S. Cucufate Museological Center/Arco House

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Beja > Vidigueira > Vila de Frades > Bairro Doutor Alfredo Caetano da Silva

Location

Situated in the picturesque village of Frades, in the municipality of Vidigueira, the Casa do Arco Museum is integrated into the urban fabric, more precisely in the Doutor Alfredo Caetano da Silva Neighbourhood. The building stands out in one of the village's squares, featuring some characteristics on its facade that distinguish it from its surroundings.

The History of the Building

The property that now houses the museum has a diverse past. Its first documented function was that of a male prison establishment, a phase that left visible marks on the structure, notably the iron grilles still observed today on the ground floor windows. Subsequently, the building is believed to have served as a residence for a wealthy family. In the 20th century, it housed the Mocidade Portuguesa and, later, the "Sociedade dos Altos," a meeting and social gathering place that served the less financially resourced people of the village, emerging as a counterpoint to other social spaces of the time.

The Archaeological Collection

The primary focus of the Casa do Arco Museum lies in its collection of artifacts originating from excavations carried out at the archaeological site of the Roman villa of São Cucufate. The museum exhibits the most representative materials found during the various campaigns, offering a concrete insight into the vestiges of Roman occupation in the region.

A Window into Roman Daily Life

The museum's permanent exhibition is designed to transport visitors into the daily life of a Roman agricultural estate. Organized by themes, reflecting various day-to-day activities, the exhibition seeks to go beyond the static presentation of objects. The objective is, through the artifacts, to suggest the presence and lives of the men and women who inhabited the villa of São Cucufate, inviting imagination about their routine and experiences.

Complementary Space

In addition to its main exhibition, Casa do Arco features a small multipurpose room. This space is prepared to host temporary exhibitions or other cultural initiatives, complementing the museum's offerings and enlivening the venue.

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