Nazaré Cultural Center

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Community Centre

District: Leiria > Nazaré > Nazaré > Centro

Location

The Nazaré Cultural Center is located in the heart of the village, on Avenida Manuel Remígio. Its central location, very close to the coastline, allows visitors to absorb the local atmosphere, being conveniently integrated into Nazaré's urban dynamic.

Historically, the area where the building stands has always been linked to fishing activity, reflecting its deep connection with the sea and the life of the local community.

Memories of the Fish Market

This building has a history intrinsically linked to Nazaré's maritime tradition. For decades, it housed the Nazaré Fish Market, the place where fish was traded and auctioned, playing a crucial role in the economy and social life of the fishing village. It was a meeting point and a workplace, where the fate of the catch was decided, from informal sales on the sand to a more formal structure.

A curious detail of its fishing history relates to the auction method. Nazaré was a pioneer in Portugal in selling fish by the kilo, rather than by unit, marking an important evolution in the sector. The auctions were characterized by the word "chui," used to indicate a purchase, a distinctive feature of the transactions that took place there.

Artistic and Heritage Expression

The facade and interior of the Nazaré Cultural Center are enriched by tile panels, which constitute an element of great artistic and narrative value. These works of art depict scenes of daily fishing life, a visual tribute to Nazaré's maritime heritage. The panels were created by the artist Galhardo and produced at the renowned Aleluia factory in Coimbra.

These tiles not only beautify the space but also serve as a visual record of the identity and traditions of the Nazaré community, inviting contemplation and an understanding of its culture.

Active Cultural Hub

Since its reopening in 1995, the former Fish Market building was transformed into the current Nazaré Cultural Center. This vibrant space is dedicated to promoting culture, hosting a diversity of temporary exhibitions.

It functions as a meeting point for art and culture in Nazaré, offering visitors and the local community the opportunity to explore different artistic manifestations and participate in various cultural activities throughout the year.

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