Parochial Museum of Moncarapacho

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Faro > Olhão > Moncarapacho > Vizinhanças

Location

The Moncarapacho Parish Museum is located right in the center of Moncarapacho, a quiet village in the municipality of Olhão, in the Algarve. It occupies the former premises of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, on Rua do Santo Cristo, a street that reflects the peaceful and traditional atmosphere of the surrounding area.

A Space with History

This cultural space came to life in the premises of the old Chapel of the Holy Spirit. The project for the creation of the museum began in 1972, culminating in its official inauguration in 1981. Since then, the museum has been a meeting point for those looking to discover the historical and cultural roots of the Moncarapacho region.

A Journey Through Time

The museum offers a journey through the different eras that marked local history. It is possible to find archaeological remains dating back to distinct periods, from prehistory and the classical period, through the era of Arab occupation. Part of this archaeological collection includes materials discovered during interventions in the Hortinhola area, near the village.

In addition to the archaeological pieces, the museum also houses a collection of ethnographic elements. These objects bear witness to the way of life, customs, and traditions of the people of Moncarapacho throughout time, offering a portrait of the rural and daily life of past generations.

Sacred Art and Devotion

A significant part of the museum's collection is dedicated to religious art. A remarkable set of sacred imagery is on display, with pieces covering a vast historical period, from the 16th to the 18th century. These works allow one to observe the evolution of artistic style and the expression of faith over three centuries of local history.

The Remarkable Nativity Scene

One of the highlights of the collection is a Neapolitan nativity scene. Dating from the 18th century, this nativity scene is composed of forty-five figures representing the adoration of the Child Jesus. The delicacy of the details is enhanced by the decoration of some figures with gold and silver finishes, making it a piece of particular artistic and historical value.

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