Category: Culture and Entertainment > Museum
District: Coimbra > Penacova > Lorvão
Situated in Lorvão, in the municipality of Penacova, the Casa do Monte stands in the heart of the village, next to the old monastery that profoundly shaped the history and daily life of the region. Integrated into the urban fabric, the house retains the traditional style of local constructions, surrounded by a green landscape and the slopes characteristic of the Mondego valley. The tranquil environment and natural setting make this space a pleasant place to discover Lorvão's cultural heritage.
The building, which today houses the Palito Interpretive Centre, preserves the memory of the locality's conventual past and maintains a direct link with the Monastery of Lorvão, a central element in the historical and religious identity of the region.
The Casa do Monte dates back to the early 18th century. It was acquired in 1715 by D. Bernarda Teles de Menezes to serve as a guesthouse, hosting illustrious guests who came to witness the translation of the Holy Queens Teresa and Sancha to their silver urns, a ceremony of great importance for Lorvão. This episode is still commemorated every year with celebrations evoking its historical and religious significance.
Over the centuries, the building suffered the natural wear and tear of time. Recently, the Penacova Municipal Council promoted the recovery of its roof and structure, preserving the architectural and cultural value of the house. This work enabled the creation of a new museum space that returns to the community a heritage that is an essential part of local memory.
The Palito Interpretive Centre celebrates a simple object, yet one deeply rooted in Lorvão's history: the toothpick (palito). Its origin dates back to the Monastery of Lorvão, where the nuns produced them to decorate conventual sweets. Over time, the maids took the practice outside the monastery, transforming the manufacture of the toothpick into an artisanal activity that quickly gained economic and social importance.
In the 19th century, after the dissolution of religious orders, production expanded among the local population, benefiting from the abundance of white willow and poplar wood in the region. During the 20th century, the first companies dedicated to the commercialization of handmade toothpicks emerged, achieving prestige and awards at national and international fairs, recognized for the delicacy of their finish and the beauty of their packaging.
The center is distributed across several rooms that present different aspects of the history and evolution of the toothpick: from its artisanal and conventual origins to industrialization. The exhibitions combine original pieces, everyday objects, toothpick holders from various eras and materials, as well as audiovisual recordings with testimonials from local residents sharing memories about the craft.
Among the featured pieces are rare examples of toothpicks of various types and shapes, as well as wooden miniatures representing elements of Penacova's heritage, such as the water wheel, the windmill, and the river boat (barca serrana). These objects showcase the creativity and artisanal know-how passed down through generations.
The space combines tradition and modernity, with clear and appealing museography. Natural light and the materials used highlight the simplicity of the theme and the human value associated with it. The display cases, panels, and recreations help in understanding the journey of the toothpick as a symbol of work, ingenuity, and local identity.
More than just a museum, the Palito Interpretive Centre is a place of living memory, where a tradition that shaped the social and economic history of Lorvão is preserved and continues to arouse curiosity and admiration among its visitors.
Coordinates DD: 40.26027730574956,-8.31728165384879
Coordinates DMS: 40°15'37.0"N 08°19'2.2"W
Weather Lorvão
On-duty Pharmacy Lorvão
