Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction
District: Lisboa > Mafra > Sobreiro > Largo de Santo António
Situated in the small locality of Sobreiro, in the municipality of Mafra, the Aldeia Típica de José Franco is located in Largo de Santo António. This central position within the urban area offers a welcoming atmosphere, characteristic of a more serene and traditional part of the region.
The Aldeia Típica de José Franco was born from the dream and dedication of potter and sculptor José Franco, who began its construction around 1950. His vision was to create a space that preserved the memory and identity of the Saloia region of Mafra, a tribute to his childhood experiences and local way of life. This place functions as a living ethnographic museum, also featuring an exhibition dedicated to the extensive work of José Franco himself and his wife Helena, where their artistic legacy can be appreciated.
The heart of the village is a life-size recreation of a rural community. Walking through its paths, visitors will find meticulously decorated replicas of old workshops and shops, furnished with period objects. These settings transport visitors to the daily lives of the region's people, showcasing professions and activities that marked country life, such as the blacksmith working metal, the shoemaker at his craft, or the seamstress in her art.
Beyond the full-scale constructions, the village presents a fascinating miniature world. Here, it is possible to observe a detailed recreation of a typical village in the region, with moving figures illustrating various activities. Working windmills, small chapels, and scenes of agricultural and domestic life offer a glimpse into the daily routines of bygone eras, with remarkable richness in detail.
The Aldeia de José Franco is also a stage for the demonstration of ancient artisanal traditions. The ancestral pottery heritage of Mafra is evident through the exhibition of ceramic pieces that reflect local mastery. Elements such as the recreation of an old bakery, with the aroma of bread baked in a wood-fired oven, or a grocery store that evokes the scents and goods of yesteryear, reinforce the immersion into Saloia culture. There is also a wine cellar that harks back to the traditional wine production methods of the region.
The site invites interaction, especially for the younger visitors. A farm houses animals such as sheep, goats, and chickens, allowing for direct contact with rural life. Additionally, there is a play area with agricultural implements that can be operated, encouraging discovery and understanding of the tools used in the fields in past times.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.95979391, -9.353227555
Coordinates DMS: 38°57'35.3"N 09°21'11.6"W
On-duty Pharmacy Sobreiro
