Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Évora > Viana do Alentejo > Viana do Alentejo > Quinta do Marco
The Museum Centre is located in a central area of Viana do Alentejo, on the ground floor of the former Town Hall. Its position in Praça da República places it in the heart of the town, making it an easily accessible point for those exploring the village.
This museum space invites visitors on a journey through the past of Viana do Alentejo, focusing on the vast archaeological heritage discovered in the region. Through the exhibition, it is possible to understand the occupation of the territory over more than five millennia, revealing how ancient communities lived, their daily activities, and how their settlements were organised. The exhibited artefacts, many resulting from interventions in the municipality, offer a detailed overview of life in the area, from prehistoric times to more recent eras.
The Museum Centre occupies three small rooms that, in the distant past, served as the old municipal prison. This characteristic gives the site an additional historical dimension, where the architecture itself and the building's original purpose intertwine with the mission of preserving memory. The space, by itself, is already a testament to the evolution of public and social life in Viana do Alentejo, offering a unique perspective on the local heritage.
The importance of the work carried out by the Museum Centre is recognised by external entities. In 2022, the space was awarded an honourable mention by the Portuguese Association of Museology (APOM) in the "Heritage Transport" category. This award highlights the care and excellence with which the archaeological heritage of the municipality is treated, as exemplified by the transport of significant elements such as the star-menhir pillory, a singular testament to the rich cultural heritage of Viana do Alentejo.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.33321937992368, -8.001657647140538
Coordinates DMS: 38°19'59.6"N 08°00'6.0"W