The Snowman's House

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Leiria > Castanheira de Pera > Castanheira de Pera > Coentral

Location

Located in the village of Coentral, in the municipality of Castanheira de Pera, A Casa do Neveiro is housed in a building with remarkable features. This cultural space occupies a part of the local Parish Council building, a property constructed from granite stone that stands out in the surrounding area, contributing to the identity of the Coentral community.

A Building with Deep Roots

The building that houses A Casa do Neveiro possesses a rich history, predating its museum function. Dating back to 1835, this property is recognized as the birthplace of D. Manuel Agostinho Barreto, a prominent figure who would later become Bishop of Funchal. Its traditional stone architecture reflects the constructive heritage of the region and gives the place an authenticity that complements its cultural value.

Culture and Memory of Coentral

A Casa do Neveiro is dedicated to preserving and sharing the richness of local culture and traditions. Inside, it is possible to discover a collection that evokes the daily lives of the region's ancestors, exploring their uses and customs. The museum highlights the subsistence activities that shaped local life, such as agriculture, pastoralism, traditional professions, and the handicraft industry, with a particular focus on the production of wool articles, testifying to the resilience and ingenuity of the people of Coentral.

An integral part of this memory is the tribute to the Rancho Folclórico Neveiros do Coentral (Coentral Snowmen Folkloric Group), founded in 1964, and its visionary promoter, Dr. Herlander Machado, whose effort was crucial for the creation of this space. Additionally, the site immersively recreates the environment of the first Female School, which operated in Coentral from 1913, offering a perspective on the educational and social history of the community.

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