Picture this a grand manor house standing proudly before you. This is the Casa-Museu da Quinta de Santiago. It whispers tales of a bygone era.
The Casa-Museu da Quinta de Santiago isn’t just a museum. It’s a time capsule. It reveals the lives of the wealthy Santiago de Carvalho family. They built this magnificent home in the late 19th century. It served as their holiday retreat. They loved it so much they lived here more than in their main residence. The family’s main residence was the Paço de S Cipriano in Guimarães.
Designed by the Venetian architect Nicola Bigaglia the building is more than a simple house. It is a blend of architectural styles. Neo-medieval elements dominate the entrance. The colorful stained glass is made of recycled bottles. Low-relief emblems adorn the walls. Symbolic images such as a knight painted above a door add to the mystique. A beast decorates a bench. This is a bestiary element a delightful blend of reality and fantasy.
Other architectural styles such as neo-Manueline neo-Baroque neo-Classical and Romantic elements are evident. The building beautifully showcases a fusion of design trends. It reflects the tastes of the period.
The Casa-Museu da Quinta de Santiago is more than just a beautiful building. It’s a testament to the urban and social changes of Matosinhos. The Matosinhos council acquired it in 1968. After conservation and restoration work by architect Fernando Távora it opened as a museum in 1996.
Today the Casa-Museu da Quinta de Santiago comprises three buildings. The main museum has two floors. The first floor is dedicated to local history. It displays lifestyle in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The second floor houses long-term exhibitions. Artwork from the council’s collection is showcased. This includes works by renowned artists like António Carneiro Agostinho Salgado Augusto Gomes Aurélia de Souza Sofia Martins de Sousa and Joaquim Lopes.
The Irene Vilar building offers a multipurpose auditorium and educational facilities. The Casa do Bosque features a magnificent reconstructed waterfall. This 15 square meter waterfall represents Leça da Palmeira at the start of the 20th century. It was built by José Moreira a master craftsman and donated to the museum.
The gardens surrounding the Casa-Museu da Quinta de Santiago are equally captivating. Sculptures by Siza Vieira Rui Anahory and Lagoa Henriques enhance the beauty of the place. The museum is a member of the Portuguese Museum Network and a founding member of the MuMa Matosinhos Museum Network. A visit to the Casa-Museu da Quinta de Santiago offers more than just a glimpse into the past. It is an immersive journey through history art and culture.