Porto Cathedral Treasury Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Porto > Porto

Location

The Porto Cathedral Treasury Museum is located in the heart of the city, integrated into the historic area of the Cathedral. Its location is in an elevated area, which defines Porto's oldest and most striking landscape, offering a unique perspective on the urban evolution of the locality.

The museum is housed in the former Chapter House, a building dating back to the 18th century, contributing to the atmosphere of heritage and history that characterizes this part of the city.

The Origin of a Collection

The initiative for the creation of this museum space arose in 1930, by the will of Archbishop D. Manuel Vieira de Matos. The main objective was to gather and safeguard a valuable collection of sacred art objects, making them accessible and visible. The choice of the former Chapter House as its headquarters was not random, given its historical and architectural value, being a building that was commissioned by Archbishop D. Rodrigo de Moura Teles in the 18th century.

Objects of Faith and Art

The museum's collection is composed of a diversity of pieces that reflect the richness and artistic tradition linked to the history of Porto Cathedral. It includes examples of ceramics, furniture, textiles and, in particular, a remarkable collection of sacred goldsmithery. Each object narrates a part of the region's religious and cultural history.

Among the exhibited elements, highlights include a portable organ from the 17th century, a musical piece of great historical value that was acquired by Archbishop D. Luís de Sousa. It is also possible to observe a set of vestments from the 16th century, offered by King D. Manuel to Archbishop D. Diogo de Sousa. One of the most impressive items in the collection is a gilded silver monstrance, dating from the 18th century, which stands out for its meticulous craftsmanship and the sparkle of 450 inlaid diamonds.

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