Wax Museum

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Museum

District: Bragança > Torre de Moncorvo > Torre de Moncorvo

Location

The Wax Museum is located in the village of Torre de Moncorvo, a locality situated in the Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro region. The presence of the museum in this municipality reflects a deep historical and cultural connection to the wax-making activity, a tradition that has shaped the local identity over several generations and finds its birthplace here.

A Legacy of Wax

This museological space is dedicated to safeguarding and disseminating the vast industrial and cultural heritage linked to wax manufacturing. The production of wax in the region, with a highlight on the locality of Felgueiras, has roots dating back at least to the early 19th century. For a significant period, extending until the mid-20th century, Torre de Moncorvo asserted itself as one of the largest centers for wax production and distribution, with the Community Press and various private workshops operating actively. The museum allows visitors to understand the importance of this industry for the local economy and community life.

From the Press to the Museological Institution

With the widespread adoption of electricity, traditional wax production declined, and the Community Wax Press saw its activity diminish. However, in the last decades of the 20th century, an effort began to recover this historic space. Following restoration interventions and the promotion of training actions aimed at revitalizing ancestral know-how, the Community Press underwent a profound musealization in 2013. This initiative culminated in the inauguration of the Wax Museum, a space that today perpetuates the memory and techniques of this ancient and relevant activity for the region.