Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Lisboa > Azambuja > Vale do Paraíso
The "Colombo" Interpretation Centre is located in Vale do Paraíso, a picturesque locality in the municipality of Azambuja, within the district of Lisbon. It is specifically situated in the Station Area, a setting historically shaped by the presence of the railway line and the dynamics associated with rail transport.
This strategic position places the centre within the characteristic environment of old railway stations, reflecting the importance of these infrastructures in the region's development. The surroundings are marked by the Ribatejo landscape, where the flat lezíria plains meet orographic accidents, creating a rural environment that coexists with the historic railway infrastructure, offering a direct context for understanding the themes addressed within.
The "Colombo" Interpretation Centre was conceived as a meeting point with the past and culture of the region. This exhibition space invites a deeper understanding of specific aspects of local history and heritage. Although its designation might suggest a particular theme, the centre is primarily dedicated to contextualizing and elucidating relevant aspects for understanding the territory of Azambuja and Vale do Paraíso.
Its contents may cover the evolution of the area, as well as the profound influence of the railway network on the lives of local communities. The fundamental purpose of this space is to provide a detailed perspective on the material and immaterial heritage that has shaped this area of Ribatejo, inviting a journey through time to discover the stories and landmarks that defined the locality's identity and its intrinsic connection to the railway.
The architecture of the "Colombo" Interpretation Centre is intrinsic to its identity, reflecting the construction style associated with the railway infrastructures of its time. The building, located in the Station Area, presents itself as an example of adaptation and reuse of structures with historical and architectural value.
Its design seeks to harmonize the contemporary interpretive function with the preservation of original characteristics that link it to its railway past. The structure of the centre is, in itself, a piece of local heritage, contributing to the maintenance of the collective memory associated with the presence of the train and the impact it had on the economy and society of the Azambuja municipality. Observing it offers an opportunity to appreciate an example of the architecture that served and still serves the local community.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.1152549,-8.8849725
Coordinates DMS: 39°06'54.9"N 08°53'5.9"W