Viseu has a deeply rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as fascinating monuments and unique churches. Discovering the cultural richness of the city through its museums is a golden opportunity to travel across its historical grandeur! An opportunity that you can not miss.
The painting of Grão Vasco, a Portuguese Renaissance master, has deeply influenced the History of European painting. He was in fact the first painter in Europe to depict the Brazilian native. A genius of his time. His amazing works are housed in Grão Vasco National Museum, a true symbol of the city of Viseu.
In addition to the its monumental architecture and the works dedicated to devotion inside, Viseu Cathedral also hosts the Sacred Art Museum on the second floor. It consists of the old Cathedral treasure and displays a collection of images, liturgical vestments, worship paraments, choir books and furniture.
The recently opened Keil do Amaral Museum presents to the public the rich cultural heritage of Keil do Amaral family for 6 generations. Housed in 17th century Casa da Calçada, in the Cathedral district, this municipal museum honours the memory of Alfredo Keil (1850 - 1907), the author of the Portuguese national anthem "A Portuguesa", as well as prestigious painter and music composer. The museum exhibits the heterogeneous works of Maria Keil (1914 - 2012), namely: illustration, drawing, painting and furniture. 13 theme rooms that behold a truly unique cultural legacy.
In this typical Portuguese house, where Almeida Moreira Museum is, lived professor and art critic Francisco António Almeida Moreira, founder of Grão Vasco Museum. It was, during his time, an art and literature meeting place where renowned figures of the 20th century met, among them Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, Raul Lino or Luciano Freire.
