Montijo Municipal Museum - Casa Mora

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Setúbal > Montijo > Montijo > Bairro do Borralhal

Location:

The Montijo Municipal Museum, popularly known as Casa Mora, is located in the Borralhal neighborhood. This area is integrated into the city's historical urban fabric, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the streets and buildings that mark Montijo's evolution over time.

Origins and History:

This historic building dates back to the second half of the 19th century. It was constructed as a private residence for Domingos Tavares and Margarida Inácia dos Anjos, who were large rural landowners in the region. Construction was completed around 1875.

The name by which the house is commonly known, Casa Mora, comes from the marriage of Maria Antónia Tavares, daughter of the first owners, to Dr. Manuel Justiniano Mora.

Architecture and Details:

Casa Mora exhibits an eclectic architectural style, characteristic of 19th-century fashion. Its facade stands out for the refinement of its details, such as the decorative moldings that frame the window and door openings, and the elegant iron railing on the main floor. Decorative structural elements can also be observed, such as the corbels supporting the balcony, and on the roof, an unusual lantern with colored glass and parapets with ceramic elements.

The attention to detail extended to the interior, where decorative arts were applied with refinement. Visitors can appreciate magnificent stucco work on the ceilings and, in some rooms, frescoes on the walls. The scagliola technique, which simulates the appearance of stone or marble, was also used, enriching the interior spaces.

A Building with New Life:

In the 1980s, the building was acquired by the Municipal Council. Initially, it served to house the Municipal Library. However, since 1993, Casa Mora has become the headquarters of the Montijo Municipal Museum.

The museum housed in this space has as its main mission to enhance the architectural richness of the house itself, while also functioning as a center for disseminating the cultural heritage of the municipality. Its exhibitions allow visitors to learn about relevant aspects of Montijo's history and its current identity.

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