Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte de Lima > Ponte de Lima > Arca e Ponte de Lima
The Museum of the Third Order is located in the town of Ponte de Lima, a historic and vibrant locality. It is integrated into the urban fabric, accessible from central thoroughfares such as Avenida 5 de Outubro and Rua dos Terceiros. Its position in the town allows visitors to easily discover it while exploring the local environment.
The Museum of the Third Order occupies a complex of buildings with deep ties to the religious history of Ponte de Lima. The complex incorporates remnants of the old Convent of Saint Anthony of the Capuchins, whose foundation dates back to the late 15th century, and the annexed building of the Venerable Third Order of Saint Francis, added in the mid-18th century. This union of spaces with distinct origins and eras gives the site a unique atmosphere.
The architectural complex housing the museum is notable for its diversity of eras and styles. The original sobriety of the 16th-century convent contrasts with the decorative richness of the Third Order building, erected in the 18th century, where Baroque art dominates. Rococo and, later, Neoclassical elements enrich the interiors, creating an interesting visual dialogue between the different phases of construction and modification of the space. It also includes areas such as the cloister, support wings, and exterior spaces.
Inside the museum, visitors will find a vast collection focused on sacred art. A significant collection of sculpture stands out, predominantly from the 18th century, but also including pieces from medieval periods. The permanent exhibition is complemented by interesting collections of painting and goldsmithery, illustrating the artistic and religious richness of the region throughout the centuries. The museum also features archaeological finds collected in the municipality.
The visit reveals details that enrich the experience. It is possible to appreciate the particular decoration of some spaces, such as the ante-sacristies and sacristies, where one finds coverings of patterned or individual-figure tiles. Notable elements also include the chest decorated with panels and reliquaries, and paneled and polychromed ceilings that add color and detail to the monastic environments.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.7658795,-8.5867271
Coordinates DMS: 41°45'57.2"N 08°35'12.2"W
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