Locomotive BA 101

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Guarda > Almeida > Vilar Formoso

Location

Vilar Formoso, in the municipality of Almeida, is a locality with a deep connection to the country's railway history. The BA 101 Locomotive is displayed at an accessible point in the village, reflecting its importance as a border and railway hub. Its presence in the public space invites a pause to observe a striking symbol of transport in Portugal.

Railway Legacy

The BA 101 Locomotive is a testament to the era of the steam train, an essential driving force for development and communication in Portugal. This exemplar harks back to a period when the railway was the main means of connection between various regions and, in particular, between Portugal and Spain, given Vilar Formoso's border location. Its observation allows for an imaginary journey into the past of national transport.

Presence and Contemplation

Currently, the BA 101 Locomotive is safeguarded in a space that allows its visibility from the exterior, providing visitors with a perspective on its imposing structure. This exhibition method aims to preserve the vehicle while keeping it accessible to the public, who can thus contemplate the details of engineering from yesteryear and reflect on the technological evolution of transport. The machine, with its robust features, offers a visual point of interest in the village's urban landscape.

Heritage Value

As a piece of industrial heritage, the BA 101 Locomotive possesses undeniable value for collective memory and for understanding the mechanical engineering of its time. Its preservation in Vilar Formoso underscores the historical relevance of the locality within the context of the Portuguese and European railway network, serving as a landmark that evokes the long journeys and significant commercial and cultural exchanges that passed through this border.

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