Museum of the Sanctuary Our Lady of the Abbey

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Braga > Amares > Abadia > Vilarinho

Location

The museum is integrated into the complex of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Abadia, a site located in a mountainous area in the municipality of Amares. It is specifically found in the area known as Vilarinho, in the locality of Abadia.

The building housing the museum is part of the old lodgings intended for pilgrims, located in the sanctuary's main square, in front of the church. The surroundings are characterized by the nature of the Serra do Gerês, with a highlight on riparian vegetation and leafy trees.

A Look at History and Faith

Housed in one of the sanctuary's historical buildings, the museum offers a point of interest for visitors to the site. It presents a collection that seeks to illustrate the history and importance of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Abadia throughout the centuries.

The space allows for a better understanding of the devotion that attracts visitors to this site, displaying pieces that bear witness to the religious life and practices of the pilgrims who arrived here.

Sacred Art and Everyday Objects

The museum's rooms gather a diverse collection of objects. These include examples of sacred art connected to worship, such as liturgical pieces and imagery, which help trace the artistic and religious evolution of the sanctuary.

In addition to the religious collection, the museum also preserves ethnographic items. These pieces relate to the daily lives of the local people and pilgrims, showcasing their traditions, crafts, and ways of life associated with faith and pilgrimages to this place.

Ex-Votos: Visual Narratives

A particular aspect of the museum's collection are the ex-votos. These are objects offered by devotees as thanks for graces received, many of them originating from fishing communities, such as Póvoa de Varzim.

Here one can find an interesting display of these testimonies of faith, which include painted tablets and canvases, as well as photographs. These offerings represent a form of popular art that tells stories of life and devotion, connecting maritime activities to the sanctuary.

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