Museums and Palaces

The Abade de (Abbot of) Baçal Museum took over the former Episcopal Palace in 1915. Built in the 18th century, this was the official bishops residence for half of year as the diocese was split between Miranda do Douro and Bragança. The name pays due homage to father Francisco Manuel Alves (1865-1948), Abbot of Baçal. He was a learned man with a deep interest in both the history of the region and its art and did much to ensure this museum was set up.

The exhibition presents the religious, social, political, economic and artistic history of the Northeast of Trás-os-Montes, together with reminiscences of the former Bishop’s Palace. The prehistory and protohistory of the region are also documented through artefacts and other objects from hunter-gatherer and metallurgical societies. The Northeastern Romanisation is supported by funerary stelae, altars, milestones, farming tools, ceramics and decorative objects. It holds an area dedicated to national numismatics and jewellery of the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as a considerable set of furniture.