Municipal Museum Padre José Rafael Rodrigues or County House

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Vila Real > Vila Pouca de Aguiar > Vila Pouca de Aguiar > Vila Pouca de Aguiar e Alvão

Location

This historic building is situated in the town of Vila Pouca de Aguiar.

It is located within the geographical and cultural area known as Vila Pouca de Aguiar and Alvão, serving as a landmark within the town itself.

A Building with History

The museum is housed in a building with a significant past. Known as Casa do Condado (House of the County), this property was once a quinta (country estate) belonging to prominent families of the region.

The origins of the house date back to the 17th century, when its first known owners are believed to have commissioned the main building and the chapel that can still be seen today.

The Museum and Local Heritage

Casa do Condado today hosts the Padre José Rafael Rodrigues Municipal Museum, a space dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of the cultural heritage of the municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar.

The museum's collection spans various eras and themes. It is possible to find archaeological testimonies dating back to prehistory, such as materials related to early agricultural practices.

Part of a treasure found in the region, containing 3rd-century coins, is also on display, offering a glimpse into ancient local history.

Exhibition Spaces and Themes

The museum organizes its collection by floors and themes, guiding visitors through the long history of the territory. In addition to areas dedicated to archaeology, there are rooms focused on specific periods and significant economic activities of the region.

The exhibitions explore the Middle Ages, with references to Aguiar Castle, the historical importance of mining in the area (including Roman remains in Jales), and rural daily life from more recent times, through ethnographic objects.

One of the notable elements of the building is the original chapel. Although not directly accessible, its wooden altar can be viewed from an area on the upper floor, such as the choir.

The museum also features areas for temporary exhibitions, making it a dynamic cultural center in the town.

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