Highlights include epigraphic pieces of Iberian and Islamic origin, as well as a Punic sculpture, which demonstrate the multiple cultural influences in the region.

The Municipal Medical Office

One of the unique points of the museum is the reconstruction of an old Municipal Medical Office. This space faithfully recreates a medical work environment from the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, displaying original furniture and instruments from various areas of medicine. It offers an authentic perspective on healthcare and medical practices that served the Barrancos community for decades.

The Heritage of the People

The museum's collection also includes a rich ethnographic collection, largely resulting from local donations. These objects are a faithful reflection of the traditions and socio-cultural heritage of the people of Barrancos. There is also a room dedicated to thematic and temporary exhibitions, which allows for deeper exploration of different aspects of local culture and history, maintaining the interest and relevance of the collection.

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