Museum of the Discoveries

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Castelo Branco > Belmonte > Belmonte > Centro Histórico

Location

The Museum of Discoveries is situated in the heart of Belmonte's Historic Center, a village with deep roots in Portuguese history. It is strategically positioned on the main street of the town, Rua Pedro Álvares Cabral.

The museum occupies a building of historical significance, the former Solar dos Cabrais, which later became known as Casa dos Condes (House of the Counts). Part of its carefully integrated contemporary structure offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a view of the Zêzere valley, uniting the natural landscape with cultural heritage.

Legacy and Historic Building

This museum is housed in the emblematic Solar dos Cabrais, a building dating back to the 18th-19th centuries and which, originally, belonged to the family of Pedro Álvares Cabral. Over the years, the building passed into the possession of the Counts of Belmonte, taking on the designation of Casa dos Condes.

The restoration of this example of private civil architecture, with Mannerist influence, was fundamental for housing the museum's collection and exhibition. Its preservation and modern expansion were conceived to create a space that honors the memory and connection of Belmonte to the Portuguese Discoveries, particularly to Brazil.

A Journey Through Time

The Museum of Discoveries invites its visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating era of the great Portuguese navigations. The central focus of this space is the dissemination of the feat of Pedro Álvares Cabral and the understanding of the "Discovery of Brazil," one of the most significant milestones in History. More than a simple exhibition of objects, the museum aims to explore the journey that gave rise to the largest Portuguese-speaking nation, shaped by centuries of cultural encounter and coexistence.

Visiting the museum is embarking on a journey that spans more than five hundred years, allowing for a deep understanding of the history of the Discoveries and the formation of Brazil. It is an opportunity to understand and interpret a decisive period for Portugal and for the world.

Interactivity and Knowledge

The experience at the Museum of Discoveries is enriched by an innovative museographic approach. This space was designed using modern technologies and exhibition techniques that captivate and stimulate visitors of all ages.

Through interactive rooms, films, animations, and photographs, the museum offers various levels of information, making the visit dynamic and engaging. It is possible to find content exploring themes such as navigation, cartography, the colonization process, and aspects of the fauna, flora, urban planning, and architecture of the era. Some exhibitions include replicas, such as that of a slave cell, which provide more direct contact with historical reality. The content is presented in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, facilitating comprehension for a wider audience.

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