Railway Museum of Arco de Baúlhe

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Braga > Cabeceiras de Basto > Arco de Baúlhe

Location

Located in the former railway station, this museum is integrated into the station area, part of the town of Arco de Baúlhe, in the municipality of Cabeceiras de Basto, district of Braga. It occupies the original facilities, including the historic buildings and the surrounding area, marking the spot where the Tâmega Line once terminated.

A well-kept garden enhances the space, providing a pleasant atmosphere around the buildings that make up this museum center, inviting a tranquil experience.

The Station and Its Historical Legacy

The history of the site dates back to the inauguration of the station in 1949, a milestone that established it as the terminus of the Tâmega Line. With the closure of the line in 1990, this railway complex was adapted to house an extensive collection, preserving the memory and relevance of this important communication route for the region.

It is possible to closely observe the very structure of the old station, with its characteristic 1940s tile panels from the Sant'Anna Factory in Lisbon. Other essential structures that bear witness to the railway activity are also present, such as the engine sheds for the rolling stock, the turntable used for maneuvering, the coal depot, and the imposing water tower, elements that tell the story of railway operations.

The Rolling Stock Collection

The collection on display brings together a variety of rolling stock representing different eras and Portuguese railway companies, including PPV, MD, CFG, CN, VV, and Comboios de Portugal. The exhibited pieces, some dating from the late 19th and first half of the 20th century, include vehicles of various origins, manufactured in Portugal, Belgium, England, France, and Germany.

Among the collection's highlights is a historic set consisting of a 1908 steam locomotive and a saloon carriage, number 201. It is also possible to see an 1876 British 3rd class carriage and a 1948 Portuguese petrol-powered railcar, which illustrate the evolution of railway transport in the country and its cultural and technological importance.

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