Clock Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Beja > Serpa > Serpa > Bairro Municipal

Location

The Clock Museum is located in Serpa, in the Bairro Municipal area. More specifically, it is housed in the historic Convento do Mosteirinho, a building dating back to the 16th century and integrated into the heart of the city's historic centre. Its location offers an environment that reflects local architecture and history, immersing the visitor in a serene and characteristic context.

A Collection Dedicated to Time

This museum brings together a remarkable collection of approximately 2,500 mechanical clocks. The collection spans a vast period, with pieces dating from 1630 to the present day, showcasing the evolution of clockmaking through the centuries. This ensemble makes it one of the few places in the world, and one of the only ones in the Iberian Peninsula, dedicated exclusively to this art and science of time.

The History Behind the Collection

The origin of this museum lies in a private collection, started about forty years ago by António Tavares d’Almeida. His passion for clocks was born from an inheritance of only three broken pocket watches, which became the embryo of a vast and diverse collection. Currently, the legacy is preserved and enriched by his son, Eugénio Tavares d’Almeida, who has shared a deep interest in the history, research, and restoration of mechanical clocks since an early age.

The Mastery of Horology

In addition to its impressive exhibition, the museum is a centre of savoir-faire in the field of horology. The master watchmakers associated with the museum are renowned for their work in restoring and repairing complex pieces. This expertise is valued by collectors from various countries, including Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, who entrust their prized works to be returned to their original splendour.

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