The Douro Museum, located in the city of Peso da Régua, is a must-see for anyone wishing to learn more about the history and culture of the Douro region, famous for its wines and stunning landscapes. The museum is dedicated to preserving and disseminating the natural and cultural heritage of the region, which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, thanks to its unique landscape and centuries-old tradition of wine production.
The headquarters of the Douro Museum is the Casa da Companhia Velha, a historic building that has been restored and adapted to house the museum's exhibitions and activities. There, visitors can find a wide variety of objects, documents, photographs and works of art that tell the story of the Douro, from Roman times to the present day.
Among the highlights of the Douro Museum's collection are old wine presses, grape presses, oak barrels and the tools used by vineyard workers. In addition, the museum offers various interactive activities, such as wine tastings, gastronomy workshops and boat trips on the Douro River, which allow visitors to experience the culture and tradition of the region up close.
History of the Douro Museum
The Douro Museum is a museum located in the city of Peso da Régua, which houses a collection of objects related to the production of Port wine and the Douro region. The headquarters building of the Douro Museum is located in the city of Peso da Régua, the result of the rehabilitation of one of the most emblematic buildings in the history of the Douro Demarcated Region from the 18th century, the Casa da Companhia, inaugurated on December 20, 2008.
The museum was created in 1997, after the publication of Decree-Law no. 106F/97, of April 13, which established the creation of the Douro Museum. The museum's mission is to preserve, study and disseminate the history, culture and traditions of the Douro region and Port wine.
The Douro Museum's main objective is to promote the culture and heritage of the Douro region by holding exhibitions, conferences, seminars and other cultural activities. The museum is an important research center for scholars and researchers who wish to learn more about the history and culture of the Douro region.
Douro Museum Collection
The Douro Museum, located in the city of Peso da Régua, is a multi-nuclear museum whose aim is to gather, conserve, research and disseminate the cultural and natural heritage of the Douro Demarcated Region. The museum's collection comprises a vast collection of objects and documents that portray the history and culture of this region.
Among the pieces on display are objects used in the production of Port wine, such as presses, casks and barrels, as well as utensils and tools used in agriculture and viticulture. In addition, the museum has a collection of photographs and documents depicting the history of the region, from Roman times to the present day.
Another important part of the museum's collection is the sacred art collection, which includes sculptures, paintings and liturgical objects from various churches in the region. Of particular note is the image of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, from the 18th century, which is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque images in Portugal.
The Douro Museum also has a library specializing in topics related to the region, such as history, geology, viticulture, oenology, among others. The library has a collection of more than 10,000 volumes, including books, magazines, maps and documents.
In short, the Douro Museum's collection is a valuable source of information and knowledge about the history, culture and tradition of the Douro Demarcated Region. Through its exhibitions and activities, the museum contributes to the preservation and dissemination of this unique heritage and to the promotion of cultural tourism in the region.
Permanent Exhibitions
The Douro Museum presents a permanent exhibition entitled "Memory of Land and Wine", installed in Warehouse 43 of the Solar do Vinho do Porto building. The exhibition is an invitation to discover the history of the Douro region, its geology, the work of the people who dedicated their lives to wine production, traditions and culture.
Visitors can explore the exhibition on their own or take part in a guided tour. The exhibition is interactive and includes many audiovisual elements, such as films, photographs and sounds. Visitors can see the tools used by wine workers, learn about the flora and fauna of the region, and understand how Port wine is produced.
The exhibition is well organized and informative, with lots of information about the history and culture of the region. It's an educational and fun experience for all ages.
Temporary Exhibitions
The Douro Museum is known for its temporary exhibitions that bring new themes and perspectives to visitors. These exhibitions are held in dedicated spaces in the museum and feature varied themes.
The temporary exhibitions are organized in collaboration with other museums and cultural institutions. The themes range from contemporary art to local and regional history. Temporary exhibitions are announced on the museum's website and social media, and usually last a few months.
