Olive and Olive Oil Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Bragança > Mirandela > Mirandela

Location

The Olive and Olive Oil Museum is located in the city of Mirandela, next to the Tua River. Its urban placement makes it an accessible point within the locality, inviting a visit that integrates with the discovery of this Transmontana city.

The Building's Character

The museum is housed in the former facilities of Moagem Mirandelense (Mirandela Mill), a construction that stands out as an interesting example of industrial archaeology. This building is a testament to the passage of time, revealing a series of spaces and additions that combine various materials, such as wood, iron, and concrete, organized around a central pavilion built of stone. The architecture of the site is rich in details, from functional solutions introduced over time, to the way natural light penetrates the interior through narrow openings on the south facade, creating a unique atmosphere.

The Journey Through Olive Oil

Inside the museum, visitors are guided through an engaging narrative about the olive tree and olive oil. The exhibition route includes a replica of an olive oil press, a central piece in the main pavilion. There is also a space dedicated to the olive tree, exploring the flora and fauna associated with this ancient tree. The "Work Room" recreates the atmosphere of olive harvesting through sounds and images, complemented by ethnographic tools. A unique ascending path leads to the upper floor, where several thematic areas illustrate the multiple uses of olive oil throughout history, from cooking to cosmetics. An auditorium completes the experience, offering a space for the presentation of audiovisual content.

Cultural Recognition

The Olive and Olive Oil Museum plays a fundamental role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage linked to the olive tree and olive oil in the region. Its value is recognized internationally, having been distinguished as a Point of Interest on the Olive Routes and the Council of Europe's Cultural Route. This distinction highlights the relevance of olive oil not only as an economic product but also as a distinctive cultural symbol of the Trás-os-Montes territory and of Portugal.

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