Village House - Railway Park and Rural Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Vila Nova de Gaia > Valadares > Aldeia

Location

Casa da Aldeia is located in Valadares, a locality of Vila Nova de Gaia, south of the city of Porto. The site is nestled in the area that retains the name "Aldeia" (Village), giving it a more secluded setting and an environment with residential neighborhood characteristics, away from the faster pace of urban centers. Its location offers a tranquil atmosphere and a picturesque touch, consistent with the evocation of a place with roots in the rural past.

Memories of Rural Life

Within this space, there is a rural museum that reflects a deep connection to the history and traditions of country life. Over time, a vast collection of elements and tools has been gathered, telling the story of daily rural life, agricultural activities, and local customs. For visitors, this collection offers an authentic glimpse into the past, allowing for an understanding of the "memories" associated with the land and the generations who worked on it.

The Fascination of Miniature Trains

Alongside the rural aspect, Casa da Aldeia unveils a remarkable railway park dedicated to miniature trains. This passion began unpretentiously about fifty years ago, with a simple toy train, evolving into a growing interest in models and circuits. The space features layouts in various scales, including Marklin HO and 1/G. One of the most distinctive aspects is the ride-on train, built in the area that was once the house's backyard and vineyard, offering visitors the experience of a unique ride through this reduced-scale railway universe, evoking a feeling of admiration and nostalgia for miniature engineering.

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