Flavian Region Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Vila Real > Chaves > Chaves > Quinta da Estação

Location

The Flaviense Region Museum is located in the historic heart of Chaves, occupying a prominent building in Praça de Camões. Its central position, in the city's old quarter, is set in an environment with a strong heritage presence, making it easily accessible to visitors exploring the center on foot.

A Building with History

The museum is housed in the Governors' Palace, a historic building whose construction dates back to the 17th century. Originally designed to serve as the residence for the military governors of Chaves, the palace is a testament to the city's strategic and military importance throughout the centuries. Its sober yet imposing architecture reflects the features of the era, with elements that denote its representative and control functions. The building maintained administrative and defense functions for many years before being adapted for its current role as a museum, preserving its essence and historical relevance within the urban landscape of Chaves.

From its Origins to the Current Location

The origin of a museum dedicated to the history of the Chaves region dates back to 1929. Over the years, the collection was housed in different locations throughout the city, reflecting the ambition to create a cultural hub that would preserve and promote the local heritage. It was in the second half of the 20th century that the museum found its permanent home in the Governors' Palace, a space that, due to its history and monumentality, proved ideal for housing and showcasing the collections that narrate the identity of Chaves.

Collection Highlights

Currently, the museum is dedicated to the archaeology and prehistory of the Flaviense region. The exhibition path allows visitors to explore a vast collection spanning periods from the Iron Age to the Roman occupation, a time of particular splendor for the region, which gave the city its name, Aquae Flaviae. The collections related to the Roman World are remarkably rich, containing pieces considered among the most significant in this field. In addition to the historical and archaeological circuit, the museum features a room dedicated to the work of master artist Nadir Afonso, a native of Chaves, enriching the visit with an important artistic dimension.

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