Martim Goncalves Macedo Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Bragança > Macedo de Cavaleiros > Macedo de Cavaleiros > União das Freguesias de Macedo de Cavaleiros e Morais

Location

The Martim Gonçalves Macedo Museum is located in Macedo de Cavaleiros, integrating into the Union of Parishes of Macedo de Cavaleiros and Morais. The building that houses it is a former primary school, the well-known Primary School No. 2 of Toural. Its position in the central urban area of the town makes it easily accessible for anyone exploring the locality.

The Figure of Martim Gonçalves de Macedo

This museological space is a tribute to Martim Gonçalves de Macedo, a personality of great relevance in Portuguese history. His role stood out decisively in the Battle of Aljubarrota, which took place on August 14, 1385. In this crucial confrontation, which ensured Portuguese independence, Martim Gonçalves de Macedo intervened heroically, saving the life of the Master of Avis, who would become King D. João I. His direct intervention, which consisted of felling a Castilian soldier who threatened the future monarch, was fundamental for the victorious outcome of the battle and for the consolidation of Portugal as a nation. In recognition of this feat, D. João I granted him the title of Knight, the domain of the lands of Macedo de Cavaleiros, and, on his family's coat of arms, an arm wielding a mace, a symbol of his courage, began to appear.

Collection and Exhibition Realism

The museum presents a collection that allows for an immersion in the events of that historical period. Among the exhibits, it is possible to observe various swords, some of them wielded by historical figures of the time, such as D. João I and D. Nuno Álvares Pereira. The collection also includes replicas of weapons and war equipment, such as crossbows, helmets, and miniature catapults, as well as war engines used in the Northern Campaigns. Archaeological finds, such as coins and arrows, complement the collection. One of the central points of the exhibition is the realistic recreation of the moment when Martim Gonçalves de Macedo saves the future king, offering an impactful visual representation of the episode. There is also a collection of coins spanning the period from the Master of Avis to D. Sebastião, illustrating the importance of that time for the beginning of Portuguese maritime expansion.

A Visit with a Didactic Character

The Martim Gonçalves de Macedo Museum distinguishes itself by its highly didactic character and the realism of the representations it offers. Considered a unique museum in the country for its focus on the events of Aljubarrota and the Northern Campaigns, it provides a true history lesson. The fact that it occupies the premises of a former primary school reinforces its vocation as a center of knowledge and learning. The visit invites reflection on the founding moments of Portuguese nationality and on the contribution of essential historical figures, such as Martim Gonçalves de Macedo, to the formation of the Portugal we know today.

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