Alberto Sampaio Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Braga > Guimarães > Guimarães > Centro Histórico de Guimarães e Zona de Couros

Location:

The Alberto Sampaio Museum is located in the heart of Guimarães' Historic Centre, an area of great heritage value.

It is situated on the site where, in the 10th century, Countess Mumadona ordered the construction of a monastery, and occupies important buildings of the former Collegiate Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, namely the Casa do Cabido (Chapter House), the Casa do Priorado (Priory House), and the cloister. Being in this space is feeling part of the history that shaped the city.

A Journey Through the History of the Site

The complex of buildings that today houses the museum has a long and complex history, dating back to the 10th century with the foundation of a monastery.

Subsequently, in the 12th century, the site was transformed into a Collegiate Church, dedicated first to Santa Maria (Saint Mary) and then to Nossa Senhora da Oliveira (Our Lady of the Olive Tree). The different parts of the museum, such as the medieval cloister or the ancient Priory and Chapter Houses, dating from different centuries, tell the story of the evolution and importance of this complex over time.

Unique Architecture

The spaces occupied by the museum are, in themselves, elements of architectural interest.

The cloister stands out for its unusual layout, positioned next to the church's chancel, and for its somewhat irregular shape. With its perfect round arches and decorated capitals, it offers a tranquil and visually appealing atmosphere.

Treasures in the Collection

The collection of the Alberto Sampaio Museum is predominantly composed of sacred art, bringing together pieces of great artistic and historical relevance.

The collections cover various areas, such as goldsmithing, painting, sculpture, carving, ceramics, and textiles, mostly of local origin. They allow one to observe the evolution of artistic taste and techniques from the 12th to the 19th century.

Pieces with History

Among the many valuable works, some pieces hold particular historical significance.

Such is the case of the loudel, a piece of military attire that, according to tradition, was worn by King John I in the Battle of Aljubarrota. Equally notable is the Nativity Triptych, in gilded silver, which the same monarch offered to Our Lady of the Olive Tree in gratitude for the victory achieved, a material testimony to a decisive moment in Portuguese history.

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