Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Santa Maria Maior e Monserrate e Meadela
The Museum of Costume of Viana do Castelo is located in the heart of the city, situated in Praça da República. It is located in the historical area, being easily accessible from the central points.
The museum is housed in a building constructed in the 1950s, which originally functioned as a branch of the Bank of Portugal. Its architecture is distinguished by sober and vertical lines, typical of the era. On the facade, it is possible to observe high-reliefs by Roque Gameiro, depicting local economic activities such as fishing and agriculture, including representations of figures in regional costume. The building was acquired by the municipality and adapted to house the museum's collection.
The museum's main objective is to preserve and publicize the rich ethnographic heritage of Viana do Castelo, with special emphasis on traditional costume. Its collection covers various examples of rural popular costumes used in different contexts, at work, at parties, or in ceremonial moments. The collection also includes the tools and materials used in the creation of these garments. Visitors can explore exhibitions that detail everything from the use of wool and linen in their making to the presentation of the costume itself and its accessories.
The Vianesa Costume is the central element that the museum explores, being a strong symbol of local and national identity. This popular female costume, traditionally worn in the villages near Viana do Castelo, is distinguished by the vibrancy of its colors and the profusion of decorative elements, giving it an exuberant and unique appearance in the context of traditional Portuguese attire. The costume reflects the rural way of life of yesteryear and the creativity of women who often cultivated the materials, spun, wove, and made their own clothes, adapting them for daily work, rest, or festive occasions.
The traditional costumes of Viana do Castelo are frequently complemented by rich jewelry. The museum highlights the importance of these adornments in the overall costume, presenting emblematic pieces such as the Hearts of Viana, bead necklaces, and earrings. This jewelry, which often exemplifies the art of filigree, not only adds beauty to the costume but also carries symbolism and demonstrates the prosperity of families. Gold pieces were a distinctive element, worn during celebrations and festivities.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.6928022,-8.8286524
Coordinates DMS: 41°41'34.1"N 08°49'43.1"W
Weather Viana do Castelo
On-duty Pharmacy Viana do Castelo
