Museological Center of the Holy Martyr

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Lisboa > Vila Franca de Xira > Vila Franca de Xira > Quinta do Bolhão

Location

The Mártir Santo Museum Centre is located in the urban area of Vila Franca de Xira, within the zone known as Quinta do Bolhão. This space is integrated into a built complex of historical relevance to the locality, offering visitors a perspective on the city's built heritage.

The Royal Origins of a Temple

This cultural space occupies the Church of Mártir Santo São Sebastião, a temple with a singular history intertwined with Portuguese royalty. Its foundation dates back to 1576, by initiative of King D. Sebastião. The original construction was a promise made by the monarch after the "Great Plague" of 1569, evidencing the deep connection between the crown and popular devotion at the time. Although the 1755 earthquake caused significant damage, the current building reflects a careful reconstruction that occurred in the second half of the 18th century, maintaining its historical essence.

Details of a Rich Past

Upon exploring the Centre, it is possible to observe elements that tell centuries of history. Next to the chancel, there is a remarkable fountain surmounted by a low-relief plaque, where an armillary sphere and the crowned Portuguese royal coat of arms can be distinguished, symbols that directly refer to the arms of D. Sebastião. In the churchyard, at the entrance, there is also a Stone Coat of Arms of D. João VI, from the former Sousa Palace. Inside the temple, an intriguing tunnel, part of an ancient 18th-century water conduit, reveals the infrastructures of the time.

A Space for Local Heritage

Inaugurated as a Museum Centre in 2001, this place has played a crucial role in safeguarding and disseminating the artistic and historical heritage of the municipality. It serves as a stage for exhibitions that bring diverse cultural assets to the public, often rescued from a fragile state of conservation and which would otherwise remain inaccessible. Here, important pieces from the Municipal Museum's collection were presented, such as a late Gothic sculpture of the Presentation of Calvary, and works of art from various parishes in the region, evidencing the cultural richness of the territory of Vila Franca de Xira.

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