Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Coimbra > Penacova > Portela de Oliveira
The museum is located in the place of Portela de Oliveira, in the municipality of Penacova, in the heart of the natural surroundings of the Serra do Buçaco. The landscape is marked by verdant hills and abundant vegetation, creating a tranquil and inspiring setting. The building is situated in a little-urbanized forest area, ideal for those who appreciate open spaces and contact with nature.
Around the museum complex, it is possible to find other restored mills and walking trails that allow exploration of the region's natural beauty. The environment invites a calm and contemplative visit, with ample views and a sense of isolation in the middle of the mountains.
The mill that now houses the museum was owned by Vitorino Nemésio, a writer and professor, deeply connected to the municipality of Penacova, where he found inspiration in the landscape and rural life. The mill was donated to the local authority by his heirs in 1980 and was subsequently restored to return it to its original appearance and functionality.
The building is installed in the former holiday home of Eng. Arantes de Oliveira, Minister of Public Works during the Estado Novo regime, acquired by the Municipal Council in the 1980s. In 2015, the space underwent requalification and musealization works, culminating in its opening to the public in February 2016.
The mill, with its circular stone construction, conical roof, and traditional sails, has been carefully restored, preserving the typical characteristics of Portuguese milling architecture. Inside, there is a small exhibition showcasing tools, parts, and structures related to the functioning of the mills and the life of the millers.
The visit allows for observation of the simple yet ingenious engineering of these devices, while also offering insight into the social and economic importance of mills in past rural communities.
The space conveys a sense of authenticity and connection to the land. The natural surroundings, marked by silence, fresh air, and dense vegetation, enhance the experience. Even when the building is closed, the surrounding area offers visual and sensory points of interest, with mills scattered across the landscape and trails inviting discovery.
It is an attractive spot for those who appreciate rural heritage, local history, and tranquility. The structure of the mill, with its robust appearance and the silhouette of the sails in the wind, stands out against the terrain and also provides an excellent backdrop for photography.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.30229447380713,-8.306065706852348
Coordinates DMS: 40°18'8.3"N 08°18'21.8"W
Weather Portela de Oliveira
On-duty Pharmacy Portela de Oliveira
