Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Viseu > Viseu > Viseu > Cava de Viriato
Casa da Ribeira is located in the city of Viseu, situated in an area near the well-known Cava de Viriato, in the heart of the municipality. This building is positioned along the banks of the Pavia River and is just a few steps from the area that annually hosts the São Mateus Fair, a local landmark. Its location offers a glimpse into a riverside environment that once shaped the city's daily life, within an urban setting that maintains a connection to its historical roots.
This space is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich memory of Viseu, particularly that which is connected to life by the river. Upon exploring Casa da Ribeira, visitors will find references to the old mills that were powered by the waters of the Pavia River. It is also possible to recall the traditional work of the washerwomen, who used the mill's dam to rinse and dry their clothes. The presence of an olive oil press on site complements this image of rural and industrial daily life from yesteryear, illustrating the essential activities that shaped the community and the stories of times past.
Beyond its historical aspect, Casa da Ribeira serves as a vital center for Viseu's regional craftsmanship. The venue showcases a diversity of traditional crafts, perpetuating the ancestral “industries” of the region. It is a space where one can appreciate the mastery of artisans working with materials such as granite, linen, ceramics, basketry, and wrought iron, among others. The atmosphere invites observation of the creative process, allowing visitors a deeper understanding of the cultural value and art that remains alive in Viseu, often through temporary exhibitions dedicated to ethnographic heritage.
Casa da Ribeira is a building with its own history. Originally built in the 17th century as a dwelling house connected to farming, its granite structure, with its two stories and simple openings, reflects the rural architecture of the time. Over time, the building underwent interventions that adapted it to its current cultural functions, with a significant reconstruction and adaptation in 1983. These transformations were carefully carried out to preserve its identity and its intrinsic connection to the Pavia River, whose waters were fundamental for the operation of the attached mill and for the very life of the place. Currently, it is recognized as a Monument of Municipal Interest, underscoring its patrimonial importance.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.6633179,-7.9101952
Coordinates DMS: 40°39'47.9"N 07°54'36.7"W
Weather Viseu
On-duty Pharmacy Viseu
