Abade de Pedrosa Municipal Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Santo Tirso > Santo Tirso > Santo Tirso, Couto (Santa Cristina e São Miguel) e Burgães

Location

The Abade de Pedrosa Municipal Museum is located in the town of Santo Tirso, next to the Ave River. It is integrated into the vast complex of the Monastery of S. Bento, a site of great historical importance and classified as a National Monument. It is situated on Rua Unisco Godiniz, with its facade facing Largo Abade Pedrosa, which serves as the churchyard and surrounding area of the former convent.

The Historic Building

This museum is housed in a historical part of the monastic complex of Santo Tirso: the old guesthouse of the Monastery of S. Bento. This architectural ensemble is recognized as a National Monument, conferring significant heritage value to the site. The museum specifically occupies the upper floor of this rectangular and longitudinal building, which adapts to the local topography.

Architecture and Details

Constructed from granite masonry, the building features white plastered walls that contrast with the exposed granite in structural elements such as window frames and pilasters. The south-facing facade, towards Rua Unisco Godinis, stands out with an imposing pediment displaying a monumental coat of arms of the Order of S. Bento. The different elevations present distinct architectural details; the west side, for example, has more elaborate pedimented windows on the museum floor, while the east side features simpler window designs, reflecting the building's different eras and functions.

The Interior Space

The interior of the museum is mostly organized on the upper floor of the building. Visitors will find a main corridor that provides access to various rooms, formerly bedrooms of the old guesthouse. These spaces have been adapted to function as exhibition halls. A recent intervention sought to modernize the facilities while preserving the original structure, and included the creation of an area for multimedia exhibition and a small auditorium. The exhibition rooms feature elements that serve not only to display pieces but also for technical support and lighting, creating an alternative and dynamic route for the visit.

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