House Museum Santo António de Vagos - Casa Gandaresa
Presentation
The Casa Museu de Santo António de Vagos is a typical Gandaresa house built in 1937 by Claudino Domingues dos Santos, an emigrant who returned from the USA.
This space preserves the traditional architecture of the region, organized around an inner courtyard and constructed with sun-dried clay and sand bricks.
The façade stands out with a sequence of window-door-window, gate, and window, all framed in stone, reflecting the local aesthetic.
Observations
It is recommended to schedule the visit in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The space is suitable for students, researchers, and enthusiasts of Portuguese history and culture who wish to deepen their knowledge of traditional rural life.
Schedule
The Casa Museu is open on Sundays, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
For visits on other days or for groups, prior scheduling is required.
Particularities
Each room in the house offers a unique glimpse into the past.
Main Kitchen: Equipped with an oven for baking traditional bread and other traditional utensils.
Lord’s Room: Used for receiving important visitors and holding wake ceremonies.
Half Room: Intended for the sick, reflecting the family care of the time.
Interior Courtyard: The central space that connected all the rooms, essential for agricultural activities.
Extra Information
For school groups or guided tours, it is advisable to contact in advance via email.
The museum also organizes cultural events and thematic activities throughout the year.
Aspetos Diferenciadores
In addition to being a space dedicated to the memory of Portuguese rural life, the museum offers educational activities, such as workshops and lectures, that delve into themes present in the culture and history of the region.
Interaction with the local community is encouraged, fostering a connection between tradition and current generations.
History
The house was designed to accommodate two families, which is why it has two kitchens.
The main kitchen, used daily, was the heart of family life, where meals were prepared and moments were shared around the hearth.
The Lord's Room, reserved for special occasions such as Easter or wakes, and the Half Room, designated for the sick, are other spaces that reflect the customs and social organization of the time.