Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum António Tomás Pires

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Portalegre > Elvas > Elvas > Centro Histórico

Location

This museum is located in the heart of Elvas's Historic Centre, integrated into the urban fabric that tells the city's story. Its location allows visitors to discover the museum space while exploring the streets and squares of the classified area, experiencing the historical atmosphere of the locality.

The Building and Its History

The museum is housed in a building with a remarkable history of its own. Built in the 17th century, it once served as the Military Maintenance of Elvas. It functioned as an important supply depot, storing wheat, barley, and straw, and also as a military bakery to feed the troops quartered in the city.

This imposing structure is a significant testament to the military architecture of the era. Even today, elements of its original function can be observed, such as the Portuguese coats of arms above the entrance portal and the inner courtyard that invites a peaceful pause.

Collections in Dialogue

Inside the museum, visitors will find an exhibition that establishes a unique conversation between the distant past, revealed by archaeology, and the more recent life of rural communities, represented by ethnography. This dialogue focuses on the territory of Elvas and its social and cultural evolution.

The exhibited objects, from ancient finds to tools and utensils related to traditional agriculture and daily life, are presented with a focus on their life stories, their uses, and the people who interacted with them. This approach allows for an understanding of the region's identity matrix.

Perspectives on Life and Territory

The exhibition itinerary guides visitors through different perspectives on the history and culture of the region. Fundamental themes are addressed, such as the production of bread, wine, and olive oil, central elements in the local economy and diet throughout time.

Other rooms are dedicated to funerary rites and the complex relationships between the traditional, the sacred, and the profane, offering a multifaceted portrayal of social beliefs and practices. In the exterior courtyard, a display of heraldry can be observed, connecting the visitor with the symbols and lineages associated with the territory.

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