Arraiolos Rug Interpretive Center

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Évora > Arraiolos > Arraiolos > Centro

Location

The Arraiolos Carpet Interpretive Center is located in Praça do Município (Municipal Square), in the heart of the village of Arraiolos. This central location, nestled within the historic core, positions the center in an easily accessible area, surrounded by the traditional Alentejo environment. Its placement in the village's main square offers a direct view of local daily life and the built heritage of the surrounding area.

Building Heritage

The building housing the Interpretive Center boasts a rich and profound history, with its origins dating back to the mid-15th century. For several centuries, it functioned as the Hospital do Espírito Santo (Hospital of the Holy Spirit), an important pillar of the community. In 1934, after the hospital's closure, the structure was acquired by the Municipal Council and later used as a post for the National Republican Guard. Its main facade preserves striking architectural elements, such as a stone broken-arch portico and three archivolts, testaments to its Gothic era. A revitalization intervention, completed in 2013, adapted the space to its current function, incorporating, for example, the use of 'Tiger Skin' marble in the interiors, which contrasts with the original robustness of the construction.

Arraiolos Tapestry: Tradition and Identity

The tapestry named after the village of Arraiolos is an element of profound cultural and socioeconomic relevance, internationally renowned. Its history is remarkably ancient, with its manufacture dating back to a period before the 15th century, a fact corroborated by archaeological excavations carried out in Praça do Município itself. Although the oldest written reference found dates back to 1598, mentioning a carpet, oral tradition and recent discoveries attest to a heritage extending over five centuries. This manual art represents a valuable heritage and a strong identity trait for the region, a legacy that the Arraiolos community strives to preserve and revitalize.

The Exhibition Route

The center offers an engaging exploration of the rich history of Arraiolos tapestry. The route is designed to be didactic and accessible, revealing the evolution of this art throughout the centuries. Visitors can admire a collection of examples, some dating from the 17th century, which illustrate the variety of patterns, colors, and techniques that characterize the carpets. One of the unique features of the space is a small chapel, where a glass floor allows visitors to observe the structures of the ancient medieval dyeing vats, likely dating back to the 13th century and discovered during the 2003 excavations, offering a tangible link to the most remote origins of this art.

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