House of Dr. Domingos Barbosa or Guerra Junqueiro Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Centro Histórico

Location

Located in the very heart of Porto, on Rua de D. Hugo, the House of Dr. Domingos Barbosa, or Guerra Junqueiro Museum, is set within the vibrant and historic city centre. The building itself is an imposing noble house, a testament to 18th-century Porto architecture, which stands out with distinction in the surrounding urban landscape.

Architecture and Original History

This noble house, whose construction dates back to 1730, is a remarkable example of the Baroque style, attributed by some to the mastery of the architect Nicolau Nasoni. Its design and robustness are characteristic of a manorial residence of the period, reflecting the opulence and artistic taste that defined 18th-century Porto. The building was designed to command the landscape, with architectural details that deserve close observation.

The Legacy of Guerra Junqueiro

The house's history is closely intertwined with the figure of Guerra Junqueiro, a prominent poet born in 1850 in Freixo de Espada à Cinta. With a passion for art and culture, Junqueiro dreamed of sharing his vast literary legacy and his valuable collection of objects. The fulfillment of this wish fell to his daughter, Maria Isabel Guerra Junqueiro, who in 1940 donated the property to the city of Porto, along with her father's extensive collection, on the express condition that it be made public. This gesture ensured the perpetuation of the poet's memory and the enjoyment of his estate.

Since 1977, the House of Dr. Domingos Barbosa, or Guerra Junqueiro Museum, has been classified as a Property of Public Interest, in recognition of its historical, cultural, and artistic importance on the national scene.

The Exhibited Collections

Visitors can explore in this space a rich and diverse collection that reflects the tastes and passions of Guerra Junqueiro. A remarkable collection of sacred art stands out, with pieces that evoke the spirituality and craftsmanship of past eras. Additionally, the collection includes valuable Viana do Castelo faience, plates from Nuremberg, and a variety of other ceramic pieces from different periods and origins. Beyond these, the furniture and various personal items on display at the museum offer a unique insight into the daily life, lifestyle, and intellectual interests of the poet Guerra Junqueiro himself.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa-Museu_Guerra_Junqueiro

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