Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Braga > Póvoa de Lanhoso > Póvoa de Lanhoso > Portela
The Maria da Fonte Interpretive Center is located in the heart of the village of Póvoa de Lanhoso, occupying a central space in Largo António Ferreira Lopes. This square, in itself, carries memories of times past, as it was on this site that, in the mid-19th century, Maria Luísa Balaio's inn was located. For some historians, this woman may have been the true figure behind the designation "Maria da Fonte", with the location serving as a meeting point for the events that followed.
The Maria da Fonte Interpretive Center is dedicated to exploring the fascinating figure of Maria da Fonte and the events surrounding her. In the 19th century, Portugal was the stage for a popular revolt that had one of its epicenters in Póvoa de Lanhoso. This insurrection, known as the Maria da Fonte Revolt, arose from popular resistance to new laws imposed by the government, namely the mandatory burial of the deceased in cemeteries, contrary to the tradition of burying them in churches.
The revolt began with the action of women in the Minho region, who opposed the authorities, and its influence quickly spread. "Maria da Fonte" became a powerful symbol of insubmission and the voice of the people against a power considered oppressive, transforming into an archetype of the strong and determined Minho and northern Portuguese woman. The Center seeks to unravel this complex history, which blends myth and reality, and its profound resonance in Portuguese identity.
The Maria da Fonte Interpretive Center is conceived as a dynamic space, divided into two main nuclei, housed in distinct buildings: one dedicated to historical interpretation and the other to documentation. The interpretive core, designed for visitors, offers a pedagogical approach to the history of Maria da Fonte. Here it is possible to find a silicone reconstitution of the figure, which helps visualize the protagonist of this story, and a modernist panel depicting the iconic "Seven Women of Minho", a work by Domingos Silva.
Adjacent to these spaces, and complementing the cultural offerings, is the Theatro Club. This historical building, restored, serves as support for the Interpretive Center, occasionally hosting exhibitions and cultural events that enrich the visit and deepen the connection with local arts and culture.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.5748883,-8.2676156
Coordinates DMS: 41°34'29.6"N 08°16'3.4"W
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