Românico Interpretation Centre

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Lousada > Lousada > Praça das Pocinhas

Location

Located in the town of Lousada, the Romanesque Interpretation Centre is situated in Praça das Pocinhas. This building was designed to harmoniously interact with the surrounding urban square, establishing a relationship with the town centre and its architectural landscape.

Architectural Design and Conception

The architecture of the Romanesque Interpretation Centre, designed by spaceworkers, stands out for its contemporary and bold approach. The building is based on the principles of Romanesque architecture, translating the idea of unity in diversity through the presentation of various volumes with different dimensions and heights. This ensemble evokes the variety of buildings that characterise Portuguese Romanesque. Inside, the various spaces are interconnected by a central area reminiscent of a cloister, guiding visitors through a pathway. Monumentality is a striking feature of the interior spaces, with forms and scales that reinterpret the typical roofing of Romanesque architecture.

A Window into Romanesque

Inside the Centre, visitors will find an exhibition area of approximately 650 square metres, designed to provide an experience with interactive and engaging content. The itinerary is organised into six thematic rooms, each dedicated to a fundamental aspect of the medieval era: Territory and Formation of Portugal; Medieval Society; The Romanesque; The Builders; Symbolism and Colour; and Monuments Throughout Time. This space serves as a starting point to understand the art and symbolism that shaped Portugal and Europe during several centuries of the Middle Ages, offering a clear and concise introduction to the Romanesque Route.

Quality Recognition

The importance and quality of this Interpretation Centre are evidenced by its recognition as a "Territory Museum" within the scope of the Northern Region's Regional Museum Network. Additionally, the excellence of the architectural project and its museography has been distinguished with several national and international awards, reflecting the cultural value and innovation that the space offers to its visitors.

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