Visitors can expect to see high-quality exhibitions that offer new perspectives on the Douro region and its culture. The museum also organizes events and talks related to the temporary exhibitions, providing an enriching experience for visitors.
The temporary exhibitions are an important part of the Douro Museum's calendar and offer a unique opportunity for visitors to explore different aspects of the region's culture and history.
Education and Cultural Activities
The Douro Museum in Peso da Régua offers a variety of educational and cultural activities for visitors of all ages. These activities are designed to promote the natural and cultural heritage of the Douro Demarcated Region, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Educational activities include guided tours of the museum, educational workshops and school programs. Guided tours are led by experienced guides and offer an in-depth insight into the history and culture of the region. The educational workshops are designed for children and young people and include hands-on activities related to the history, culture and natural heritage of the region.
In addition, the museum also offers a range of cultural activities, including temporary exhibitions, concerts, lectures and special events. These activities are designed to promote the culture and art of the region and offer a unique opportunity for visitors to experience local life and culture.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling and boat trips along the Douro River. These activities are a great way to explore the region's natural landscape and experience life outdoors.
Hours and Prices
The Douro Museum is open every day of the week, including public holidays, except Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Labor Day. Opening hours vary according to the time of year.
Summer (March 1 to October 31) | Every day, from 10:00 to 18:00
Winter (November 1 to February 28) | Every day, from 10:00 to 17:30
The Douro Museum offers different types of tickets for individual visitors and groups. Prices vary depending on the type of ticket and the age of the visitor. Here are the updated prices for 2023:
- Normal Ticket (18-64 years): 8€
- Senior Ticket (+65 years): 6€
- Youth Ticket (13-17 years): 5€
- Child Ticket (6-12 years): 3€
- Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children): 20€
- Group Ticket (minimum 10 people): 6€ per person
Tickets can be bought at the Museum's ticket office or online via the official website. It is important to note that access to the Museum is permitted until 15 minutes before closing time.
How to Get There
The Douro Museum is located in the city of Peso da Régua, in the district of Vila Real, in Portugal. To get to the museum, there are several transportation options available.
By car: The city of Peso da Régua is located about 117 km from Porto and 358 km from Lisbon. For those coming from Porto, you can take the A4 to Amarante and then the A24 to Peso da Régua. For those coming from Lisbon, you can take the A1 to Coimbra and then the A25 to Viseu and the A24 to Peso da Régua.
By train: The Peso da Régua train station is located in the city center and is served by the Douro line. Trains leave from Porto and arrive in Peso da Régua in around 2 hours. It is also possible to get to Peso da Régua by train from other cities in the country, such as Vila Real, Bragança and Guarda.
By bus: There are several bus companies that connect Peso da Régua with other cities in the country, such as Porto, Vila Real and Bragança. Buses leave from the bus station in Peso da Régua, which is located in the city center.
By boat: For those who want a more touristy trip, it is possible to reach Peso da Régua by boat, sailing along the Douro River. There are several companies that offer boat trips along the Douro, departing from Porto or other cities in the region.
Where can I sleep?
If you are planning to visit the Museu do Douro in Peso da Régua, it is important to find a comfortable place to sleep. Fortunately, there are several lodging options in the area to suit different budgets and preferences.
One of the most popular options is the Imperio Hotel, located next to the Douro River and just 50 meters from Régua Train Station. The hotel offers rooms with a renovated private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Another option is the Dom Ruas, which offers apartments with river views, a patio, garden and free Wi-Fi. The apartments have three bedrooms, an equipped kitchen and a private bathroom.
For those looking for a more economical option, the Hotel Columbano could be a good choice. The hotel offers simple rooms with shared bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Other lodging options in Peso da Régua include the Hotel Regua Douro, the Hotel Rural Quinta do Silval and the Quinta de la Rosa, which is about 10 km from the city center.
Regardless of where you choose to stay, make sure you book in advance, especially during high season periods. And don't forget to check out the reviews of other guests before making your final choice.
