Fresco Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Évora > Reguengos de Monsaraz > Monsaraz > Zona do Castelo

Location

Located in the historic village of Monsaraz, more precisely in the Castle area, the Fresco Museum is situated on the eastern façade of Rua Direita. This location places it in the heart of the ancient settlement, allowing for an immersion in the medieval atmosphere of the place and its characteristic ambiance.

Origin and Architecture

The building housing the Fresco Museum stands out as one of the most notable in Monsaraz, due to its civil importance and historical representation. Erected in the 14th century, during the reigns of D. Dinis and D. Afonso IV, it reflects the administrative and economic growth of the village. Over time, it served various functions, including that of a Courthouse and, later, a district prison, having been expanded in the late 15th century to accommodate these latter functions.

The Fresco of the Good and Bad Judge

The main attraction of the museum is the unusual Fresco of the Good and Bad Judge, a 15th-century work discovered in 1958 during the building's rehabilitation works, after having remained hidden for centuries. This example is unique in Portugal for its profane theme, which allegorizes earthly justice and explores the complexity of human impartiality and corruption.

The painting features the figure of Christ in its upper part, flanked by prophets. In the main panel, the figures of the Good and Bad Judge represent the poles of integrity and failure, with the Good Judge displaying dignity and a straight rod, in contrast to the Bad Judge, who appears with a double face and a broken rod, symbolizing human perversion.

A Space of Knowledge

In addition to its central piece, the Fresco Museum has been playing an active role in presenting the history and culture of the Monsaraz region. Since 2010, the space regularly hosts thematic exhibitions that provide visitors with an in-depth perspective on various aspects of the local heritage and its evolution over time.

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