São Brissos Washhouses

Category: Civil Architecture > Washhouses

District: Évora > Montemor-o-Novo > São Brissos > Monte da Igreja

Location

Located in the Monte da Igreja area, in São Brissos, a village integrated into the municipality of Montemor-o-Novo, the Lavadouros (washhouses) are situated in an environment that invites quiet observation of local life. This serene area offers a peaceful setting for visitors, nestled within the Alentejo landscape.

A Community Legacy

The São Brissos Lavadouros are an example of the old community infrastructures that, for generations, played a central role in people's lives. These spaces were meeting and sharing points, where daily tasks, such as laundry, blended with conversations, exchanges of knowledge, and the strengthening of social ties. They represent a testament to the daily life and collaboration among the inhabitants of yesteryear.

Memory in Tile

Currently, the Lavadouros have gained a new and significant layer of cultural value. The structure has been enriched with a tile panel, the result of a collaborative effort by the local community itself. Titled "Recortes da Memória" (Scraps of Memory), this artistic work reflects the identity and stories lived by the inhabitants, perpetuating collective memories through art. The panel invites reflection on the site's history and present, making the space not only a testament to the past but also a living element of community expression.

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