Mortágua in the Battle of Bussaco Interpretation Center

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viseu > Mortágua > Mortágua > Coval

Location

The "Mortágua in the Battle of Bussaco" Interpretation Centre is located in Mortágua, more precisely in Urbanização Coval, at Rua Dr. João Lopes de Morais, nº 46. Situated in the heart of the municipality, it is integrated into the urban fabric of the town, serving as a point of reference for understanding the region's past.

The Legacy of a Battle

This centre is dedicated to one of the most significant chapters in Portuguese military history: the Battle of Bussaco, which took place in 1810. It represented the largest military confrontation on national territory, part of Napoleon Bonaparte's third invasion of Portugal. The space explores the decisive role that the municipality of Mortágua played in this event, which occurred on the slopes and ridges of the Bussaco mountain range.

Memory and Resilience

Beyond its purely military and strategic aspect, the Interpretation Centre pays homage to the memory and resilience of local communities. It highlights the courage and tenacity of the men and women of Mortágua who faced the Napoleonic armies, experiencing a war scenario of unimaginable proportions. It is a space that evokes the suffering and privations of the civilian population during a period of great adversity.

A Dynamic Approach to History

The centre offers an innovative perspective on history, moving away from a traditional museological format. It uses a variety of media, including infographics, sound, visual, and interactive elements, which facilitate the exploration and historical contextualisation of the third Peninsular Invasion and the Battle of Bussaco. Items such as uniforms and weapons are presented in a way that encourages interpretation and interaction, making knowledge more dynamic. A mini-auditorium complements the visit with a documentary dedicated to the invasion.

Thematic Content

The information provided is organised into distinct thematic areas, allowing visitors to deepen their knowledge of the Peninsular Wars, the composition and movement of the opposing armies, the unfolding of the Battle of Bussaco, and the aftermath of the war in Mortágua. It is possible to learn about military routes, the constitution of forces, the weaponry and logistics used, as well as the chronology of the main events, providing a comprehensive overview of the conflict.

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