Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Viseu > Viseu > Várzea de Calde > Calde
The Flax Museum is located in the peaceful village of Várzea de Calde, in the municipality of Viseu, approximately twelve kilometers from the city. It is situated in an area that preserves the traditional architecture of Beira Alta, offering an authentic rural environment.
The museum occupies an old farmhouse, where the daily rural life of the region is recreated. It allows visitors to explore the spaces that once served a family, such as the patio, the corrals, the wine cellar, and the traditional kitchen with its oven. It highlights how family life and agricultural tasks were intertwined, from the pig slaughter, a significant tradition, to the importance of the olive mill in olive oil production.
A central part of the museum is dedicated to the complete flax cycle, from plant cultivation to the final fabric. Through exhibitions featuring photographs, videos, and ancestral tools, it is possible to understand each phase of this meticulous work. The museum highlights the presence of the loom in farmhouses, demonstrating how girls learned to spin from an early age. This space celebrates the region's identity culture, preserving the memory of traditional farming and the art of weaving. At certain times, it is possible to observe local weavers in action, keeping the artisanal tradition alive and acquiring authentically handmade linen pieces. The history of professions and the festivities that mark the community are also explored.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.7652316,-7.8746558
Coordinates DMS: 40°45'54.8"N 07°52'28.8"W