Museum of the Land of Miranda

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Bragança > Miranda do Douro > Miranda do Douro > Centro Histórico

Location:

The Museum of Terra de Miranda is located in the heart of the city's historic center, an area that preserves the old layout and characteristic atmosphere of Miranda do Douro. Currently, and temporarily, it is housed in a historic building in the city, the former Episcopal Palace.

What to Find:

This museum is dedicated to telling the unique history and culture of Terra de Miranda. Through its collections, it is possible to learn about the way of life, traditions, customs, and beliefs of the communities in this region, exploring the social, cultural, religious, and economic aspects that have shaped the local identity over time.

The Collections and Local Culture:

The museum's collection was assembled through systematic work, initiated by its founder, António Maria Mourinho. It includes archaeological and historical objects dating back to the region's distant past, but the main highlight is ethnography. Here, we discover the ancestry and daily life of Mirandese people, from work in the fields or herding to ancient crafts and domestic activities.

An important highlight of the exhibition is the distinctiveness of the Mirandese language and the richness of the winter rituals, typical of the Northeast Trás-os-Montes region, which are a strong expression of the material and intangible culture of Terra de Miranda.

The Museum's Historic Headquarters:

Although currently in a temporary location due to renovations, the original headquarters of the Museum of Terra de Miranda is the historic Domus Municipalis, a prominent building in Praça D. João III. This monumental property, built in the 17th century, served important functions throughout the centuries, acting as the Town Hall (Casa da Câmara) and, later, as the Municipal Prison (Cadeia Municipal).

The architecture of the Domus Municipalis, with its prominent arched porch, bears witness to the city's public and social life throughout history, even serving as a meeting point for its inhabitants. Its history and character are intrinsically linked to the museum's narrative.

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