Vasco de Lima Couto House Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Santarém > Constância > Constância > Centro Histórico

Location:

The Vasco de Lima Couto House Museum is situated in the heart of Constância's Historic Centre. This area of the village stands out for its unique location at the confluence of the Tejo and Zêzere rivers, having developed up the hill from the riverbanks. The museum is set within this picturesque environment and is characterized by a tranquil atmosphere, typical of the streets and squares of the old riverside village.

A Building with History:

The building housing the House Museum is an old and remarkable palatial house, constructed in the late 18th century. Before becoming the space we know today, this house was home to several important figures who left their mark on local life and the national scene. Its former residents include names such as the Septemberist minister Passos Manuel, Dr. Francisco de Oliveira Moncada, who served as Governor-General in Angola, and the renowned professor and painter José Campas. This prior history grants the building an additional layer of cultural and patrimonial interest.

The Legacy of a Poet:

The house became inseparable from the memory of the poet, actor, and reciter Vasco de Lima Couto (1923-1980), as it was here that he lived the last four years of his life. After his passing, the space was transformed into a House Museum dedicated to preserving his legacy. This initiative came from José Ramoa Ferreira, affectionately known as "Zé Brasileiro" in the poet's verses, who acquired the property in the 1970s. The House Museum was officially inaugurated in 1981, assuming the role of guardian of the poet's work and life.

A Treasure of Art and Memory:

Inside the House Museum, visitors can discover a rich and diverse collection that goes far beyond Vasco de Lima Couto's personal objects, such as some of his originals and correspondence. The space houses a vast art collection, comprising furniture and numerous paintings. Many of these pieces are notable not only for their artistic value but also for including dedications from other artists and intellectuals to José Ramoa. This collection reflects the cultural circle that frequented the house and includes works by various authors, in addition to unique documents that tell stories of encounters and friendships within the universe of culture and the arts.

Spirit of Tertúlia and Culture:

For visitors, the Vasco de Lima Couto House Museum is not just a repository of objects, but a place that evokes a vibrant spirit of cultural conviviality. Over several years, this house was a meeting point for informal gatherings (tertúlias) that brought together prominent figures from the intellectual and artistic world, both from Portugal and abroad. Names like Alexandre O'Neill, Francisco Relógio, and Mário Cesariny are just a few examples of the personalities who frequented this space, sharing ideas and enriching the atmosphere. Exploring the house thus allows one to experience a little of the effervescent atmosphere that marked this place as a center of culture and debate in Constância's Historic Centre.

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