Quartz Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte da Barca > Ponte da Barca > Vila Chã

Location

The Quartz Museum is located in the parish of Vila Chã, in the Barral area, within the municipality of Ponte da Barca. It is set in a serene and well-maintained environment, with an adjacent outdoor area that has been recently renovated to provide a more pleasant atmosphere for its visitors.

The Mineral Collections

This museum houses the largest collection of quartz crystals in the country, offering insight into the diversity and natural beauty of these geological formations. Among its specimens, one of the largest crystallized quartz stones in the Iberian Peninsula stands out. This impressive piece, due to its dimensions, also holds a particular significance, as it has served as an altar in the crypt of a nearby chapel since May 1971.

Heritage and Local Narrative

The Quartz Museum invites visitors to understand the geological richness of the municipality of Ponte da Barca. Through its exhibitions, it is possible to explore the history of quartz mining in the parish of Vila Chã, a relevant aspect of the region's identity and economic activity. The space also features a wing dedicated to the memory of the Marian apparitions and the legacy of Canon Avelino de Jesus da Costa, where one can observe a collection of personal and literary objects that are part of his estate.

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