Museu de Arqueologia e Etnografia, Setúbal
The Museu de Arqueologia e Etnografia (Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology) in Setúbal has an interesting mix of exhibits.
It is located on the main east - west street in town Avenida Luísa Todi.
The museum opened in 1976.
Exhibits
The free to enter museum offers an eclectic collection.
There are exhibits ranging from prehistoric pottery, arrowheads and tools, to Roman pottery, to local farming and fishing implements and clothing, to traditional folk crafts such as ship-building and weaving to more modern model ships and painting.
There's a little bit here for everyone, in fact, though it's all presented in a rather haphazard manner.
Information is largely in Portuguese but most of the exhibits are self-explanatory.
Wall panels provide information on evolution, local handicrafts and folk art in both English and Portuguese.
Highlights
Some of the Roman pottery is incredibly well-preserved and the items on display are extensive as is the collection of prehistoric items found in the area. These date from the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic periods as well as the Bronze and Iron Ages in Portuguese history.
Also of interest are the exhibits of local crafts relating to the fishing and salt industries, which are so central to the town's economy and prosperity. Both activities date back to the Roman period in Portugal.
The museum is obviously on most local schools' excursion itineraries but adults too will find much of interest here.
The museum also maintains a specialized library with around 10,000 volumes.
Access & Hours
Av. Luísa Todi 162
2900-451 Setúbal
Tel: 265 545 010
Admission: Free
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9 am to 12.30 pm; 2 pm to 5.30 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.
To get to Setúbal take a Fertagus Line from any of Roma-Areeiro, Entrecampos, Sete Rios or Campolide.
The museum is a 25 minute walk from Setúbal Station.
Other places of interest in Setúbal include the Casa de Bocage, the Igreja de Sãnta Maria, and the worthwhile Museu do Trabalho Michel Giacometti.
Hotels in Setúbal
There is a cluster of hotels located near Setúbal Station including the recommended four star Meliá Setúbal Hotel, the Hotel Arangues, three stars and the four star Luna Esperanca Centro Hotel.
The Hotel Solaris in another fine, period building, is close to the Casa da Baía also on Av. Luísa Todi but at its eastern end.
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