Municipal Archive of Montemor-o-Velho

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Coimbra > Montemor-o-Velho > Montemor-o-Velho > Montemor-o-Velho e Gatões

Location

The Montemor-o-Velho Municipal Archive is located on Rua Conselheiro D. João de Alarcão, within the urban fabric of the town of Montemor-o-Velho. It is situated in the central area of the village, allowing for easy access and integration with the local environment.

The Guardian of Local Memory

This Archive constitutes the main repository of the historical and administrative memory of the municipality of Montemor-o-Velho. It is here that documents recounting the history of the community, from its foundation to the present day, are gathered and preserved. Its primary function is to safeguard a vast collection of records, ranging from the oldest documentation to the most recent records, originating from various municipal services and other entities that, over time, have been an integral part of the municipality's life.

Notable Collections and Documents

At the Municipal Archive, one can find a diversity of materials illustrating the evolution of Montemor-o-Velho. Among the documents of special relevance, the Manueline Charter of Montemor-o-Velho stands out, a fundamental testimony to the autonomy and organization of the town in past centuries. Besides this, there are ancient books of offices, municipal minutes revealing the decisions and debates of public life, and a collection of photographs that allow visualizing daily life and the transformations of the urban and rural landscape over time. These collections offer a unique perspective on the municipality's past.

Access to Historical Heritage

For those interested in deepening their knowledge of local history, the Montemor-o-Velho Municipal Archive serves as a valuable resource. Although it is a specialized consultation space, its content is accessible to all who wish to explore the records that comprise the region's history. A significant part of this documentary heritage is even being made available through an online digital archive, allowing for a preliminary or complementary exploration of the collection, making the municipality's history more accessible to a wider audience.

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