Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Setúbal > Montijo > Atalaia > Urbanização dos Cruzeiros
The Atalaia Agricultural Museum is situated in Urbanização dos Cruzeiros, in the locality of Atalaia, which is part of the municipality of Montijo. Occupying the premises of the historic Quinta Nova da Atalaia, the space is conveniently located within the urban perimeter of the village, near the stairway leading to the Sanctuary. Its central position in Atalaia offers an opportunity to discover the history and rural traditions of the region, in an accessible and inviting environment.
Housed in the former Quinta Nova da Atalaia, this museum serves as a living testament to the agricultural past of the Montijo municipality. The space is dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of traditional techniques and knowledge that shaped the rural life of the region, with a particular focus on olive oil and wine production. It is a cultural reference point that helps maintain the memory of country life, intrinsically linked to the social and economic history of Montijo.
The property's origin dates back to the 18th century, although its earliest known record is from 1874. Over the centuries, the farm evolved, belonging to various families. In the 20th century, the Santos Fernandes family played a significant role, promoting the development and modernization of local agricultural production. In 1997, Quinta Nova da Atalaia was donated to the Montijo City Council, and in 2009, the museum was redeveloped to better present its historical narrative.
A visit to the Atalaia Agricultural Museum invites a thematic journey that explores the productive cycles that were, in the past, pillars of rural prosperity in the Montijo municipality. Visitors can observe the original spaces and equipment dedicated to the production of olive oil, wine, and brandy, in an authentic representation of traditional agricultural practices. This journey was carefully designed to allow an understanding of the way of life and economy that characterized the region. It is an opportunity to learn firsthand about the legacy of generations who worked the land and its products.
In the Olive Oil Mill, visitors find a remarkable example of industrial archaeology. This mill, maintained in excellent condition, allows observation of a mill with two cylindrical mechanical traction millstones and two presses, demonstrating the complete process of olive oil production. The possibility of seeing the milling system in operation offers a rare didactic perspective on this heritage.
The Wine Press and Cellar reveal the region's deep connection to wine, an activity with very ancient roots in Montijo. Here, the rural architecture of the cellar complements the exhibition of wine production and conservation processes, from the small pressing vats (lagariças) and the large press to the fermentation tanks and large capacity barrels.
The Distillery exhibits a complete still, with boiler, furnace, vessels, plate, and condenser, illustrating the brandy distillation process. Additionally, the Visitable Reserves house a collection of objects donated by private individuals, offering a broader view of the region's rural life.
Finally, the Orchard and Vegetable Garden complete the experience, with cultivated beds and a citrus orchard that allows visitors to follow the life cycle of the fruits, from flowering to harvesting. The maintenance of the traditional irrigation system in the orchard highlights the persistence of ancient methods, serving as an educational space about agricultural activities.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.708292,-8.9231999
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'29.9"N 08°55'23.5"W
Weather Atalaia
On-duty Pharmacy Atalaia
