Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Castelo Branco > Belmonte > Belmonte > Belmonte e Colmeal da Torre
The Olive Oil Museum is located in Belmonte, integrated into the area of Belmonte and Colmeal da Torre. It is situated in an area that reflects the community's strong historical connection to olive cultivation and olive oil production. Its establishment in the village allows for an understanding of the importance this activity has had and continues to have for the region.
This museum occupies the space of an old olive mill, a building with its own history in the locality. Built in the mid-20th century, it functioned as an olive processing center for local producers until the late 1990s. Its rehabilitation aimed primarily to preserve the mill's original structure and operation, transforming it into a space of memory and knowledge. Upon visiting the museum, one observes the building's industrial architecture and understands how the productive activity was carried out there.
Inside the museum, visitors are invited to discover the process of transforming olives into olive oil. The machines and equipment that were part of the production cycle are exhibited, from the reception of the fruits in the hoppers to the pressing and separation of the "liquid gold." The exhibition details the different stages, such as the grinding of olives by large circular stones or the operation of the presses. It is a way to learn about the traditional and industrial techniques that marked olive oil production in the region throughout the 20th century, including machinery manufactured by relevant national companies of the time.
Beyond the process inside the building, the museum values the connection of the olive tree to the landscape and local culture. Outside, there is an area with a preserved olive grove and informative panels that address various topics, such as the history of the olive tree in Portugal, its ecological importance, and the annual cultivation cycle. The visit allows for an understanding of the economic and symbolic relevance of olive oil for Belmonte and the Cova da Beira region, whose olive oil production, particularly of the Galega variety, has a Protected Designation of Origin, recognized for its quality. The presence of elements related to olive oil in family crests underlines this deep connection.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.3585035,-7.3523284
Coordinates DMS: 40°21'30.6"N 07°21'8.4"W
Weather Belmonte
On-duty Pharmacy Belmonte
