House of the Holy Body - Baroque Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Setúbal > Bairro Salgado

Location

The Casa do Corpo Santo, Baroque Museum is nestled in the heart of Bairro Salgado, an area with a traditional character and great symbolism in the city of Setúbal. Its location is integrated into the historic urban fabric, allowing visitors to feel the pulse of the city while discovering one of its most significant cultural corners. This site is conveniently located in the town of Setúbal, within the municipality and district of Setúbal, amidst the vibrant urban landscape.

The Building and Its Heritage

This museum space is housed in a building with a history intrinsic to Setúbal's identity. The very name, "Casa do Corpo Santo" (House of the Holy Body), refers to its former connection to a religious brotherhood, a pillar of social life and support for seafarers in this coastal city. The building, by itself, is a remarkable example of civil architecture, testifying to different eras and uses that shaped the city, offering a glimpse into the life and constructions of Setúbal of yesteryear.

A Journey Through the Baroque

Inside, the Casa do Corpo Santo unveils a universe dedicated to the Baroque period, one of the most expressive and exuberant eras of Portuguese art. The collection includes various artistic expressions characteristic of the 18th and early 19th centuries, covering religious imagery, painting, and gilded woodcarving elements that illustrate the opulence and devotion that marked this style. The exhibition allows for an understanding of the aesthetic richness and cultural depth of the Baroque in the region, through carefully selected pieces that narrate its history and influence.

Cultural Significance

More than a mere exhibition space, the Casa do Corpo Santo, Baroque Museum stands as a guardian of memory and art. It represents a meeting point between the history of the city of Setúbal and the universality of the Baroque movement, offering a unique perspective on the artistic and religious legacy that shapes a significant part of Portuguese cultural heritage.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficheiro:Casa_do_Corpo_Santo_-_Setúbal_-_Portugal_(49732408332).jpg

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