Memorial of Cross-Border Mobility, Smuggling, and Enforcement

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Bragança > Vimioso > Vimioso

Location

The Memorial of Cross-Border Mobility, Smuggling and Inspection is located in Praça Conselheiro Eduardo Coelho, in the heart of the village of Vimioso. Its central position in the Trás-os-Montes region makes it easily accessible, integrated into the tranquil and characteristic environment of this border area.

A Border Legacy

This cultural space unveils a crucial chapter in the history of Vimioso and the surrounding cross-border region. Throughout centuries, this area was a vital link between Portugal and Castile, witnessing the constant mobility of people and goods. The memorial's narrative focuses on transhumance, the circulation of goods, and the intense flow of migrants. Particularly highlighted is the phenomenon of smuggling, which profoundly marked local life from the mid-19th century, reaching its peak in the 1940s and persisting until the two countries' entry into the European Union.

Exploring the Past

Inside the Memorial, visitors will find an exhibition illustrating this rich and complex historical reality. Through a careful selection of informative texts and period images, it is possible to deepen understanding of the dynamics that shaped the region. One of the main points of interest is the recreation of an office of the General Inspectorate of Economic Activities (IGAE) from the 1950s, where materials and equipment used in administrative and inspection activities of that time are displayed. On the upper floor, a collection of confiscated goods from various inspection operations is on display, offering a tangible glimpse into the combat against illicit activities over time.

Memory and Reflection

Designed to be a space of knowledge and memory, the Memorial's main purpose is to share, clearly and accessibly, the regional history. The visit aims to foster understanding of the importance of cross-border relations, the socioeconomic impact of smuggling, and the evolution of various forms of inspection. It is a place that invites reflection on a border past that defined identities and ways of life, contributing to the preservation of the collective memory of the territory.

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