Rural and Ethnographic Museum of S. João da Madeira

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Santarém > Rio Maior > Rio Maior

Location

The Rural and Ethnographic Museum of S. João da Madeira is strategically located in Ribeira de São João, a serene area in the municipality of Rio Maior, in the heart of the Santarém district. This geographical setting, deeply rural and linked to agricultural traditions, complements the museum's purpose, situating it within a landscape that reflects the way of life it aims to preserve.

The museum space is housed in an old wine press, whose architecture is a testament to the wine-growing activity that once marked the local landscape. Its location allows visitors direct immersion into the environment that formed the basis of the rural life depicted inside the building.

The Legacy of an Era

This museum was opened to the public in 1993 with the primary objective of safeguarding and presenting the region's vast rural heritage. Throughout its rooms, visitors are invited on a journey through time, discovering the uses and customs that shaped life in the rural communities of Rio Maior and its surroundings.

The museum's permanent exhibitions reveal the culture and way of life of past eras through a diverse collection of agricultural utensils, artisan tools, and everyday objects. It is possible to closely observe the traditional clothing, work instruments, and artifacts that were essential for the subsistence and well-being of the populations.

Memories of Rural Daily Life

The exhibition route clearly demonstrates local traditions and customs, from agricultural and pastoral practices to domestic chores and community celebrations. Each exhibited piece contributes to a deeper understanding of the ingenuity and resilience of the country folk.

The museum functions as a living archive, where the stories and knowledge of previous generations are shared. It allows visitors to understand the social and economic evolution of the region, appreciating the value of manual labor and the strong connection of human beings to the land that sustains them.

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