Linen Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Vila Real > Ribeira de Pena > Cerva > Cerva e Limões

Location

The Flax Museum is located in Limões, a small village within the parish of Cerva e Limões, in the municipality of Ribeira de Pena. It is situated in the heart of the village's historic center, in a building that, due to its location and restoration, serves as a central point for community life and the preservation of its traditions.

The Flax Tradition

The Ribeira de Pena region has long been known for the excellence of its artisanal flax work. In particular, the localities of Cerva and Limões historically stood out for the superior quality of the pieces woven on their looms. The weavers of Limões were renowned for their skill in producing fabrics called “rifados”, while those from Cerva excelled in the production of “mantêses”. This unique mastery resulted in high demand from noble houses in the region, attesting to the value and recognition of this art over time.

A Sensory Journey

The Flax Museum invites visitors to immerse themselves in the culture and history of this ancient fiber. Visitors are guided to discover the entire flax cycle, from plant cultivation to the intricate process that transforms the fiber into thread and then into fabric. The permanent exhibition, which combines traditional knowledge with informative approaches, allows for an understanding of flax biology, its centuries-old utility, and its importance in Portugal and other parts of the world. The journey is designed for a sensory contact, allowing visitors to touch the materials and observe the details of the artisanal process.

The Living Workshop

An integral part of the museum experience is the presence of the Limões Weaving Group's workshop. In this space, coexisting with the exhibition, the weavers from the local cooperative continue to work actively on their looms, keeping alive a tradition passed down from generation to generation. It is possible to observe the rhythmic pace of the looms and the dexterity of the artisans. This dynamic environment offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the art of weaving in real-time, and for those who show interest, an invitation is extended to try out some of the basic techniques that shape flax, connecting the visitor to the enduring popular knowledge.

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