Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Évora > Arraiolos > Santana do Campo
The Carriage Museum is situated in the tranquil locality of Santana do Campo, part of the Arraiolos municipality, in the heart of the Évora district. Its location is characteristic of the deep Alentejo region, surrounded by a serene landscape of gentle plains, dotted with cork oaks and olive trees, which invite contemplation and contact with nature.
This rural and peaceful environment contributes to a calm and immersive visit, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. The surroundings of the locality reflect the Alentejo essence, with its whitewashed houses and unhurried pace of life, providing an authentic setting for the theme that this space addresses.
Dedicated to the history of carriages, this space offers a journey through the world of animal traction, a fundamental pillar of rural life and transport in past eras. The collection comprises various animal-drawn vehicles, from the most modest, used in agricultural work or daily life, to more elaborate examples, employed on special occasions or for passenger transport.
In addition to the vehicles themselves, the collection includes a wide range of essential accessories and equipment, such as harnesses, saddles, collars, and other saddlery items. Each piece is a testament to the art and ingenuity of the craftsmen of the time, revealing the functionality and often the aesthetic beauty inherent in these objects. Observing the collection allows for an understanding of the evolution of transportation and its importance in the social and economic organization of bygone times.
The Carriage Museum plays a fundamental role in preserving an important segment of the material and immaterial heritage of the region and the country. By displaying these pieces, it pays homage to a way of life that shaped the landscape and rural communities of the Alentejo over centuries.
Carriages represented not only a means of transport but also a status symbol, an indispensable work tool, and a central element in equestrian culture. The exhibition contributes to contextualizing the lives of ancestors and valuing the knowledge and techniques that were passed down from generation to generation. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the transition to modernity and to appreciate human ingenuity in adapting to the environment and the needs of each era.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7462238,-8.0092209
Coordinates DMS: 38°44'46.4"N 08°00'33.2"W
Weather Santana do Campo
On-duty Pharmacy Santana do Campo
