Salgueiro Maia Citizen House

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Portalegre > Castelo de Vide > Castelo de Vide > Quinta do Brejo

Location

The Salgueiro Maia House of Citizenship is located inside the historic castle of the town of Castelo de Vide. This positioning gives it a unique setting, integrated within the walls that shape the landscape and identity of the Alentejo locality.

Upon visiting this space, visitors will find a place of memory within one of Castelo de Vide's most emblematic and ancient landmarks, in the area known as Quinta do Brejo, enjoying the characteristic surroundings of the castle.

The Legacy of a Captain

This museum space is dedicated to the figure of Fernando Salgueiro Maia, an inescapable personality of the April 25, 1974 Revolution. Born in Castelo de Vide, Salgueiro Maia is remembered for his decisive role in the events that led to the establishment of democracy in Portugal, namely by commanding the military column that marched on Lisbon.

His actions, marked by serenity and respect, made him a symbol of the values of freedom and citizenship. The creation of this house fulfills the wish expressed by Salgueiro Maia in his will, where he manifested the desire to bequeath his collection to his hometown.

The Objects and the History

The permanent exhibition at the House of Citizenship allows visitors direct contact with Salgueiro Maia's life and journey through his personal collection. The collection covers various objects that bear witness to important moments of his biography, from his childhood and military life to his role in the Carnation Revolution.

Highlighted are pieces of profound historical and symbolic value, such as the military uniform he wore on April 25, 1974, and the megaphone with which he ordered the surrender in Largo do Carmo. The collection also includes documents, photographs, insignias, and elements from his personal collections, such as miniature tanks, offering a complete view of the man behind the hero.

An Immersive Experience

The Salgueiro Maia House of Citizenship was conceived as a modern museum space, despite being integrated into an ancient structure. The exhibition path guides the visitor chronologically through Salgueiro Maia's life, using multimedia resources to enrich the experience.

Projections and digital content help contextualize historical events and convey the essence of the 1974 revolution and the values Salgueiro Maia represented. The space was designed with accessibility in mind, seeking to ensure that everyone can visit and learn about this important chapter in Portugal's history.

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