Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra
Situated in the heart of the district and municipality of Coimbra, the Casa do Bicho da Seda (Silk Worm House) is located in an area that invites tranquility and discovery. Although integrated into the urban fabric of the city, its surroundings provide a more serene atmosphere, ideal for an immersive experience in the cultural and historical heritage that the place holds. The surrounding environment reflects the scenic richness of Coimbra, creating a pleasant setting for those seeking a space for contemplation and learning.
This space is dedicated to the preservation and sharing of ancestral knowledge of sericulture, the meticulous art of raising silkworms for the production of their precious thread. The Casa do Bicho da Seda stands as an important testament to an activity that once marked the daily lives and economy of various communities in the region. Through its exhibitions, it keeps alive the memory of a delicate and demanding artisanal process, transmitted and perfected over generations, revealing its profound historical and cultural importance for the country.
The structure of the building, with its sober and functional lines, harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. Its construction reflects characteristics of the region's traditional civil architecture, with elements that highlight the simplicity and pragmatism of local buildings. Designed to host and present the valuable silk cycle, the edifice allows for an organic connection with the surrounding natural environment, providing a space that illustrates the interaction between human action and natural resources.
Inside the Casa do Bicho da Seda, visitors are invited to follow the fascinating journey of the silkworm, from its larval stage to the formation of the cocoon, which encloses the precious thread. This is an educational tour that unveils the secrets of this intricate production, illustrating the stages that include the meticulous feeding of the caterpillars with mulberry leaves, their growth, and the laborious construction of the cocoons. The techniques and instruments traditionally used in this ancient art are also presented, allowing visitors to understand the dedication and precision required to transform elements of nature into one of the most valued textiles worldwide.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.2057567,-8.4521627
Coordinates DMS: 40°12'20.7"N 08°27'7.8"W
Weather Coimbra
On-duty Pharmacy Coimbra
