Strawberry Tree Museum (Hotelpor, SA)

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Évora > Portel > Portel > Vale do Ar

Location

Situated in the peaceful locality of Portel, in the district of Évora, the Medronho Museum is located in the picturesque area of Vale do Ar. This location in the heart of Alentejo frames the museum within a characteristic rural landscape, marked by gentle undulations and vegetation that, in certain times of the year, includes the presence of the strawberry tree, the tree that gives its name to the featured fruit. The surrounding environment reflects the serenity and agricultural tradition of the region.

The Essence of Medronho

Medronho, the fruit of the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), is the central element of this museum space. This reddish berry, with its rough texture and particular flavor, is endemic to certain regions of the Mediterranean and Western Europe, including Portugal. In Alentejo, as in other areas of the country, the strawberry tree is part of the natural landscape, and its harvest is deeply rooted in local traditions and the rural economy. The museum provides an opportunity to deepen knowledge about this unique fruit.

History and Traditional Production

The Medronho Museum is dedicated to exploring the ancestral link between communities and this unique fruit. It addresses the history of medronho picking and the artisanal processes that transform the berry into various products, with particular emphasis on medronho brandy. The exhibition seeks to illustrate the work and ingenuity of generations who have known how to value this natural resource, from harvesting to distillation, methods that have been passed down orally over time. Here, the cultural value and perseverance of traditional practices linked to medronho are understood.

The Exhibition Space

As a space for safeguarding and disseminating local heritage, the museum offers an informative tour on the life cycle of the strawberry tree, its botanical characteristics, and its role in the ecosystem. The tools and techniques associated with the harvesting and processing of medronho are presented, as well as the cultural and economic impact of this activity in the region. The approach aims to contextualize the importance of medronho in the identity and traditions of Alentejo, inviting reflection on the connection between man and the local nature.

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