Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Viana do Castelo > Caminha > Caminha > Terreiro
Located in Caminha's central area, known as Terreiro, the Municipal Library and Museum building is integrated into the town's historical fabric. It is situated near a small square, in an area that invites exploration of the old town.
Its position within the old urban core, once protected by the medieval wall, makes it easily accessible to those strolling through Caminha's streets.
The walls of this building hold memories of other times, revealing a history that dates back at least to the 17th century. Originally, this space served as Caminha's Courthouse and Prison, functions it performed for many years.
The current structure is the result of centuries of history, combining the solidity of the original 17th-century construction with more recent additions and adaptations that allowed for its transformation into its current cultural use.
Today, this historical space has been reborn as a dynamic cultural center. The Municipal Library and Museum coexist here, offering a meeting point for knowledge, history, and the region's identity.
Inside, there is a variety of areas, including rooms dedicated to exhibitions featuring both the permanent collection and temporary displays. The library offers welcoming reading environments for those seeking a moment of tranquility and access to books and other materials.
Upon observing the building, several architectural details are noticeable, telling its long and multifaceted history. Robust granite masonry is present in elements such as window frames, quoins, and balconies, demonstrating the solidity of the original construction.
The old iron grilles on the lower floor windows evoke the building's past as a prison, while the municipal coats of arms adorning the exterior facades affirm its institutional importance throughout time. The interior courtyard is an interesting space where several stone pieces from other historical buildings in the town have been gathered, creating a small open-air museum within the complex.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.8774852,-8.8381628
Coordinates DMS: 41°52'38.9"N 08°50'17.4"W