Wool Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Castelo Branco > Covilhã > Covilhã > Nossa Senhora da Conceição

Location

The Wool Museum is located in the Nossa Senhora da Conceição area, in the town of Covilhã, in the heart of Beira Interior. It is integrated into the facilities of the University of Beira Interior, occupying a set of buildings of great historical and architectural relevance, which stand out in the city's urban landscape. Its presence is a visible testament to the deep connection between Covilhã and the wool industry, being part of the urban fabric that once bustled with factory activity.

The Wool Heritage in Covilhã

The history of Covilhã is intrinsically linked to the world of wool, and the Wool Museum emerges as the guardian of this rich industrial memory. Created to safeguard and enhance the region's textile heritage, the museum occupies spaces that were once the epicenter of wool production, such as the old dye houses of the Royal Cloth Factory. Founded by the Marquis of Pombal in 1764, this state manufactory is a landmark in Portuguese economic history, and the museum is dedicated to contextualizing its anthropological, economic, social, and cultural importance. Its vocation is to actively preserve the industrial heritage, allowing a deep understanding of the relevance of this industry to the city and the local way of life.

Journey Through the Manufacturing Nuclei

The Wool Museum offers a fascinating journey through various nuclei that illustrate the different phases of wool production over time. One of the pillars is the Royal Cloth Factory Nucleus, an authentic site museum, where one can observe the original archaeological and architectural structures of the 18th-century dye house, including furnaces and the cylindrical vats used for dyeing wools. Complementing this initial view, the Royal Veiga Factory Nucleus transports visitors to the 19th and 20th centuries, revealing the technological evolution and industrialization of the sector. Outdoors, the Sun Stentering Frames Nucleus is an open-air space with tenter frames and the wool drying area, presenting a crucial stage of the drying and finishing process, in a setting that directly refers to ancient practices.

The Collection and Know-How

Upon exploring the museum, one discovers a vast collection that meticulously documents the history of wool manufacturing. The collections include an impressive variety of machines, equipment, and tools that were essential for the industry. Furthermore, it is possible to admire textile products such as raw wools, yarns, fabric samples, and garments, which illustrate the diversity and quality of production. The museum also houses a valuable archive with textual, cartographic, and iconographic documents, allowing a deep dive into the daily life of the factories and the evolution of fabric design. Videos and animations help to understand the complex processes of wool transformation, from carding and spinning to weaving and final finishing, unveiling the know-how that shaped Covilhã.

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