Municipal Archive of Valença

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viana do Castelo > Valença > Valença > Praça-forte

Location

The Municipal Archive of Valença is situated in the heart of Valença's historic fortified town, a walled city that stands out in the landscape. It is located in a central area of the locality, within the ancient walls, allowing visitors to appreciate the historic surroundings as they approach the building.

The General's Mansion

This archive is housed in a remarkable mansion, built in 1842. Its origin dates back to an illustrious figure from Valença, General António Vicente de Queirós, Count of Ponte de Santa Maria, a military man with an important role in the Peninsular Wars and the Liberating Movement of 1832-1834. The building, by itself, is a testament to the architecture and history of the 19th century in the region. Later, from 1885 onwards, this mansion served as the headquarters of the Valencian Assembly, an institution dedicated to the social and cultural promotion of the community, before becoming the guardian of municipal memory.

Guardian of Valença's Memory

The Municipal Archive of Valença is the place where the vast written history of the municipality is preserved. Its collection contains documents spanning centuries, from the municipal council records dating back to periods as remote as the 16th century, to archives of ancient brotherhoods and other institutions that shaped local life. These documents offer an in-depth look at the administration, society, and culture of Valença over time, revealing details about the people and events that defined the region.

The Assembly Room of Valença

One of the most interesting spaces in the archive is the Assembly Room of Valença. This noble hall has been carefully restored, maintaining its original architecture, decoration, and furniture. It is a space that evokes the building's past as a center of social and cultural activity, allowing visitors an immersion in the atmosphere of yesteryear. This multifunctional room is a key element in preserving the memory of the mansion itself, reflecting the legacy of the Valencian Assembly.

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