Casa dos Nichos

This ancient building holds even more ancient contents inside. It’s the archaeological museum of Viana do Castelo, with information about the prehistory of the area from the Stone Age to the Roman era.

Viana do Castelo’s archaeological museum (Núcleo de Arqueologia) has a small but impressive exhibit telling the story of the area’s ancient past, from the Stone Age to the Roman era. There are many artefacts on display, and drawings and models bringing the region’s ancient past to life.

The museum is in one of the oldest buildings in Viana do Castelo, having been built in the 15th century. It’s notable for the ornate sculptures outside the building, both related to the Annunciation. On the left is an angel with a scroll saying “Ave Maria,” while on the right is Mary holding an apple and standing beside a vase of flowers. Both have ornate canopies protecting the sculptures.

The museum staff are very helpful and bilingual. They can provide information about places to visit in the area.

Location

The Casa dos Nichos is in the old town centre of Viana do Castelo, in Portugal’s northern Minho region. It’s just off the main road (Av. dos Combatentes da Grande Guerra) that runs from the train station down to the Rio Lima, on Rua de Viana.

Admission

There’s no cost for entrance. The museum is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 1:00pm and again from 2:00pm to 5:00pm.

Signage

There are no road signs pointing out the museum. If you walk down the main Avenida towards the Lima River, Rua de Viana will be the last road before you get to the end of the Avenida. Turn left, and the Casa dos Nichos will be about a half block down on the left. When it is open, there is a big sign out front. There is also a permanent sign on the wall beside the doorway.

Links

• Website (in Portuguese and English and other languages) from the town hall of Viana do Castelo
• Facebook page (in Portuguese) of the museum
• Entry (in Portuguese) showing the building as a historic monument by the Directorate-General of Cultural Heritage

Nearby

There are many prehistoric sites in the Viana do Castelo area. The closest is the Iron Age Citânia de Santa Luzia, on the hill (Monte de Santa Luzia) above Viana do Castelo.

It’s also worth visiting the Viana Welcome Centre (turismo) nearby (about a block away towards the river). They have loads of maps and brochures, as well as an Archaeology Guide of Viana do Castelo.