Granary of Culture

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Art Gallery

District: Évora > Borba > Borba > Matriz

Location

Located in the Matriz area, the Celeiro da Cultura is situated in the heart of Borba village. It is on Rua Fernão Penteado, in a street that resulted from an 18th-century urban development project. It is set within a historic area, facing Largo da Liberdade, an open space in the old urban fabric.

Its central position in the village allows it to be surrounded by other historical elements and buildings of interest that characterize the physiognomy of this part of Borba.

A Look at History

This building dates back to the 18th century and was originally built to serve as the village's common granary. It was a vital place for storing grains, essential for the economic life of the community. It is considered a rare example of the civil architecture of the time, integrated into an urban redevelopment project that transformed this area of the village during that period.

A notable feature of its original construction was the absence of openings on the ground floor, a measure designed to protect the grain from pests like rats. Access was originally gained via the upper floor, highlighting its initial function related to agricultural storage.

Unique Architecture

With a robust and simple architecture, this 18th-century building features an elongated rectangular plan. Its main facade, facing south, shows a two-story organization, with marble details framing the upper windows and the entrance door, a characteristic touch of the Borba region. The ground floor, faithful to its original function as a granary, has only small openings, contrasting with the larger windows of the upper floor.

On the west side, the exterior staircase is still visible, which, in other times, would have provided direct access to the upper floor. Inside, the lower floor reveals its original structure, with three naves supported by arches, an environment that harks back to its old storage function. The upper floor offers a different space, with its wooden ceiling.

Current Cultural Space

Today, the Celeiro da Cultura is a dynamic space dedicated to the cultural life of Borba. The lower floor has been adapted to function as a multipurpose room, hosting various cultural initiatives since the year 2000. It is a place where art exhibitions, such as painting, are frequently held, providing a meeting point for the community and visitors interested in artistic manifestations and local events.

The building thus maintains a connection to village life, transforming its ancient vocation of essential storage into a space for cultural enjoyment.

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